Pamela Shepherd

Pamela Shepherd born Pamela Morgan known as Mother Shepherd (19 March 1836 – 24 February 1930) was a Welsh evangelist for the Salvation Army notably in Aberdare.

Life Shepherd was born in Talywain in 1836. Her parents were Margaret (born Evans) and Benjamin Morgan and she was the first of their four children. Her father was a blacksmith and a Chartist and her mother was a Baptist from Cardiganshire, moved the family to London in 1845. Her father hoped to work for the Great Western Railway but struggled to find work due to his political views. The family's finances had to depend on her mother, taking in washing, after her father began drinking. and she was soon known as the "Hallelujah Washerwoman" as she witnessed and preached around London. In 1868 she was assisted at the home of William and Catherine Booth, and the following year she work at the "Limehouse centre" an old music-hall converted by the mission. By this time, she was no longer known as the "Hallelujah Washerwoman" but as "Mother Shepherd". Additionally, she provided rooms in her home for homeless girls.

Death and legacy

Shepherd died in Aberdare in 1930. She was given a public funeral with the local police acting as pall-bearers and leading ministers conducting the funeral service.

Her contributions are commemorated in the local Cynon Valley museum.