Glyn was born in Woodstock, Pembrokeshire. After leaving school, he became a local newspaper reporter and was converted when his Christian editor sent him to report on an evangelistic mission. He trained for the Welsh Presbyterian ministry and while at the University College of Wales, Cardiff, he shared the gospel with others, as well as preaching in various evangelistic campaigns in South Wales throughout his summer vacations. During his pastoral year in the Bala Theological College, Glyn helped to forge links between the evangelicals of North and South Wales.

Glyn ministered first in Heath Presbyterian Church, Cardiff (1948-54), then Trinity Presbyterian Church, Wrexham (1954-59) before moving to Berry Street Presbyterian Church, Belfast. In 1969 he was called to succeed Martyn Lloyd-Jones at Westminster Chapel, then moved to Knox Presbyterian Church, Toronto in 1974.

Mr Owen was very involved in the early years of the EMW, including the Ministers’ Conference and he was the first editor of The Evangelical Magazine of Wales with Elwyn Davies (1955). He often preached at the Keswick Convention and was for many years president of the European Missionary Fellowship.

Glyn Owen could preach powerfully in both Welsh and English, and many were brought to faith in Jesus Christ through his ministry. He encouraged numerous young believers in days when there was little evangelical witness in North Wales.