Hide

Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru

hide
Hide

(History of the Welsh Independent Churches)

By Thomas Rees and John Thomas; published in 1871+.

These 8 chapel histories were extracted by Gareth Morgan from the CD published by Archive CD Books (Feb 2008)

The main project page is on /big/wal/ChurchHistory/Indchapels#Glamorgan

Proof reading by Melanie Stark (March 2008)

Translations by Maureen Saycell (March / April 2008)

CYMER, GLYN CORWG

Translated by Maureen Saycell (March 2008)

 

(Vol 2, p 215)

Y mae y lle hwn yn mhlwyf Glyncorwg, a'i safle yn mhen isaf glyn a elwir Glyncorwg, lle y mae'r afonydd Corwg ac Man yn ymuno a'u gilydd, ac y Cymer yr olaf y flaenaf iddi ei hun. Yn niwedd y ganrif ddiweddaf, yr oedd chwareuyddiaethau a champiau gwageddus, llygredig, ac annuwiol, yn cael eu cynal yn gyhoeddus yn y lle hwn, a hyny ar y Sabbothau. Ychydig iawn oedd o gyrchu i'r Eglwys i'r gwasanaeth dwyfol i glywed y "duwiol wr o'i lân ddarllenfa" yn darllen "a llafar doeth y llyfr da;" ond yr oedd cyrchu mawr gan ddynion o bell ag agos i'r lle ar y Sabbothau, i gynal campiau llygredig ac annuwiol a ddygid yn mlaen yno. Yr oedd llawer yn dyfod i'r lle i gymeryd rhan yn y chwareuon trwy gystadlu ynddynt, a llawer eraill yn dyfod yno er mwyn y difyrwch a'r pleser o'u gweled yn cael eu dwyn yn mlaen. Yr oedd crythwr (fiddler) o ardal Glynnedd yn dyfod yma yn gyson a rheolaidd, bob prydnawn Sabbath i chwareu y crwth er difyrwch y gwyddfodolion. Y campau a'r chwareuon a ddygid yn mlaen oeddynt, neidio, rhedeg, taflu maen a throsol, a choetiau, ymladd ceiliogod, chwareu disiau a chardiau, dawnsio, a chwareu bwlpinau. Y chwareufa oedd y tafarndy, yn nghyd a'r gwastad-tir ar lan afon Corwg, yn agos i'r Cymer.

Dywedir mai Thomas Richard, o'r Rhiwlech, a fu yn offerynol i osod terfyn ar y campiau llygredig hyn. Cymerodd hyny le fel y canlyn : - Yr oedd Thomas Richard yn myned i'r mynydd ar brydnawn Sabbath, yn of ei arfer i edrych am yr anifeiliaid. Oherwydd fod y llwybr i'r mynydd yn serth a garw, ac yntau yn teimlo yn lluddedig, efe a eisteddodd i lawr mewn man cyfleus i orphwys ac adnewyddu ei nerth. Tra yn eistedd yno, clywai floeddiadau, a chableddau, a rhegfeydd arswydus, yn esgyn i fyny o'r dyfnder odditano, nes oedd yr hen greigiau o'i gylch yn dysbedain. Meddianwyd ef yn y fan gan ofn a dychryn mawr iawn, nes oedd yn mron methu symud o'r lle, a daeth yr ystyriaeth mor gryf i'w feddwl mai efe oedd yn gyfrifol am yr holl anfadwaith a'r annuwioldeb a ddygid yn mlaen, gan mai ar ei dir ef yr oedd y tafarndy, fel yr ofnai rhag i farn Duw ddisgyn arno yn y lle. Penderfynodd yn y fan heb ymgynhori a chig a gwaed, yn nerth Duw, i osod terfyn ar y fath annuwioldeb, a hyny yn ddioed, os oedd yn bosibl. Rhoddodd rybudd i'r Tafarnwr i  ymadael o'r tir, a gwaharddodd i'r campiau i gael eu cynal yno o hyny allan. Wedi ymadawiad y tafarnwr, trowyd y tafarndy yn addoldy at wasanaeth yr Annibynwyr. Nid oedd pregethu yn rheolaidd gan yr Ymneillduwyr yn y Cymer cyn o gylch o flwyddyn 1792, ond yr oedd un o'r enw Thomas Jones, yr hwn oedd frodor o'r ardal hon, ac yn weinidog gyda 'r Annibynwyr yn sir Gaerloyw, yn rhoddi pregeth unwaith yn y flwyddyn yn Glyncymer, ffermdy cyfagos, ond yn mhlwyf Llangynwyd, pan yn dyfod i ymweled a'i fam, yr hon oedd yn byw yn Lluest-nant-yr-afael, plwyf Llangynwyd. Y cyntaf fu yn pregethu yn rheolaidd yn ardal Cymer oedd Abraham Tibbot. Daeth yma mae yn debyg yn fuan wedi gadael Llanuwchllyn yn y flwyddyn 1792, ac yn yr ardaloedd hyn y hyd nes y dychwelodd i'r gogledd yn y flwyddyn 1794, oblegid cawn ei flwyddyn hono yn sir Fon, ac yn gwneyd cam am gynorthwy o'r Trysorfwrdd Cynnulleidfaol; ac yn Mon y parhaodd i lafurio o hyny hyd ei farwolaeth. Y lle cyntaf y bu Mr. Tibbot yn, pregethu ynddo yma oedd Glyncymer, Lle yr oedd yr un Morgan Thomas yn byw, taid i'r Morgan Thomas sydd yno yn bresenol. Bu hefyd yn pregethu yn yr awyr agored yn y Cymer gyferbyn a'r hen dafarndy; ac yr oedd nerth mawr yn cydfyned a'i weinidogaeth, fel y trowyd llawer oddiwrth eu ffyrdd drygionus at yr Arglwydd. Ffurfiwyd eglwys yma yn ol trefn yr Annibynwyr, a chafodd yr eglwys fechan y tafarndy at ei gwasanaeth, a throwyd of yn lle cyfaddas at addoli Duw. Bu mesur helaeth o lwyddiant ar lafur Mr. Tibbot yn ystod y ddwy flynedd y bu yn llafurio yma ac yn Llangynwyd. Nid oes genym sicrwydd pwy fu yn gweinidogaethu i'r eglwys yma yn y blynyddoedd wedi ymadawiad Abraham Tibbot hyd sefydliad Mr. Methusalem Jones yn 1800. Dywedir yn hanes Llangynwyd i un Walter Edwards fod yn gweini i'r eglwys yno, ond nid oes son amdano yn nglyn a'r eglwys yma, a sonir am un Watkin, Tonygrugos, Nghwmgwenffrwd, yn gweini i'r eglwys hon wedi ymadawiad Mr. M. Jones; ond ni sonir am enw hwnw yn nglyn a Llangynwyd, er fod yr ddwy eglwys o dan yr un weinidogaeth yn y tymor hwnw. Dywedir am y ddau fod yn amheus a urddwyd hwy, ac iddynt ymfudo i'r America. Ai tybed nad yr un yw y ddau, ond fod yr enw yn cael ei gamgymeryd yn un o'r ddan amgylchiad? Ac os yr un ydynt, pa un ai cyn ai ar ol Mr. Methusalem Jones y bu yma? Pwy a fedr roddi goleuni ar hyn? Yn mis Medi, 1800, urddwyd Mr. Methusalem Jones yn weinidog. Llafuriodd Mr. M. Jones yma gyda derbyniad a mesur o lwyddiant am wyth mlynedd nes yr ymfudodd i Ferthyr at gynnulleidfa fechan yno. Ar ei ol ef bu Mr. Walter Thomas yn weinidog y Cymer a Llangynwyd dros ryw ysbaid. Gweler ei hanes ef yn Cyf. I., tu dal. 13. Ar ei ol ef urddwyd Mr. William Beynon yn weinidog i'r eglwys hon mewn cysylltiad a Bethesda, Llangynwyd. Ymddengys i Mr. W. Beynon fod yma tua deuddeng mlynedd, ac iddo ddatod ei gysylltiad a'r lle tua'r flwyddyn 1822. Bu Mr. Daniel Griffiths, Castellnedd yn dyfod yma am ychydig ar ol hyn hyd  nes y rhoddwyd galwad i Mr. Richard Jones, aelod o'r Storehouse, Cwmnedd, ac urddwyd of Hydref 6ed a'r 7 fed, 1824. Gweinyddwyd ar yr achlysur gan Meistri J. Evans, Godrerhos; D. Jones, Llanharan; R. Howells, Baran; M. Lewis, Hermon; J. Rowlands, Cwmllynfell; D. Evans, Mynyddbach; D. Griffiths, Castellnedd, ac eraill*. Bu Richard Jones yma dros rai blynyddoedd yn barchus, ond ymgollodd o radd i raddnes yr aeth o'r diwedd i'r fath wrthgiliad fel y bu raid i'r eglwys dori pob perthynas ag Bu gofal yr eglwys ar ol hyny am dymor ar Mr. William Morgan, Llwyni; ond yn y flwyddyn 1833, rhoddwyd galwad Mr. William Thomas, aelod o Nebo, Hirwaun, ac urddwyd ef Gorphenaf 16eg a'r 17eg, y flwyddyn hono. Gweinyddwyd ar yr achlysur gan Meistri L. Edwards, Cwmbychan; M. Lewis, Hermon; J. Rowlands, Cwmllynfell; J. Harrison, Aberdar; D. Griffiths, Castellnedd; W. Morgan, Llangynwyd, ac eraill.#  Llafuriodd Mr. Thomas yma am wyth mlynedd, pryd y cymerodd ofal yr eglwys yn Cefncribwr; ac ar ol hyny bu yr achos yn olynol dan ofal Meistri Daniel Evans Castellnedd; Thomas Lloyd a William Watkins, Maesteg; ond nid oedd y naill na'r llall yn gallu rhoddi i'r eglwys yma, ond rhan fechan o'u llafur. Yn y flwyddyn 1849, rhoddodd yr eglwys alwad i Mr. David Henry, aelod a phregethwr yn Zoar, Maesteg, ond a fuasai am dymor yn derbyn addysg yn Llanelli. Urddwyd ef yn mis Hydref y flwyddyn hono; ac ar yr achlysur cymerwyd rhan yn y gwasanaeth gan Meistri W. Watkins, Maesteg; J. Rees, Carmel; H. Rees, Ystrad; W. Thomas, Rock; J. Thomas, Cefncribwr; J. Davies, Bryn, a D. Evans, Castellnedd. Bu Mr. Henry yma am ddeng mlynedd, nes y derbyniodd alwad o Benygroes a Milo, Sir Gaerfyrddin, ac y symudodd yno. Wedi ymddibynu ar weinidogaeth achlysurol am dymor, yn mis Hydref, 1862, urddwyd Mr. William Hopkins, yr hwn oedd yn aelod ae yn bregethwr yn yr eglwys, yn weinidog iddi. Yr oedd y gweinidogion canlynol yn wyddfodol, ac yn cymeryd rhan yn y gwasanaeth, Meistri W. Watkins, Saron; J. Jones, Zoar; W. Rees, Silo, a W. Morgans, Carmel, Maesteg; P.Griffiths, Alltwen; W. Thomas, Rock, a J. Mathews, Castellnedd. Mae Mr. Hopkins yn parhan i weinidogaetha yn y lle. Y capel cyntaf, fel y gwelsom, yn Cymerglyncorwg oedd yr hen dafarndy. Bu gwasanaeth crefyddol yn cael ei gynal yn hwnw am dros driugain mlynedd. Cafwyd cyfarfodydd garlithog a hapus ynddo, a mwynhawyd llawer o'r nefoedd ganoedd o weithian. Yn Mehefin, 1865, agorwyd yma gapel newydd hardd. Cymerwyd rhan yn ngwasanaeth yr agoriad gan Meistri I. Jones, Drefnewydd; J. Evans, Maendy; W. Morgans, Carmel; T. Rees, D.D. Abertawy; P. Griffiths, Alltwen; D. Henry, Penygroes; J. Mathews, Castellnedd, a W. Thomas, Rock.

Yr unig bregethwyr a gyfodwyd yn yr eglwys hon ydynt John Davies, yr hwn a urddwyd yn y Bryn, a William Hopkins, gweinidog presenol yr eglwys.

Bu amryw bersonau a gyfrifid yn hynod am eu duwioldeb yn perthyn i'r eglwys hon yn y dyddiau gynt, megis Dafydd Thomas, Tonmawr, yr hwn a fu farw pan yn ieuangc trwy gael ei daro gan fellten. Yr oedd un Griffith, Blaenafan, ac un William Thomas, o'r Tygwynbach, a Thomas, o'r Gelliron, yn rhai hynod am eu ffyddlondeb i ddyfod i'r cynnulliadau crefyddol. Yr oedd yma rai hynod hefyd mewn amseroedd diweddarach  - Mary Lewis, o'r Wern, gwraig Rees Lewis, a fu yn offerynol i wasgaru llu o chwareuwyr ag oeddynt wedi dyfod o'r Maesteg i gymydogaeth y Cymer, ar y ddydd Sabboth, i chwareu bando. Yr oedd yno rai ugeiniau o ddynion rhwng y chwareuwyr a'r edrychwyr. Aeth hi yn mlaen yn ddiofn i'w canol, a safodd rhwng y chwareuwyr, edrychodd arnynt gyda'r fath lymder a difrifoldeb, a siaradodd gyda'r fath bwys Ac awdurdod am eu hymddygiad annuwiol, ac am y perygl o iddynt ddilyn y cyfryw arferion, a bod digofaint Duw yn aros arnynt, tra yr oeddynt gwneyd dydd Duw yn dymor eu difyrwch, a bod barn Duw yn sicr o ddyfed arnynt wrth ddilyn eu bywyd annuwiol; fel y methasant a myned yn mlaen yn mhellach yn eu chwareu, ond ymwasgarasant ymaith, ac aeth pawb i'w ffordd, a dychwelodd hithau adref, wedi cael buddugoliaeth, gan glodfori Duw am ei chynorthwyo yn yr ymdrech. Y mae yn yr eglwys etto amryw o rai rhagorol y ddaear, rhai nid yw y byd yn deilwng a honynt.**

# Yr Efenglydd,1883, Tudal. 283

*Dysgedydd, 1825 Tudal. 243.

**Yr ydym yn ddyledus am y rhan fwyaf o'r hanes blaenorol i draethawd Mr. D. Henry, Penygroes, yn y llyfr a gyhoeddwyd dan yr enw Gardd Flodeu Glyncorwg,

Translation by Maureen Saycell (March 2008)

"This place is in the parish of Glyncorwg, situated in the lower end of the valley named Glyncorwg, where the rivers Corwg and Man conjoin,and the Cymer becomes dominant.At the end of the last century there were games and challenges of a vacuous,depraved and ungodly nature were held in public in this place, and that on the Sabbath. There was little attendance at the Church service to listen to "the holy man from his his pure reading place" reading " wise words from the good book". But there was a great attendance of men from near and far to this place on the Sabbath to hold these depraved and ungodly games. Many came to take part by competing in them and many others for their amusement and the pleasure of watching them. There was a fiddler from around Glynnedd who came here regularly to play the fiddle for their entertainment. The games that were played included jumping, running,(taflu maen a throsol/??throwing a stone and bar??), coets, cock fighting, playing dice and cards, dancing and playing "(??bwlpins??)". The playground was the tavern, along with the flat land on the banks of the river Corwg, near the Cymer.

It is said that it was Thomas Richard, of Rhiwlech, that was instrumental in ending these depraved games. This took place as follows:- Thomas Richard was heading for the mountain on a Sunday afternoon, as was his habit to see to his animals.As the path up the mountain was rough and steep, and he was feeling tired, he sat down on a convenient spot to rest and regain his strength. While he was sat there, he heard shouting, bawling and horrific swearing rising from below, which resounded on the rocks around him. He was struck by great fear and terror, so that he could hardly move from the spot, and he was posessed by an overpowering thought that he was responsible for all these wicked and ungodly activities, because the tavern was on his land, and he was frightened that God's judgement would be visited on him there and then. He decided then without consulting any person, in God's strength, to put an end to this ungodliness, and that without delay, if possible. He gave notice to the publican to leave his land and banned the games from being held thereafter. After the publican had departed the tavern was converted into a house of worship for the Independents. Preaching was irregular by the non-conformists in Cymer before 1792 approximately, but there was one named Thomas Jones who was a native of this area, and a minister with the Independents in Gloucestershire, gave a sermon annually at Glyncymer, a nearby farmhouse, but in the parish of Llangynwyd, when he came to visit his mother who lived in Lluest-nant-yr afael, in the parish of Llangynwyd. The first to preach regularly in the Cymer area was Abraham Tibbot.He appears to have come to this area after leaving Llanuwchllyn in1792, and remained in the area until his return to the North in 1794, when he is found on Anglesey and making an application to the Congregational Treasury, and he remained working in Anglesey until he died. The first place he preached in this area was Glyncymer, where a Morgan Thomas lived, grandfather of Morgan Thomas who is there currently. He also preached in the open air at Cymer opposite the old public house, there was a force in his ministry, and many were turned away from their evil ways to the way of the Lord. An Independent Church was formed here, and the old public house was donated for their use,  and it was converted into a suitable place for worship God.There was a degree of success to Mr Tibbot's work during the two years here and Llangynwyd. We have no definite proof of who ministered here in the years after the departure of Abraham Tibbot until the arrival of Mr Methusalem Jones in 1800. In the history of Llangynwyd it says that one Walter Edwards ministered to that church, but there is no mention of this church, there is mention of a Watkin of Tonygrugos, Cwmgwenffrwd, ministering to this church after the departure of Mr M. Jones, but there is no mentionof this at Llangynwyd despite the two churches being in a joint ministry at this time. It is said of these two that there is doubt whether they were ever ordained, and that they emigrated to America. Possibly they are one and the same person and if so whether they were before or after Mr Methusalem Jones? Who can throw light on this? In September 1800 Mr Methusalem Jones was ordained as minister. He worked here with acceptance and a measure of success for eight years when he migrated to a small congregation in Merthyr. After him Mr Walter Thomas was minister at Cymer and Llangynwyd for a while, see his history in Vol 1 page 13. After him Mr William Beynon was ordained to tis church in conjunction with Bethewsda, Llangynwyd. It appears that Mr W. Beynon was here for about twelve years and broke his association with the place around 1822. Mr Daniel Griffiths, Vale of Neath came here for a while until a call was sent to Mr Richard Jones, a member of Storehouse, Vale of Neath and he was ordained on October 6th and 7th, 1824. Ministers present on the occasion were Messrs J. Evans, Godrerhos; D. Jones, Llanharan; R. Howells, Baran; M. Lewis, Hermon; J. Rowlands, Cwmllynfell; D. Evans, Mynyddbach; D. Griffiths, Castellnedd, and others*. Richard Jones was respected here for some years, but he lost touch bit by bit and withdrew to such an extent that the chapel broke all contact. The church was then for some time in the care of Mr William Morgan, Llwyni, but in the year1833 a call was sent to Mr William Thomas, a member at Nebo, Hirwaun who was ordained on July 16th and 17th of that year. Ministers officiating were Messrs L. Edwards, Cwmbychan; M. Lewis, Hermon; J. Rowlands, Cwmllynfell; J. Harrison, Aberdar; D. Griffiths, Castellnedd; W. Morgan, Llangynwyd, and others.# Mr Thomas worked here forabout eight years when he took on the care of the church in Cefncribwr. Following this the causecontinued under the care of Messrs Daniel Evans Castellnedd; Thomas Lloyd a William Watkins, Maesteg; but none of them could give more than a little time to work here.In 1849, the church sent a call to Mr David Henry, a member and preacher at Zoar, Maesteg, but who had been in Llanelli receivung some education. He was ordained in October of that year, the ministers officiating were Messrs W. Watkins, Maesteg; J. Rees, Carmel; H. Rees, Ystrad; W. Thomas, Rock; J. Thomas, Cefncribwr; J. Davies, Bryn, a D. Evans, Castellnedd. Mr Henry was here for ten years until he received a call from Penygroes and Milo, Carmarthenshire, and moved there.After being reliant on occasional ministry for a while, Mr William Hopkins was ordained in October 1862, to be the minister, he was a member and preacher of this church. The following ministers officiated at this occasion Messrs W. Watkins, Saron; J. Jones, Zoar; W. Rees, Silo, a W. Morgans, Carmel, Maesteg; P..Griffiths, Alltwen; W. Thomas, Rock, a J. Mathews, Castellnedd. Mr Hopkins remains as minister here.The first chapel, as we saw, in Cymerglyncorwg was in the old public house. Religious services were held here for over sixty years. Many inspiring and happy meetings were held in it, and many heavenly experiences gained. In June, 1865, a beautiful new chapel was opened. The following took part in the opening service, Messrs I. Jones, Drefnewydd; J. Evans, Maendy; W. Morgans, Carmel; T. Rees, D.D. Abertawy; P. Griffiths, Alltwen; D. Henry, Penygroes; J. Mathews, Castellnedd, and W. Thomas, Rock.

The only preachers raised here are:-

  • John Davies- who was ordained at Y Bryn.
  • William Hopkins- the current minister

There were many people who were noted for their devotion belonging to this church, such as Dafydd Thomas, Tonmawr, who died at a young age having been struck by lightning. There was one Griffith, Blaenafan, and William Thomas, of Tygwynbach, and Thomas ,of Gelliron who were notable for their faithful attendance. Later there was Mary Lewis, of Wern, the wife of Rees Lewis, who was instrumental in dispersing players who had come from the Maesteg area to play bando. There were many counting both players and spectators. She advanced into their midst , and stood between the players, and spoke to them with such presence and authority regarding their ungodly behaviour, and the danger to themselves from following these activities, that the wrath of God would visit them, if they continuedto use the Lord's day for their entertainment, and God's judgement would follow them in their ungodly lives, that they failed to continue playing and went their own way, she returned home, victorious, and praised God for helping her in the effort. The church continues to have some people that this world does not deserve.**"

 # Yr Efenglydd,1883, Tudal. 283

*Dysgedydd, 1825 Tudal. 243.

**Yr ydym yn ddyledus am y rhan fwyaf o'r hanes blaenorol i draethawd Mr. D. Henry, Penygroes, yn y llyfr a gyhoeddwyd dan yr enw Gardd Flodeu Glyncorwg,
(We are grateful for most of the above information to an essay by Mr D. Henry, Penygroes, published in a book named Gardd Flodeu Glyncorwg)

BLAENCORWG   (Glyncorwg parish)

Translated by Maureen Saycell (March 2008)

 

(Vol 2, p 217)

Gydag agoriad y gweithiau yn mlaen Glyncorwg, meddyliodd yr eglwys yn y Cymer am gychwyn achos yn y lle. Dechreuwyd cynal moddion crefyddol yma tua'r flwyddyn 1862, a chyn hir codwyd yma gapel bychan o goed ar dir Ty'nypant, a chorpholwyd eglwys ynddo, a buwyd addoli yn y lle am fwy na phedair blynedd. Yn y flwyddyn 1868, adeiladwyd yma gapel bychan cyfleus, ac y mae yr eglwys dan ofal Mr. William Hopkins yn nglyn a'r Cymer. Mae cyfoeth o fwnau yn y mynyddoedd cylchynol, fel y mae yn sicr y bydd yma ddylifiad pobloedd yn yr amser a ddaw.

Translation by Maureen Saycell (March 2008)

"With the opening of mines in upper Glyncorwg, the church at Cymer decided to start a cause here. Religious services were thought to have been started around 1862, and before long a small wooden chapel was built on land belonging to Ty'nypant, a church was established there and worsip continued for more than four years. In 1868 a small convenient chapel was built, and the church was under the ministry of Mr William Hopkins, Cymer. The surrounding mountains are rich in metal ores, which surely means there will be an influx of people in the future."

GODRERHOS  (Cadoxton j Neath parish)

Translated by Maureen Saycell (March 2008)

 

(Vol 2, p 166)

Cymerwn hanes yr eglwys hon allan o'r Diwygiwr am 1847. Tu dal. 150, yr hwn a ysgrifenwyd gan Mr. P. Griffiths, Alltwen, a bydd yn dda gan ein darllenwyr ei gael yn arddull yr awdwr ei hun.

" Mae'r eglwys fechan hon wedi ei ffurflo er ys mwy na chan mlynedd yn ol, er nad oes hanes cywir i'w gael trwy un ysgrifen, nac ychwaith trwy draddodiad, ond fod pregethu mewn ty bychan, Lle y trigianai hen wr crefyddol, gwehydd wrth ei gelfyddyd. Ymddengys fod yno ryw ychydig bobl yn ofni Duw, ac yn cynal addoliad. Nid oes neb yn gwybod pa fodd yr oedd yr achos yn cael ei gynorthwyo, na chan bwy. Y peth cyntaf sydd ar gof gan yr hen bobl, trwy glywed gan eu tadau, yw i un Henry Thomas, genedigol o Lacharne, swydd Gaerfyrddin, priddfeinwr wrth ei gelfyddyd, yr hwn oedd yn bregethwr, ddyfod i Godrerhos i gadw ysgol, a phregethu yn achlysurol. Yn mhen amser urddwyd ef i waith y weinidogaeth. Nid oes un hanes i gael pwy oedd y gweinidogion a fu yn yr urddiad. "Wedi i dalm o amser fyned heibio, priododd y Parch. Henry Thomas, a merch Mr. Jenkin Davies, Gellidochleitha, yr hwn oedd yn byw ar ei dir ei hunan, ac ar ei dir ef yr oedd ty y gwehydd, lle yr oedd yr addoliad yn cael ei gynal. Y canlyniad fu i Mr. Henry Thomas gael lease ar y Ty bath, a darn helaeth o dir at fynwent, gan Mr. Jenkin Davies, ei dadynnghyfraith, er adeiladu ty addoliad mwy cyfleus; yr hyn a wnaethant, yr hwn sydd yn sefyll heddyw. Yr oedd y lease dros fil ond un o flynyddau, wedi ei hymddiried i ymddiriedolwyr, sef y Parch. Henry Thomas, Godrerhos; R. Rees, Cwmdulais; John Evans, Brynasgellog; a'r Parch. Noah Simmons, Castellnedd; ardreth flynyddol y lle yw chwe' cheiniog. Mae darbodaeth yn y lease, os bydd y gynnulleidfa yn ewyllysio adeiladu rhyw beth ar y tir, neu'r fynwent, fod iddynt hawl, ond ei fod mewn cysylltiad a'r addoldy; a bod coed at hyny i'w cad, os byddai coed o'r fath ar y fferm uchod, Gellidochleitha. Amseriad y lease yw 1753. Oddiwrth yr hanes uchod, gallwn gasglu, rhwng ffurfio yr eglwys, dyfodiad Mr. Thomas atynt, ei urddo, priodi, &c., fod cryn lawer o flynyddau o ddechreuad yr achos hyd amser dyddiad y lease, yr hon sydd heddyw yn 94 o flynyddau, ac i barhau etto 905. Tymor anwyl i fraich yr Arglwydd i weithio. Mae'r addoldy uchod wedi ei adgyweirio bedair gwaith, er nad yw wedi ei ail adeiladu. Cafodd y lle yr enw Godrerhos oddiwrth sefyllfa y fan y mae. Mae llain o dir yn rhedeg trwy'r cwm rhwng Mynyddmarchhowell ar y gorllewinogledd, a Hirfynydd ar y dwyrainddeheu iddo, a elwir y Rhos (common), ac yn agos i odreu hwnw y saif yr addoldy. Wrth yr hanes a gawn gan hen bobl, ymddengys nad oedd achos crefyddol gan yr Annibynwyr yn Nghwmnedd, yn enwedig tua'i ganol, yn amser y Parch. Henry Thomas, o gylch i 80 neu 90 o flynyddau yn ol oblegid yr oedd pedwar o bersonau yn dyfod oddiyno i Godrerhos - John Harrison o Glyncastell, tu draw i Nedd, plwyf Illtyd, ewyth i'r Parch. J. Harrison, Aberdar, a brawd i dadcu y Parch. John Jones, Cincinnati, America; yr ail oedd Thomas Hopkin, Penlan, tad Rees Hopkin, Tongarwyd, pregethwr selog a phoblogaidd gyda'r Methodistiaid, a thadcu Rees Hopkin, Creinant, pregethwr gyda'r un bobl; y trydydd oedd Jenkin Lewis, Blaennantyrhebog, sef yr enwog a'r Parchedig Jenkin Lewis, Llanfyllin, yr hwn a lafuriodd yn galed trwy lawer o wrthwynebiadau a thlodi mawr lawer gwaith pan oedd yr achos ond yn ei fabandod yn ngogledd Cymru. Er nad yn Nghodrerhos y dechreuodd bregethu, etto,yno y derbyniwyd ef yn aelod, a symudodd i gymydogaeth yr Alltwen, pan y dechreuodd sefyll i fyny yn gyhoeddus; y pedwerydd oedd Jennet Christmas, Hendregledren; nid wyf yn adnabyddus a neb o'i phobl, pa un ai crefyddol ai digrefydd y maent. Oddiwrth hanes y dynion da a ffyddlon uchod, gallwn weled fod Duw yn bendithio llafur, ac yn gwobrwyo ffyddlondeb, ac yn ymweled hyd y drydedd a'r bedwaredd genhedlaeth o'r rhai a'i carent ef. Felly hefyd y mae o barth i lawer o bobl eraill ag oedd yn aelodau yn Nghodrerhos, mae eu had gyda'r achos, crefydd fel wedi gwreiddio yn y teuluoedd  - lle byddo didwylledd hi wna hyny. Yn mhen oes neu ddwy eilwaith, daeth eraill yn uwch i fyny o Gwmnedd, i fod yn aelodau yn Nghodrerhos: un Morgan Curtis, Blaennantyrewig, a Morgan Jones, Ddrysiog, ac eraill, y rhai, ynghyd ag aelodau o fanau eraill, a ddechreuasant yr achos sydd yn Nglynnedd yn bresenol. Nid oedd nemawr o bregethu dros y mynydd i'r gorllewin i Godrerhos yn amser y Parch. H. Thomas; yr oedd un Lewis Richard, Bryncarnau, a John Evan Thomas,Brynasgellog, yn byw yn mlaen plwyf Cilybebyll, ac yn aelodau yn Nghodrerhos; a byddai y Parch. H. Thomas yn dyfod dros y mynydd i bregethu iddynt, yr hyn a achlysurodd i gael pregethu yn nes i waered yn y plwyf, ac o'r diwedd, sefydlodd yr arch ei man, sef yr Alltwen; a thebyg heddyw, na symud hyd nes cano'r udgorn, a galw'r dorf sydd yn gorwedd, ac a orwedd etto yno. Yr oedd achos Godrerhos yn lledaenu i'r gogledd hefyd; yr oedd rhai o'r aelodau yn byw yn y Graigarw, ar lan afon Twrch; bu y Parch. M. Lewis yn pregethu yn fisol yn  Ystalyferauchaf, ty William Williams. Bu y Parch. H. Thomas o ddefnydd mawr, ac yn llafurus iawn yn yr oes dywyll hono, ond rhoddodd i fyny bregethu amryw flynyddau cyn ei farw, a bu farw yn 90 oed; claddwyd ef gyda'i wraig yn mynwent Godrerhos, yn 1802, claddwyd ei wraig yn 1771, Nid wyf yn gwybod am neb o'i bobl yn bresenol. Yr oedd iddo wyr, y Parch. Jeremiah Thomas, Croesoswallt, yn Shropshire; nid wyf yn gwybod a ydyw yn fyw ai mae wedi rhoi fyny bregethu, ac yn byw ar ei feddianau.

Wedi i'r Parch. H. Thomas roddi fyny bregethu, cafodd y Parch. Morris Williams alwad, ac urddwyd ef i waith y weinidogaeth yn Nghodrerhos, lle y bu yn ffyddlon a llwyddianus iawn, ac mae ei goffadwriaeth yn hoff ac yn anwyl ganddynt. Bu yntau farw, ac y mae yn gorwedd yn mynwent Godrerhos gyda'r dorf sydd yno yn tawel huno. Yn ganlynol daeth y Parch. John Davies, Llansamlet, i weinidogaethu yn eu plith yn achlysurol, a bu gyda hwynt yn llwyddianus, ac yn hynod o heddychol, ac y mae ei enw yn beraidd gan yr hen bobl fyth. Wedi i Mr. Davies ymadael, cafodd Morgan Lewis alwad ganddynt, yr hwn oedd yn byw yn yr ardal, ac yn bregethwr bywiog a selog anarferol. Yr oedd Mr. Lewis wedi dechreu ei yrfa grefyddol yn y Creinant, gyda'r Methodistiaid, fel nad oedd yn aelod yn Nghodrerhos, er ei fod yn byw yn ngolwg y lle. Urddwyd ef yno, a bu yn llafurus a llwyddianus anarferol; cafodd alwad i Ty'nycoed, ac adeiladwyd Hermon, fel yr oedd cylch ei lafur yn fawr iawn; rhyw fodd neu gilydd, gadawodd Mr. Lewis, Godrerhos, a llafuriodd yn Ty'nycoed a Hermon yn unig. Ar of ymadawiad Mr. Lewis, daeth Mr. Wm. Williams, Newton Nottage, i fod iddynt yn weinidog achlysurol, bu gyda hwynt am ysbaid pum' mlynedd, a meddyliodd fod y ffordd yn nes a hawddach trwy y dwfr na thros y tir i'r nef, ac felly aeth at y Bedyddwyr. Wedi hyn, yr oedd y ddiadell fechan heb neb eilwaith. Cafodd y Parch. Thos. Edwards, Castellnedd, alwad ganddynt, ac atebodd hi; bu yn diwyd lafurio yn eu plith am flynyddau, hyd nes iddo ef a'i deulu symud i America, lle y terfynodd ei oes. Eilwaith aeth y pulpud yn wag, a daeth eu cymydog nesaf, sef y Parch. James Williams, Ty'nycoed, i'w cynorthwyo, a bu yn ddiwyd, llafurus, a pharchus iawn, yn gofalu am danynt am rai blynyddau. Wedi hyn, rhoisant alwad i'r Parch. Dl. Griffiths, Castellnedd, yr hwn a gymerodd eu gofal, a lledaenodd ei ddefnyddioldeb a'i lafur trwy yr ardaloedd, casglodd y bobl yn lluoedd, derbyniwyd amryw, adeiladwyd gallery newydd, a gwnawd eisteddleoedd newyddion; ac hyderir i lawer gael calonau newyddion. Ond yn nghanol y gwres, y cariad, a'r anwyldeb, bu farw Ebrill 1 af, 1846, claddwyd ef yn Zoar, Castellnedd. Bellach, mae eglwys Godrerhos heb un bugail arni etto, and wele yr Arglwydd yn tueddu eu calonau at y brawd Henry Rees, aelod o Lanelli, swydd Gaerfyrddin, yr hwn a urddwyd. Mawrth 9fed a'r 10fed, (gwel Diwygiwr, Ebrill, 1847,) i fod yn weinidog iddynt mewn cysylltiad a'r Ystrad. Bydded bendith bryniau tragwyddoldeb i aros arnynt, ac a'r un ffyddlondeb a ddangosasant trwy yr oesau, y caffont dreulio eu hoes i ben; ac arosed ei fwya ef, sef fy mrawd Rees, yn gryf, a nerther ei ddwylaw ef trwy ddwylaw grymus Duw Jacob - eled y bychan yn fil, a'r wael yn genedl gref, a phresured ei pherchen hyny yn ei amser. Wedi dilyn hanes crefydd yn Nghodrerhos, gallwn nodi rhai pethau hynod am yr eglwys hon.

Nid y lleiaf o ran defnyddioldeb, yn gystal ag oedran, yw hon; mae yn fam i'r achos yn yr Alltwen, ac yn Nglynnedd, ac mae amryw o'i haelodau wedi cynorthwyo i ffurfio achos yr Onllwyn, er fod y merched, feallai, yn dalach na'u mam, mac yn digwydd felly yn aml. Mae yn hynod o ran breintiau, cafodd y fraint o fagu amryw bregethwyr, ac mae rhai o honynt yn weinidogion defnyddiol. Yn Nghodrerhos y ganwyd ac y magwyd y Parch. Joshua Evans, Cymer; John Thomas, Carbondale, America; Henry Davies, Town Missionary, Liverpool, ac eraill hefyd. Mae eglwys Godrerhos trwy yr holl gyfnewidiadau - gwenidogion yn marw, symud, a dewis rhai newydd, nid oes dim yn debyg i ymraniad wedi bod erioed yn eu plith, ond fel un llaw, gan mwyaf, bob amser. Diau fod hyn yn enw da iddynt, ac yn gysur i fyned atynt. Eilwaith, mae yn enwog yn mhurdeb yr athrawiaeth - nid ydynt yn barnu eu bod yn gwybod dim ond Iesu Grist, a hwnw wedi ei groeshoelio. Mae gwres crefyddol yn aros yn y lle bach hwn er amser y tadau; cof genyf am amryw o honynt yn eu cynesrwydd a'u ffyddlondeb. O! disgyned deubarth eu hysbryd ar eu had, a bendith for ar eu hiliogaeth. Claddwyd mamau yn Israel o'r ddiadell hen, ac a wylodd fwy o ddagrau na digon i'w boddi ynddynt. Mae yr aelodau presenol yn wrandawyr da, yn gantorion cynes, yn weddiwyr doniol - gwisger hwynt oll a gwir ostyngeiddrwydd ger bron y Duw mawr, ac a sel danllyd, ac a diwydrwydd diflino yn ngwaith eu Harglwydd."

Nid oes genym nemawr i ychwanegu at yr hanes cyflawn uchod. Parhaodd Mr. Henry Rees i weinidogaethu yn ffyddlon i'r eglwys hon mewn cysylltiad a'r Ystrad, o amser ei urddiad yn Mawrth, 1847, hyd ei symudiad i'r America Mai 20fed, 1869. Ar yr ail Sabboth yn Chwefror, 1871, dechreuodd Mr. R. W. Roberts, Pentrefoelas, sir Ddinbych, ei weinidogaeth yma ac yn yr Ystrad, fel canlyniedydd Mr. Rees, ac mae ei lafur yn argoeli bod yn dderbyniol a llwyddianus yn y ddau le. Yn 1856, tynwyd hen gapel Godrerhos i lawr ac adeiladwyd y capel prydferth presenol, yr hwn sydd yn. mesur 36 troedfedd wrth 30 dros y muriau, ac a gostiodd 416p. 9s. 8c., heb gynwys cludiad y defnyddiau, yr hyn a wnaed yn rhad gan yr ardalwyr. Agorwyd y capel newydd Gorphenaf 2i1 a'r 3ydd, 1856, pryd y pregethodd Meistri Griffiths, Alltwen; Griffiths, Abertawy; Mathews, Castellnedd; Thomas, Bryn, Llanelli Thomas, Glandwr Davies, Cwmaman; Daniel, Mynyddbach, ac eraill. Yn yr oedfa ddeg o'rgloch yr ail ddydd, casglwyd mwy na digon i dalu yr holl ddyled.

Nid yw eglwys Godrerhos erioed wedi bod yn lluosog, ac nis gallasai fod, am fod poblogaeth y wlad am filldiroedd oddi amgylch yn deneu iawn, ond yn awr pan mae gweithiau glô yn cael eu hagoryd yn mhob cyfeiriad yn yr ardal, mae y boblogaeth yn sicr o gynyddu yn ddirfawr yn dra buan, a bydd yma wrth bob tebygolrwydd eglwys a chynnulleidfa luosog iawn cyn pen nemawr o flynyddau.

COFNODION BYWGRAPHYDDOL

HENRY THOMAS. Nid oes genym unrhyw hanes i'w roddi amdano ef yn ychwanegol at yr hyn a roddwyd yn yr hanes blaenorol am yr eglwys. Bu farw yn mis Awst, 1802, yn 90 oed, a chladdwyd ef wrth gapel Godrerhos. Mae yn ymddangos ei fod yn ei ieuengtyd a chanol ei ddyddiau yn weinidog llafurus a thra llwyddianus. Darfu iddo roddi i fyny y weinidogaeth oherwydd diffyg iechyd, neu ryw achos arall anhysbys i ni, fwy na deng-mlynedd-ar-hugain cyn ei farwolaeth.

MORRIS WILLIAMS. Yr oedd yn un genedigol o blwyf Llanllwyni, Sir Gaerfyrddin. Ganwyd ef yn y flwyddyn 1733. Mae yn debygol mai yn Rhydybont neu Bencadair y dechrouodd ei yrfa grefyddol. Yr ydym yn hollol anhysbys o hanes boreu ei oes. Cafodd ei urddo yn weinidog yn Nghodrerhos a Thy'nycoed, tua'r flwyddyn 1773, a bu farw Mai 3ydd, 1799, yn 66 oed. Claddwyd ef wrth gapel Godrerhos. Mae yn ymddangos ei fod yn ddyn llafurna a pharchus lawn, ac o olygiadau ofengylaidd fel pregethwr, Yr oedd hefyd yn feddyg tra medrus a llwyddianus, yn enwedig i osod esgyrn a chymalan yn eu lle. Bu un o'i feibion hefyd yn dra llwyddianus fel meddyg esgyrn, ac felly etto y mae mab hwnw, sef Mr. John Williams, Aberdar.

MORRIS WILLIAMS.He was born in Llanllwyni, Carmarthenshire, in 1733. It appears that he began his religious career in either Rhydybont or Pencadair. We know nothing of his early life. He was ordained in Godrerhos and Ty'ncoed, around 1733, and he died aged 66 years on May 3rd, 1799. He was buried in Godrerhos. It appears that he was industrious and well respected, with an evangelical outlook of a preacher. He was also a good Doctor, particurlarly for setting bones and joints. One of his sons was a successful Doctor of Orthopaedics, and his grandson also, Mr JohnWilliams of Aberdare.

MORGAN LEWIS. Gweler hanes Glynnedd.

WILLIAM WILLIAMS. Bu ef am ryw gymaint o amser yn y Drefnewydd cyn dyfod i Odrerhos. Tybiem mai yn y flwyddyn 1811, ar ymadawiad Mr. Morgan Lewis, y dechreuodd ei weinidogaeth yma. Yn 1816, symudodd i Philadelphia, gerllaw Caerfyrddin, ac ni bu yno yn hir cyn i anghydfod gyfodi rhyngddo a'r eglwys. Yna trodd at y Bedyddwyr a bu am lawer o flynyddau yn weinidog gyda'r enwad hwnw yn Melin-Evan-ddu, Morganwg, lle y bu farw rai blynyddau yn ol.

THOMAS EDWARDS. Dywed Mr. Griffiths, o'r Alltwen, mai un genedigol o ardal Caerphili oedd ef, a thybia mai aelod gwreiddiol o'r Groeswen ydoedd. Gwerthwr brethynau (draper) ydoedd wrth ei alwedigaeth, a bu am lawer o flynyddau yn cadw masnachdy helaeth yn Nghastellnedd. Merch Mr. Rees Rees, un o'r Undodiaid a fu yn ceisio troi Mr. Bowen allan o gapel Maesyrhaf, oedd ei wraig, ac yr oedd hithau, fel ei thad, o'r farn Undodaidd. Dywedai ryw dro yn ei thy yn nghlyw amryw ddieithrlaid y geiriau rhyfygus, " Mae Edwards yn clebran byth a hefyd am ei Grist, ond myfi a af i'r nefoedd tu cefn i'w Grist ef." Bu Mr. Edwards yn gofalu am yr eglwysi yn y Crwys a Rhydymardy am tua saith neu wyth mlynedd, ac ymddengys i'r eglwys yn Nghodrerhos fod dan ei ofal 1816 hyd tua 1822. Pan ddyrysodd yn ei fasnach bu am ryw faint o amser yn Dowlais, ac wedi hyny yn Nghaerdydd; symudodd o'r lle hwnw i America tua'r flwyddyn 1829. Nid oes genym ddim yn mhellach o'i hanes i'w roddi. Yr oedd Thomas Edwards yn cael ei gyfrif yn bregethwr o gryn enwogrwydd. Calfiniad uchel ydoedd o ran ei farn. Dywedir iddo fod unwaith dan gerydd mewn cynnadledd gweinidogion am bregethu yr athrawiaeth gyfiawnhad yr etholedigion er tragwyddoldeb. Yr oedd gan Mr. Davies, o'r Alltwen olwg uchel arno. Efe oedd yr un a benodwyd ganddo i bregethu ei bregeth angladdol.

Translation by Maureen Saycell (March 2008)

"We have taken the history of this church fromthe Diwygiwr 1847, page 150, which was written by Mr P. Griffiths, Alltwen, and the readers will appreciate that it is in the author's own style.

 "This little church was formed more than a hundred years ago, although there is no exact written history, or oral tradition, only that preaching took place in a small house, where an elderly religious man lived, who was a weaver by trade. It appears that there were a few people who feared God and worshipped. Nobody knows how the cause was supported, or by whom. The first memories the old people have, from hearing their fathers, is of a Henry Thomas, a native of Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, a brickmaker by trade, who also preached, who came to keep a school at Godrerhos, and preached occasionally. In time he was ordained as a minister.There is no history of which ministers attended the ordination. After some time the Reverend Henry Thomas married the daughter of Mr Jenkin Davies, Gellidochleitha, who lived on his own land, and it was on his land that the weaver's house was located, where worship took place. The result was that Mr Henry Thomas got a lease on the small house, and a large piece of land for a cemetery, from Mr Jenkin Davies, his father-in-law, to build a more convenient house of worship, which was done, and which still stands today. The lease was for one thousand years and granted to the trustees, Rev. Henry Thomas, Godrerhos; R. Rees, Cwmdulais; John Evans, Brynasgellog; and Rev. Noah Simmons, Castellnedd. The annual payment is sixpence.There is a provision in the lease that if the congregation wish to build something on the land, or cemetery, as long as it is in the conjunction with the chapel, that there would be wood available, if such wood was to be had on the above farm, Gellidochleitha. The lease is dated 1753. From the above history we cangather that between forming a church, the arrival of Mr Thomas, his ordination, marriage etc. that quite a few years must have passed from the beginning to the signing of the lease, which today has used 94 years with another 905 to go. A good time for the arm of the Lord to work. The above chapel has been repaired four times, but it has not been rebuilt. It was named Godrerhos because of where it is situated.There is a strip of land running through the valley between Mynnyddmarchowell on the northwest, and Hirfynydd on the south east, called the Rhos or common, and near the bottom of that stands the chapel. From the history we are given by the old people, it appears that there was no Independent cause in the Vale of Neath, especially in the centre, in the time of the Rev. Henry Thomas, about 80 to 90 years ago, because four people used to come to Godrerhos from there -John Harrison, Glyncastell accross the Nedd, in the parish of Illtyd, uncle of the Rev J. Harrison, Aberdare, and brother to the grandfather of the Rev John Jones, Cincinatti, America. Second was Thomas Hopkin, Penlan, father of Rees Hopkin, Tongarwyd a faithful and popular preacher with the Methodists, and grandfather of Rees Hopkin, Creinant, a preacher with the same denomination. The third was Jenkin Lewis, Blaennantyrhebog who was the well known Reverend Jenkin Lewis, Llanfyllin, who worked hard against much oppositionand poverty during the infancy of Independent cause in North Wales. Although it was not in Godrerhos that he began to preach, it was there that he was accepted as a member, he moved to the area of Alltwen when he began to stand before the public. The fourth was Jennet Christmas, Hendregledren, I do not knowwho her family was, whether they were religious or not. From the stories of the above faithfull, we can see that God blesses work, rewards faithfulness, and visits the third and fourth generations of those that love him. So it is also the reward of many others who were members at Godrerhos, their seed is with the cause, religion rooted in the families - where there is sincerity this happens.In the space of one or two generations, others came from higher up Neath Valley, to be members in Godrerhos, one Morgan Curtis, Blaennantyrewig, Morgan Jones, Ddrysiog, and others who with other members from other places established a cause in the Vale of Neath. There was not much preaching over the mountain to the west of Godrerhos in the time of the Rev. H. Thomas. There was one Lewis Richard, Bryncarnau, and John Evan Thomas, Brynasgellog, living at the head of the parish of Cilbebyll, and members at Godrerhos, and the Rev Thomas used to go over the mountain to preach to them and this caused preaching to be had nearer the parish, and eventually the covenant found it's place, Alltwen, and like today, there will be no movement until the trumpet sounds, calling the host that are sleeping, and still remain resting there.The cause in Godrerhos widened to the North as well, there were some members living in Graigarw, on the banks of the river Twrch, the Rev. M. Lewis preached monthly at Ystalafera-uchaf, the house of William Williams. The Rev. H. Thomas was very vocal and useful during that dark age, he gave up preaching many years before he died at 90 years of age. He was buried in the cemetery at Godrerhos in 1802, his wife had been buried in 1771. I have no knowledge of any current family. There was a grandson, Rev. Jeremiah Thomas, Oswestry, Shropshire, I do not know if he is alive or whether he has given up preaching and is living on his own means.

After Rev. H. Thomas gave up preaching, Rev. Morris Williams received the call, he was ordained in Godrerhos, where he was faithfull and succesfull, and he is remembered with fondness.When he died , he was laid to rest in Godrerhos cemetery with the sleeping host. After him came Rev. John Davies, Llansamlet to minister in their midst occasionally, he was a success among them, very peaceful, and his name is still remembered.After Mr Davies left, Morgan Lewis was called, he lived in the area and was a very lively and zealous preacher.

Mr Lewis began his religious career at Creinant, with the Methodists, so he was not a member in Godrerhos, although he overlooked it. He was ordained there and was unusually industrious and successful. He was called to Ty'ncoed, Hermon was built as well so thatthe area of his ministry became very large, he left Godrerhos and continued at Ty'nycoed and Hermon only. After the departure of  Mr Lewis, Mr William Williams, Newton Nottage, to be an occasional preacher for them, he stayed for five years, then he decided that the road to heaven was easier through the water than over the land, and joined the Baptists. After this the small congregation were left with no one.The Rev.Thomas Edwards, Neath, responded to their call, he worked among them for some years until he and his family moved to America, where he remained for the rest of his life. Again the pulpit was empty, and their neighbour Rev. James Williams, Ty'ncoed came to help them. He was industrious and respected and cared for them for some years. Then they sent a call to Rev. Daniel Griffiths, Neath, who accepted their care and widened his work through the neighbouring parishes, he gathered a host of people, many were confirmed, a new gallery was added and new seats were made, and many are beleived to have had new heart. But in the midst of the warmth, love, and caring he died on April1st, 1846, he was buried in Zoar, Neath.Further, Godrerhos church was wihout a minister again, and the Lord moved their hearts toward brother Henry Rees, a member of Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, who was ordainedon March 9th and 10th ( See Diwygiwr, April 1847), to be their minister in association with Ystrad. May the blessings of the eternal hills be upon them, and with the same faith that they have shown through the ages, may they live out their lives, and may His bow, my brother Rees, remain strong, may his hands be strengthened by the hands of the god of Jacob - may the small become a thousand, the weak a strong nation and may they achieve this in their time. Having followed the story of religion in Godrerhos we can note some exceptional thimgs about this church.Not least being useful, as well as being old, it is the mother church for Alltwen, Vale of Neath as well as many of it's members have supported the formation of the cause at Onllwyn, and though the daughters are taller than their mother, this is often the way. It has been greatly blessed, it has raised many preachers, and some of them have been very useful. It was in Godrerhos that Revs. Joshua Evans, Cymer; John Thomas, Carbondale, America; Henry Davies, Town Missionary, Liverpool, were born and bred, as well as many others.Godrerhos has through all the changes - ministers dying, moving, choosing new ones - has never had any divisions among them, but have been as one almost all of the time. Undoubtedly they have a good name, and it is a comfort to be among them.Secondly, they are well known for the purity of their doctrine - they are not of the opinion that they know anything other than Jesus Christ, and him on the cross. The warmth of religion has remained in this small place from their forefathers, many of whom I remember for their warmth and faith. O! may their spirit be doubled in their seed, and bless their descendants. Mothers were buried in Israel from the old flock. and enough tears were shed for them to drown in. the current members are good listeners, warm singers, talented in prayer, may they all show truerepect before the great God, with a fiery zealousness and untiring labour in the work of the Lord."

We do not have much to add to the full history given above. Mr Henry Rees continued to serve this church faithfully as well as Ystrad, from the time of his ordination in March 1847, until his move to Americaon May 20th, 1869. On the second Sabbath in February, 1871, Mr R.W.Roberts, Pentrefoelas, Denbighshire began his ministry here and in Ystrad, as the successor to Mr Rees, his service promises to be successful and acceptable in both places. In 1856, the old chapel at Godrerhos was pulled down and a beautiful current chapel was built, it measures 36 by 30 feet and cost £416 / 9 / 8d, without counting the cost of transport, which was done by the parishioners without charge, the new chapel was opened on July 2nd and 3rd 1856, when sermons were given by Messrs Griffiths, Alltwen; Griffiths, Abertawy; Mathews, Castellnedd; Thomas, Bryn, Llanelli; Thomas, Glandwr; Davies, Cwmaman; Daniel, Mynyddbach,and others. During the ten o'clock service on the second day, enough had been collected to pay off the debt.

The church of Godrerhos has never had high membership, it could not be as the population of the surroinding countryside is very thin, although now with coalmines opening all around, the population is likely to rise soon, with the likelyhood of a good congregation in the near future.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES

HENRY THOMAS.There is no more history to give about him other than that given with the history of the church above. He died in August, 1802, at 90 years old, he was buried at Godrerhos. It appears that in his youth and middle years he was industrious and successful. He gave up his ministry because of ill health, or some reason not known to us, more than thirty years before he died.

MORRIS WILLIAMS.He was born in Llanllwyni, Carmarthenshire, in 1733. It appears that he began his religious career in either Rhydybont or Pencadair. We know nothing of his early life. He was ordained in Godrerhos and Ty'ncoed, around 1733, and he died aged 66 years on May 3rd, 1799. He was buried in Godrerhos. It appears that he was industrious and well respected, with an evangelical outlook of a preacher. He was also a good Doctor, particurlarly for setting bones and joints. One of his sons was a successful Doctor of Orthopaedics, and his grandson also, Mr JohnWilliams of Aberdare.

MORGAN LEWIS. See history of Glynnedd.

WILLIAM WILLIAMS. He spent some time in Newtown before coming to Godrerhos. We beleive he began his ministry here in 1811, when Mr Morgan Lewis left. In 1816 he left for Philadelphia, Carmarthenshire, but within a short time there was a diagreement between him and the chapel. He then turned to the Baptists and was for many years a minister with that denomination at Melin-Evan-Ddu, Glamorganshire, where he died some years ago.

THOMAS EDWARDS.Mr Griffiths, Alltwen tells us he was a native of Caerphilly, and that he was originally a member of Groeswen. He was a draper by trade and kept a large shopin Neath for many years. His wife was the daughter off Mr Rees Rees, one of the Independents who tried to turn Mr Bowen out of Maesyrhaf, and she like her father was of the Independent persuasion. She was heard to utter these arrogant words "Edwards is always wittering on about his Christ, but I shall be the one entering heaven behind his Christ". Mr Edwards cared for Crwys and Rhydymardy for seven or eight yearsand it appears that Godrerhos was under his care between 1816and 1822. When his business was in trouble he spent some time in Dowlais, then in Cardiff. He moved from there to America in 1829. We have no further history for him. he was considered a famous preacher. he was a high Calvinist in his opinions. It is said that he was in trouble at a ministerial meeting for preaching on the justification of those elected for eternity. Mr Davies Alltwen held a high opinion of him and asked him to preach his funeral sermon."

Y GURNOS   (Llangiwg parish)

Translated by Maureen Saycell (March 2008)

 

(Vol 2, p 178)

Saif y capel hwn ar derfyn dwyreiniol plwyf Llanguwg, ac yn ymyl Gorsaf Ystalyfera, ar y Swansea Vale Railway. Yr oedd aelodau perthynol i Gwmllynfell, Godrerhos, a'r Alltwen yn preswylio yn yr ardal hon er's amryw oesau, ac yn arfer cynal cyfarfodydd gweddio o dy i dy.  Pan ffurfiwyd eglwys yn y Pantteg ymunasant a'r achos yno, ond parhasant gynal cyfarfodydd gweddio yn yr ardal fel o'r blaen, a "Changen y Gurnos " y gelwid hwy gan eglwys y Pantteg. Yn 1839, adeiladodd y Wesleyaid gapel bychan yma, ond ni fu fawr lewyrch ar eu hachos, ac yn 1856, hysbysodd y gynnadledd ei fod ar werth. Pan glywodd eglwys y Pantteg hyny, rhoddasant awdurdod i'w gweinidog, Mr. Griffiths, o'r Alltwen, i'w brynu, a phrynodd ef. Yn 1857, corpholwyd " Cangen y Gurnos" yn eglwys Annibynol. Bu Mr. Griffiths yn gofalu am yr eglwys ieuangc am rai misoedd nes gosod pob peth mewn trefn. Yna anogodd hwynt i edrych allan am weinidog iddynt eu hunain. Penderfynasant yn unfrydol i roddi galwad i'w hen gymydog Mr. Benjamin Thomas, gweinidog yr eglwys Gymreig yn Walker, ger NewcastleonTyne. Cynaliwyd cyfarfod sefydliad Mr. Thomas yma Sul a Llun y Sulgwyn, 1858, pryd y cymerwyd rhan yn y gwasanaeth gun Meistri Rees, Ystrad; Griffiths, Alltwen; Pryse, Cwmllynfell; Jones, Treforis; Davies, Treforis; Lewis, Ty'nycoed, ac eraill.

Yn mhen blwyddyn ar ol sefydliad Mr. Thomas aeth y capel yn rhy fychan fel y bu raid gosod oriel ynddo. Erbyn 1864, yr oedd wedi myned drachefn yn rhy fychan fel y bu raid ei helaethu i'w faint presenol. Costiodd ei bryniad a'i helaethiad ddwywaith 761p., ond nid oes yn awr ond ychydig iawn o'r ddyled yn aros arno. Mae yn addoldy hardd a nodedig o gyfleus, ac yn cynwys tua chwe' chant o eisteddleoedd, a chynnulleidfa dda ac eglwys wresog a gweithgar yn ymgynnull iddo.

Cyfodwyd dau i bregethu yn yr eglwys hon, sef E. G. Jones, gweinidog yr eglwys yn Nhreorci, Morganwg, a T. P. Evans, gweinidog yr eglwys Annibynol yn y Ceinewydd, sir Aberteifi.

Er nad yw yr achos hwn ond ieuangc, mae nifer o'r hen frodyr ffyddlon a'i cychwynodd wedi gorphen eu gyrfa ddaearol; megis Dafydd Simmon, John Glee, William Bowen, ac amryw eraill y rhai y mae eu coffadwnaeth yn arogli yn beraidd yn yr ardal**.

**Llythyr Mr. Thomas

Translation by Maureen Saycell (March 2008)

This chapel stands at the eastern end of the parish of Llanguwg, close to the Ystalyfera station on the Swansea Vale Railway. The members belong to Cwmllyfnell, Godrerhos a'r Alltwen living in this area and holding prayer meetings from house to house for many years.When Pantteg was formed, they joined there, but they continued to move from house to house for prayer meetings and they were known as "Cangen y Gurnos" by the members of Pantteg. In 1839, the Wesleyans built a small chapel here, but their cause did not flourish, and in 1856 it was put up for sale. When the church at Pantteg heard this they gave Mr Griffiths, Alltwen, permission to buy, which he did.In 1857 "Cangen y Gurnos" was established as an Independent Church. Mr Griffiths took care of the young church for some months until everything was in order. Then he encouraged them to look for a ministerof their own. They gave an united call to an old neighbour Mr Benjamin Thomas, minister of the Welsh Church , Walker, Newcastle on Tyne.The induction services were held Whit Sunday and Monday 1858, when the following ministers took part Messrs Rees, Ystrad; Griffiths, Alltwen; Pryse, Cwmllynfell; Jones, Treforis; Davies, Treforis; Lewis, Ty'nycoed, and others.

Within a year of Mr Thomas arriving the chapel became too small, and a gallery had to be added. By 1864, it was again too small and it was extended to it's current size. The cost of buying and the two extensions was £761, but there is little debt still outstanding now. It is a handsome house of worship, and notably convenient, containing 600 seats, it has a good congregation and those that gather here are industrious and welcoming.

Two preachers were raised here:-

  • E.G.JONES, Minister in Treorchy, Glamorganshire
  • T.P.EVANS, Minister of the Independent Church at New Quay, Cardiganshire

Although this cause is still young, many of the faithful brothers who established it have departed their earthly career, such as Dafydd Simmon, John Glee, William Bowen, and many others whose memory is still sweet in the area.**

**Llythyr Mr. Thomas / Letter of Mr Thomas

BETHEL, GLANTWRCH  (Ystradgynlais parish in BRE)

Translated by Maureen Saycell (March 2008)

 

(Vol 2, p 179)

Mae y capel hwn o fewn terfynau plwyf Llangiwg, yn Morganwg, ond o fewn ychydig latheni i blwyf Ystradgynlais yn Mrycheiniog. Saif ar lan yr afon Twrch, tua haner milldir uwchlaw capel y Gurnos. Dechreuwyd yr achos yma tua'r flwyddyn 1850, mewn anedd-dy o'r enw y Felinganol, preswylfod William John Thomas, un o ddiaconiaid yr eglwys yn Nghwmllynfell, a bu ef a William Llewellyn yn ei flaenori a'i fagu am flynyddau fel cangen o Gwmllynfell. Pregethai Mr Pryse, Cwmllynfell yn achlysurol i'r gangen hon, a bu Mr B. Thomas, Gurnos yn pregethu yn fisol iddi am rai blynyddau. Yn y flwyddyn 1861, cyn fod y capel wedi ei gwbl orphen, corpholwyd y gangen hon yn eglwys annibynol ar y fam-eglwys yn Nghwmllynfell, pryd y gweinyddwyd yr ordinhad o Swper yr Arglwydd gan Mr Pryse, yn cael ei gynorthwyo gan amryw o ddiacomaid ei eglwys. Mr Thomas Griffiths, Masnachydd, Ystalyfera, a Mr H. Rees, o'r Ystrad fu a'r llaw flaenaf gydag adeiladu y capel. Bu Mr Rees hefyd yn gofalu am yr eglwys fel ei gweinidog am rai misoedd, ond oherwydd helaethrwydd cylch ei llafur, bu raid iddo roddi ei ofal yma i fyny yn dra buan.

 Mae llafur a ffyddlondeb William Thomas, Isaac Williams, John Jones, Owen John, Owen Owen, David Owen, ac eraill, gydag adeiladaeth y capel hefyd yn teilyngu coffâd. Pan ddechreuwyd adeiladu yr oedd sefyllfa fasnachol yr ardal yn dra llewyrchus, ond cyn gorphen gwaethygodd pethau yn fawr iawn. Agorwyd y capel yn mis Hydref, 1861, ac yn mis Mawrth, 1862, sefydlwyd Mr E. Evans yn weinidog yma, mewn cysylltiad a'r Sciwen. Bu Mr Evans un gofalu am y lle hyd 1868, ond yn ngwyneb llawer o ddigalondid oherwydd marweiddra masnach y lle, ac ymadawiad llawer o'r aelodau o'r ardal. Yn Chwefror, 1869, rhoddwyd galwad i Mr L. P. Humphreys, y gweinidog presenol, a chynaliwyd cyfarfod ei sefydliad yma Mehefin 13eg a'r 14eg, y flwyddyn hono, pryd y gweinyddwyd gan Mr M. D. Jones, Bala; Dr. Rees, Abertawy, ac eraill. Mae yr achos hwn wedi gorfod gweithio ei ffordd trwy lawer o anhawsderau. Bu y ddyled ar y capel am flynyddau, oherwydd marweidd-dra y gweithiau, yn faich braidd annyoddefol ar ysgwyddau yr eglwys fechan, ond y mae yn dyfod i lawr yn raddol a'r achos yn ychwanegu nerth o flwyddyn i flwyddyn er's amser bellach. Mae y capel yn adeilad hardd a chyfleus ac yn cynwys o bedwar i bum' cant o eisteddleoedd.

Yr unig bregethwr a gyfodwyd yma yw

  • Mr. John Elias, gweinidog presenol Salem, Trelyn, Mynwy.

Translation by Maureen Saycell (March 2008)

This chapel is within the boundaries of Llangiwg, Glamorganshire, but within a few yards of the parish of Ystradgynlais, Breconshire. It stands on the banks of the River Twrch, about half a mile above the chapel at Gurnos. The cause was started here around 1850, in a dwelling house named Felinganol, home of William John Thomas, one of the deacons at Cwmllynfell, both he and William Llewellyn led and nurtured it for many years as a branch of Cwmllynfell. Mr Pryse, Cwmllynfell preached here occasionally and Mr B. Thomas, Gurnos preached here once a month for some years.In 1861, before the chapel was completed, this was established as a branch of Cwmllynfell Independent Church. Mr Thomas Griffiths, Businessman, Ystalyfera, a Mr H. Rees, of Ystrad were the leaders in the building of the chapel. Mr Rees also served as Minister for some months, but because of his large parish he soon had to give up.The work and fidelity of William Thomas, Isaac Williams, John Jones, Owen John, Owen Owen, David Owen, and others with the building of the chapel deserve mention. When building began the industrial status of the area was very good, but had deteriorated considerably before it was finished. The chapel was opened in October, 1861, and in March 1862, the induction of Mr E Evans took place, in association with Skewen.Mr Evans cared for this place until 1868, in the face of industrial depression, and the departure of many nenbers from the area.In February 1869, a call was sent to Mr L.P.Humphreys, the current minister. His induction took place June 13th and 14th, that year, when the following ministers took part Mr M. D. Jones, Bala; Dr. Rees, Swansea, and others. This cause has had to work through many difficulties. The debt dragged on for many years due to the industrial depression, a very heavy wight on the shoulders of this small church, it is reducing slowly and the cause is strengthening year on year for some time now. The chapel is a beautiful building and contains from four to five hundred seats.

Only one preacher was raised here:-

  • MR JOHN ELIAS the current minister of Salem, Trelyn, Monmouthshire

Y WERN, YSTALYFERA (Llangiwg parish)

Translated by Maureen Saycell (March 2008)

 

(Vol 2, p 180)

Mae y capel hwn yn ymyl y ffordd, tua thri chwarter milldir uwchlaw y Pantteg, a chwarter milldir islaw capel y Gurnos. Gan fod y boblogaeth mor luosog a chynyddol, a bod capel y Pantteg yn rhy lawn, barnai llawer fod galwad am sefydlu achos newydd yn y gymydogaeth hon. Yn nechreu mis Mai, 1863, ffurfi wyd pwyllgor o ddegarhugain o bersonau, a chydunodd y pwyllgor hwnw i roddi y gwaith o gynllunio a gofalu am adeiladaeth y capel i Mr. Thomas Griffiths, masnachydd, Ystalyfera, yr hwn a ymgymerodd a'r gwaith ac a'i cyflawnodd yn effeithiol.

Pregethwyd ar sylfaen y capel newydd ar brydnawn y Sabboth, Gorphenaf 19eg, 1863, gan Dr. Rees, Abertawy, a Mr. Griffiths, Alltwen; ac agorwyd ef Medi 6ed a'r 7fed, 1864, pryd y pregethodd Meistri Thomas, Bangor; Oliver, B.A., Pontypridd; Daniel, Pontypool; Rees, Llanelli; Davies, Llandilo, ac Evans, a Davies, Treforis. Mae y capel yn adeilad cadarn a hardd, yn cynwys tua 500 o eisteddleoedd, ac ysgoldy eang odditano. Costiodd 1181p., ac y mae y rhan fwyaf o'r swm hwn wedi ei gasglu bellach. Ffurfiwyd yma eglwys yn cynwys amryw ugeiniau o aelodau o'r Pantteg, a rhai o eglwysi cymydogaethol eraill, Gorphenaf 12fed, 1864. O'r pryd hwnw bu yr eglwys yn ymddibynu ar weinidogaeth achlysurol hyd Gorphenaf 5ed, 1866, pryd y rhoddwyd galwad i Mr Owen Jones, o brif athrofa Glasgow, ac urddwyd ef Mehefin 4ydd a'r 5ed, yr un flwyddyn. Ar yr achlysur eglurwyd natur eglwys gan Mr R. Thomas, Bangor; holwyd y gweinidog gan Mr R. Williams, Bethesda; gweddiodd Mr P. Griffiths, Alltwen; pregethodd Mr M. D. Jones, Bala, ar ddyledswydd y gweinidog, a Mr D. Rees, Llanelli, ar ddyledswydd. yr eglwys.*

Bu Mr. Jones yn llafurio yma gyda derbyniad a pharch neillduol hyd Medi lleg, 1870, pryd y symudodd i Ebenezer, sir Gaernarfon. Mae yr eglwys heb yr un gweinidog sefydlog oddiar ymadawiad Mr. Jones, ond y mae yn edrych allan yn awyddus am un cymwys, ac yn barod i gynal y neb a ddewiso yn deilwng o'r efengyl a'r oes. Mae yr eglwys a'r gynnulleidfa yn y lle hwn o'r dechreuad wedi dangos yr ysbryd mwyaf haelionus. Hyderwn yr enfyn yr Arglwydd yn fuan ddyn cymwys iddynt.

*Dysgedydd, 1866. Tudal. 248.

Translation by Maureen Saycell (March 2008)

This chapel is by the road, about three quarter of a mile above Pantteg, and a quarter of a mile below Gurnos. As the population is increasing, and Pantteg Chapel too full, many judged that there was a need for another cause in this area.At the beginning of May 1863, a commitee of about thirty was formed, they in  turn agreed that the responsibility of desinging and building of the chapel should go to Mr Thomas Griffiths , businesman of Ystalyfera, who undertook the work and completed it very efficiently.A sermon was preached on the foundations of the chapelon the afternoon of the Sunday, July 19th, 1863, by Dr Rees, Swansea, and Mr Griffiths, Alltwen. It was opened on September 6th and 7th, 1864 when the following ministers preached by Messrs Thomas, Bangor; Oliver, B.A., Pontypridd; Daniel, Pontypool; Rees, Llanelli; Davies, Llandilo, and Evans, and Davies, Treforis. It is a strong , attractive building with around 500 seats, and a large schoolroom below. It cost £1,181, and most of that has been collected by now. A church was formed here including many members from Pantteg and other churches in the communities nearby, on July 29th 1864.From that time the church depended on an occasional ministry until July 5th,1866, when a call was sent to Mr Owen Jones, from the Main College in Glasgow, he was ordained on June 4th and 5th of the same year.** On this occasion the nature of a church was explained by  Mr R. Thomas, Bangor; the minister was challenged by Mr R. Williams, Bethesda; prayers were said by Mr P. Griffiths, Alltwen;a sermon was given by Mr M. D. Jones, Bala, on the duty of a minister, and Mr D. Rees, Llanelli,on the duty of a church.*Mr Jones worked here with exceptional respect and acceptance until September 11th, 1870, when he moved to Ebenezer, Caernarfonshire. The church has not had a setled minister since Mr Jones left, but they are looking for a suitable candidate, and they are prepared to support any candidate who is deserving in the gospels and the age. We hope  the Lord will soon send them a suitable man.

*Dysgedydd, 1866. page 248.

**Translation note - these dates may be incorrect in original document as they are not chronological.

YSTALYFERA, (SAESONEG.)  (Llangiwg parish)

Translated by Maureen Saycell (March 2008)

 

(Vol 2, p 180)

Yr oedd amryw Saeson yn y gymydogaeth boblog hon, a rhai o honynt yn Annibynwyr, ond yn gorfod myned i'r Eglwys Wladol gan nad oedd gwasanaeth Saesonig mewn un capel Ymneillduol yn y lle. Ar ol ymgynghori a'u gilydd, a chael pob calondid gan weinidogion Cymreig y gymydogaeth, cawsant fenthyg capel y Wern am unarddeg y bore a thri o'r gloch yn y prydnawn bob Sabboth at gynal gwasanaeth Saesonig. Dechreuwyd cynal y moddion ar y Sabboth Ionawr 12fed, 1868, pryd y pregethodd Dr. Rees, Abertawy, i gynnulleidfaoedd lluosog yn y bore a'r prydnawn. Parhawyd i gynal gwasanaeth yn y drefn hon yn nghapel y Wern nes i'r capel Saesonig gael ei orphen a'i agor. Gosodwyd careg sylfaen y capel newydd gan y diweddar Mr H. O. Wills, Bryste, Medi 10fed, 1868. Gorphenwyd yr adeilad, a chafodd ei agor Gorphenaf laf, 1869. Rhoddodd Mr S. Morley 225p. at draul yr adeiladaeth. Costiodd o gwbl tua 1200p. ac y mae dros 700p. o'r ddyled wedi ei dalu. Mae y capel yn un destlus dros ben ac yn addurn i'r gymydogaeth. Mae yma eglwys o tua degarhugain o aelodau ac Ysgol Sabbothol nodedig o lewyrchus. Yn mis Hydref, 1869, rhoddwyd galwad i Mr Joseph Johns, o athrofa Aberhonddu, yr hwn a urddwyd yma yr 28ain o'r mis hwnw.

Cyflawnwyd gwasanaeth yr urddiad yn y drefn ganlynol: - pregethodd Mr Jones, Heolycastell, Abertawy, ar natur eglwys; derbyniwyd y gyffes ffydd gan Mr Thomas, Glandwr; gweddiwyd yr urddweddi gan Dr. Rees, Abertawy; pregethwyd ar ddyledswydd y gweinidog gan Mr Morris, Aberhonddu, ac ar ddyledswydd yr eglwys gan Mr Williams, Canaan. Mae Mr Johns yn parhau i lafurio yma gyda mesur helaeth o lwyddiant. Mae yr eglwys, y gynnulleidfa, a'r Ysgol Sabbothol, yn cynyddu yn raddol, a phob argoel y bydd yma achos llewyrchus a hunangynaliol yn mhen ychydig iawn o flynyddau. The ordination was as follows:-Mr Jones, Heolycastell, Abertawy, on the nature of a church;**confession was heard by **Mr Thomas, Glandwr; ordination prayer by Dr. Rees, Abertawy; a sermon on the duties of a minister by Mr Morris, Aberhonddu, the duties of a church by Mr Williams, Canaan. Mr Jones remains here successfully and industriously. The church, congregation, Sunday school are all growing gradually, and there is hope of a selfsufficient successful church ina few years.

Yn mysg y rhai mwyaf blaenllaw yn nghychwyniad yr achos, gellir enwi Mr Parish, un o oruchwylwyr gwaith Ystalyfera; Mr Bayne, perchenog gwaith glô Hendreforgan, a Mr White, arolygydd Camlas Glyntawy. Dan arolygiaeth Mr White yr adeiladwyd y capel, ac y mae tlysni yr adeilad yn anrhydedd i'w wybodaeth a'i chwaeth fel cynllunydd adeiladau.

Translation by Maureen Saycell (March 2008)

There were many English speakers in this highly populated area, some of them Independent, but they were forced to go to the Established Church, because there were no English services in any of the nonconformist churches. After consultation and gaining the support of the local Welsh ministers, they borrowed Capel y Wern at 11 am and 3 pm every Sunday to hold English services. The first service was held on January 12th, 1868, when Dr Rees, Swansea preached to large congregations morning and afternoon. This order of servicescontinues until the English Chapel was completed and opened.The foundation stone for the new chapel was laid by Mr H. O. Wills, Bristol on September 10th, 1868. The building was completed and was opened on July 1st, 1869. Mr S. Morley donated £225 to the cost of building. The complete cost was around £1,200 and over £700 has already been paid.The chapel is very neat and an adornment to the neighbourhood. The church has about thirty members and a very successful Sunday School. In october, 1869, a call was sent to Mr Joseph Johns, from Brecon College, who was ordained on the 28th of that month.The ordination was as follows:-Mr Jones, Heolycastell, Abertawy, on the nature of a church;**confession was heard by **Mr Thomas, Glandwr; ordination prayer by Dr. Rees, Abertawy; a sermon on the duties of a minister by Mr Morris, Aberhonddu, the duties of a church by Mr Williams, Canaan. Mr Jones remains here successfully and industriously. The church, congregation, Sunday school are all growing gradually, and there is hope of a selfsufficient successful church ina few years.

In the midst of the leaders at the beginning were Mr Parish, an overseer at the Ystalyfera Works, Mr Bayne, owner of Hendreforgan coalworks, Mr White , oversees if the Glyntawe canal. Mr White oversaw the building of the chapel, and it is a testament to his abilitiesas a designer of buildings.

GOSEN, CRAIG TREBANOS  (Llangyfelach parish)

Translated by Maureen Saycell (March 2008)

 

(Vol 2, p 182)

Cymydogaeth boblog rhwng Pontardawy a Chlydach yw Craigtrebanos. Ychydig flynyddau yn ol darfu i nifer o aelodau yr Alltwen a'r Glais, a gyfaneddent yn yr ardal hon, gymeryd ystafell fechan at gynal cyfarfodydd gweddio a phregethu achlysurol, yn benaf er mwyn yr hen bobl oeddynt yn analluog i gerdded i'r Alltwen a'r Glais. Yn fuan penderfynasant adeiladu ysgoldy, neu gapel bychan, o werth tua chan'gini. Agorwyd ef Tachwedd 1leg, 1866, a galwyd ei enw ef Gosen. Yn mhen amser, wrth weled yr achos yn llwyddo, daethant i'r penderfyniad i ofyn caniatad y ddwy fameglwys am gael en ffurfio yn eglwys Annibynol, yr hyn a ganiatawyd iddynt. Cafodd tua phedwararhugain o aelodau eu gollyngdod o'r Alltwen a'r un nifer o'r Glais. Corpholwyd yr eglwys yn y flwyddyn 1869, pryd y gweinyddwyd yr ordinhad o Swper yr Arglwydd gan Mr Griffiths, o'r Alltwen, a Mr Owen, Clydach, a than eu gofal unol hwy y mae yr eglwys ieuangc hyd yn bresenol. Ar amser ffurfiad yr eglwys, neillduwyd y brodyr Edward Thomas a John Williams yn ddiaconaid. Mae yma achos bychan mewn agwedd obeithiol, a digon tebygol, gydag amser, y daw yma eglwys gref gan fod poblogaeth yr ardal yn cynyddu yn raddol.*

* Llythyrau Mr Griffiths a Mr Owen.

Translation by Maureen Saycell (March 2008)

Craigtrebanos is a populous neighbourhood between Pontardawe and Clydach.Some years ago a number of members of Alltwen and Glais who live din this area, took a small room to hold prayer meetings and ossasional preaching mainly for the old people thar were unable to walk to Alltwen or Glais.Soon they decided to build a schoolhouse or small chapel worth around £100 guineas. It was openedon November 11th,1866, and it was named Gosen. In time as they could see th cause was succeeding, they decided to ask the mother church permission to form an Independent church, which was granted. Around 80 were released by Alltwen and about the same by Glais.A church was formed in 1869, when holy Communion was celebrated byMr Griffiths, Alltwen and Mr Owen, Clydach. The young church is under their care at present. At the timethe brothers Edward Thomas and John Wiliams were appointed as Deacons. This is a small but promising cause and with time will become strong with the increase of population.*

* Letters of Mr Griffiths and Mr Owen.