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Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru

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(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)  - no translations

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

Proof read by Melanie Stark (March 2008)

PORTHYCAWL (Newton Nottage parish)

(Vol 2, p 371)

Gan fod masnach fawr a chynyddol yn cael ei dwyn yn mlaen yn y lle hwn, ac argoelion y bydd yma lawer o filoedd o drigolion yn mhen ychydig flynyddau, a bod llawer o'r trigolion presenol, yn enwedig yr ieuengctyd, yn fwy hoff o'r Saesoneg nag o'r Gymraeg, barnodd Mr. Davies, Caerdydd, ar ol ymgynghori a Mr. Isaac Jones, gweinidog yr eglwys yn y Drefnewydd, fod y lle yn un cyfaddas lawn i ddechreu achos Annibynol Saesonig ynddo, a chymeradwyodd yr ardal i sylw S. Morley, Ysw., A.S., fel lle addas iddo ef osad allan ran o'r pum' mil punau a addawsai at adeiladu capeli Saesonig yn Neheudir Cymru. Dechreuwyd adeiladu y capel yn Mehefin 1870, and ni chafodd ei lwyr orphen cyn diwedd y flwyddyn 1871. Ar y Sul, Chwefror 18fed, 1872, y cynaliwyd y gwasanaeth crefyddol cyntaf yn yr adeilad newydd, pryd y pregethodd Mr. W. Jones, Heol y Castell, Abertawy, y boreu a'r hwyr i gynnulleidfaoedd lluosog. Y ddau Sabboth canlynol pregethodd Mr. S. L. Phillips, Castellnedd, a Mr. J. B. Jones, B.A., Penybont, Mawrth 18fed, 1872, corpholwyd yma eglwys o ddeg o aelodau. Gweinyddwyd ar yr achlysur gan Meistri I. Jones, Drefnewydd, a J. B. Jones, Penybont. Yr ydym yn deall yn awr fod pump eraill wedi eu hychwanegu at yr eglwys fechan fel y mae rhif yr aelodau yn bresenol yn bymtheg. Ar ffurfiad yr eglwys rhoddwyd galwad i Mr. Watkin Joseph, gweinidog ieuangc parchus yn nghyfundeb y Trefnyddion Calfinaidd, a dechreuodd ei lafur yma fel gweinidog Annibynol Ebrill 7fed, 1872, ac ar yr 16eg o'r un mis cynaliwyd cyfarfod ei sefydliad. Pregethodd Meistri I. B. Jones, B.A., ar natur eglwys; T. Rees, D.D,  Abertawy, ar ddyledswydd y gweinidog, a B. Williams, Canaan, ar ddyledswydd yr eglwys; pregethwyd hefyd. yn ystod y dydd gan Mr. Thomas, Glandwr, a Mr. Davies, Maesteg. Mae yma arwyddion tra gobeithiol am achos cryf a llwyddianus gydag amser. Mae y capel yn sefyll mewn man cyfieus lawn, ac yn adeilad prydforth dros ben, o gynlluniad Mr. Thomas, Glandwr. Trawl yr adeiladaeth oedd 500p., ac y mae tua 200p. o'r swm yma wedi eu talu yn bared, a diau nad erys y gweddill yn hir i fod yn faich ar nab.

Translation by Steve Stephenson (Feb 2009)

Because business was great and increasing in this place and promising that within a few years there would be thousands of inhabitants, and because lots of the present inhabitants, especially the younger ones, were more fond of English rather than Welsh, Mr Davies (Cardiff) decided, after consulting Mr Isaac Jones the minister in Newton, that the place was very suitable to start an English Independent cause in. He recommended to Mr S Morley, MP that the area was a place suitable for him to set aside a part of the five thousand pounds that had been promised to build English chapels in South Wales. The building of the chapel started in June 1870, but it was not finished before the end of 1871. On Sunday 18th February 1872 the first religious service was held in the new building, when Mr W Jones (Heol y Castell, Swansea) preached in the morning and in the evening to big congregations. On the two following Sundays Mr S L Phillips (Neath) and Mr J B Jones BA (Penybont) preached and ten members were admitted to the church here. Ministering on the occasion  were Messrs. I Jones (Newton) and J B Jones (Penybont). We understand now that five others had been added to the small church so that the number of members at present is fifteen. On the formation of the church a call was sent to Mr Watkin Joseph, a young respected minister in the Order of Calvinists and he started his work here as an Independent minister on April 7th 1872, and on the 16th of that month a meeting was held for his induction. Preaching were Messrs. I B Jones BA on the nature of the church, T Rees DD (Swansea) on the duties of the minister and B Williams (Canaan) on the duties of the church; preaching also during the day were Mr Thomas (Glandwr) and Mr Davies (Maesteg). There were rather hopeful signs here that the cause would be strong and successful with time.  The chapel stands in a very suitable place and the building is very beautiful from the plans of Mr Thomas (Glandwr).  The cost of building was £500 and around £200 of this sum has already been paid, and it is certain that it will not be long before the rest is not a burden to anyone.     

TREORCI (Ystradyfodwg parish)

(Vol 2, p 358)

Mae y lle hwn yn sefyll rhwng Bodringallt a Threherbert yn Nghwm-rhondda. Cynhelid moddion crefyddol mewn ystafell perthynol i dafarndy yn y lle, gan nifer o aelodau perthynol i Dreherbert a Bodringallt oedd yn byw yma. Yn Awst yn y flwyddyn 1865, ffurfiwyd yma eglwys fechan, o aelodau Bodringalit yn benaf. Gweinyddwyd ar achlysur ffurfiad yr eglwys gan Mr. D. Richards, Caerphili, a Mr. T. Lloyd, Bodringalit.. Codwyd yma gapel eang a ehyficus, yr hwn a alwyd y Tabernacl. Yn gynar yn y flwyddyn 1867, rhoddwyd galwad i Mr. E. Gurnos Jones, myfyriwr o athrofa Caerfyrddin, ac urddwyd ef Mehefin 18fed a'r 19eg. Ar yr achlysur pregethwyd ar natur eglwys gan Mr. W. Morgan, Caerfyrddin; holwyd y gofyniadau gan Mr. J. Davies, Taihirion; dyrchafwyd yr urddweddi gan Mr. W. Williams, Hirwaun; pregethwyd i'r gweinidog gan Mr. R. Thomas, Gurnos, ac i'r eglwys gan Mr. D. Price, Aberdar. Mae Mr. Jones yn parhau i weinidogaethu yma, ac y mae yn y lle erbyn hyn gynnulleidfa gref a lluosog; a chan ei fod yn lle canolbarthol yn y cwm y mae yma argoelion ffafriol gyda golwg ar y dyfodol.

Codwyd yma un pregethwr, sef John Howells, sydd yn awr clan addysg, yn parotoi i fyned i'r athrofa.

Translation by Steve Stephenson (Sept 2008)

This place stands between Bodringallt and Treherbert in Cwm Rhondda. Religious services were held in a room belonging to the public house here, with a number of members from Treherbert and Bodringallt who live here. In August 1865 a small church was formed mainly from Bodringallt members. The occasion of forming the church was led by Mr D Richards (Caerphilly) and Mr T Lloyd (Bodringallt). A large and comfortable chapel was built here and called the Tabernacle. Early in 1867 a call was sent to Mr E Gurnos Jones, a student of Carmarthen college, and he was ordained on June 18th and 19th. On the occasion Mr W Morgan (Carmarthen) preached on the nature of the church; the questions were asked by Mr J Davies (Taihirion); the prayers for ordination were raised by Mr W Wliiams (Hirwaun); the sermon to the minister was given by Mr R Thomas (Gurnos) and to the church by Mr D Price (Aberdar). Mr Jones continues  to minister here and the congregation is strong and numerous; and because the place is in the midst of the valley there are favourable signs for the outlook in the future.

BLAENLLECHAU  (Ystradyfodwg parish )

(Under Ferndale on chapels' database on Genuki)

 (Vol 2, p 359)

Nid oedd yn y cwm yma ddeng mlynedd yn ol ond congl anghysbell lle y trigai ryw ddeugain o gynfrodorion yr ardal, yn ddyeithr i'r byd, ac heb wybod ond ychydig am y byd mawr y tu allan. Pan y dechreuwyd agor am lo yma, ac i nifer o grefyddwyr ddyfod i'r ardal, ymunasant a'u gilydd i gynal moddion crefyddol, a chan mai Wesleyaid oeddynt gan mwyaf, yn ol ffurf yr enwad hwnw y dygid y gwasanaeth yn mlaen. Dechreuwyd cynal moddion Sabbothol yn niwedd 1862, yn nhy Morgan Hopkin, arolygwr y gwaith; and yn Ionawr, 1863, cymerwyd ystafell perthynol i Glynrhedynog Inn, ac yno y buwyd hyd fis Medi, pryd y rhoddwyd ystafell eang perthynol i swyddfa y gwaith at eu gwasanaeth gan D. Davies, Ysw., Blaengwawr. Buwyd yma am ddeuddeg mis yn cynal gwasanaeth Sabbothol ac wythnosol, a'r achos yn myned rhagddo yn obeithiol. Dechreuwyd adeiladu capel yn Ebrill, 1864, yr hwn a elwid y Capel bach, ac o gylch yr adeg yma, oblegid rhyw dramgwydd, ymadawodd y rhan fwyaf o'r Wesleyaid, ac ar y .15fed o Fai, corpholwyd yr eglwys yn ol y drefn Annihynol, gan Mr. D. Price, Siloa, Aberdar. Agorwyd y capel Medi laf. Ar yr achlysur gweinyddwyd gan Meistri D. Price. H. Hughes (Tegai), W. Edwards, S. Davies, Aberdar; R. Rowlands, Aberaman, a J. Morgan, Cwmbach. Nid oedd rhif yr aelodau ond 20 pan yr aethant i'r capel newydd. Rhoddwyd galwad i Mr. Lot Lake, ac urddwyd ef Gorphenaf 30ain, 1866, pryd y gweinyddwyd gan Meistri J. Davies, Cwmaruan, a D. Jones, Hermon; a chyn diwedd y flwyddyn hono yr oedd rhif yr aelodau yn 72. With weled yr achos yn myned rhagddo, meddyliwyd am gael gwell capel, ac mewn gwell lle ac yn mis Gorphenaf 1867, gosodwyd i lawr sylfaen y capel presenol, a elwir Capel Trerhondda, ac agorwyd ef Mai 3ydd a'r 4ydd, 1868. Rhoddwyd 100p. at y capel newydd gan D. Davies, Ysw., un o berchenogion y gwaith, a bu Mr. Lake yn egniol yn casglu trwy y sir, a gweithiodd yr eglwys yn rhagorol gartref. Bu Mr. Lake yma hyd fis Mawrth, 1870, pryd y derbyniodd alwad o Langenech, Sir Gaerfyrddin, ac y symudodd yno; ac er hyny  y mae yr eglwys yma heb weinidog. Dyoddefodd yr achos yma yn fawr, fel lle newydd, oddi with arafwch masnach y blynyddoedd a aeth heibio; a gwnaed rhwyg mawr yn y lle gan y ddamwain alaethus a gymerodd le yma; ond y mae yma olwg siriol, er y cwbl, ar yr achos, a hyderwn fod dyfodol llwyddianus yn ei aros.

Translation by Steve Stephenson (Sept 2008)

There was nothing in this valley ten years ago except a remote corner with the dwellings of some forty of the original inhabitants of the area, unfamiliar with the world,and knowing only a little of the big world outside. When it started to open for coal here,and a number of believers came to the area, they joined together to hold religious gatherings, and because the Wesleyans were in the majority, after forming this denomination the service came along. Sunday meetings began to be held at the end of 1862,  in the house of Morgan Hopkin, superintendent of the works; and in January 1863, a room was taken belonging to Glynrhedynog Inn, and they were there until June, when a bigger room was given by D Davies Esq., Blaengwawr, belonging to the work's office for their service. They were there for 12 months holding a weekly Sunday service, and the cause progressed along. The church was hopeful. A chapel was started to be built in April 1864, this was called Capel Bach, and from the surrounding area, because of some obstacle, most of the Wesleyans left, and on the 15th of May the church was incorporated into the  Independent Movement by Mr D Price, Siloa, Aberdar. The chapel opened on June 1st. On the occasion Messrs. D Price, H Hughes (Tegai), W Edwards, S Davies (Aberdar), R Rowlands (Aberaman), and J Morgan (Cwmbach) officiated. Although there were only 20 members when they went to the new chapel. A call was sent to Mr Lot Lake, and he was ordained on 30th July 1866,when the officiating ministers were Messrs. J Davies (Cwmaruan) and D Jones (Hermon); and before the end of the year the number of members had grown to 72. Seeing the cause going along, thought was given to a better chapel in a better place and in July 1867 the foundations were laid for the present chapel, named Capel Trerhondda, and it was opened on May 3rd and 4th 1868. One hundred pounds was given to the new chapel by D Davies Esq., one of the owners of the works, and Mr Lake was strenuous in collecting throughout the county,  and he made the church a splendid home. Mr Lake was here until March 1870 when he received a call from Llangenech, Carmarthenshire, and he moved there; After that the church was without a minister. The cause here suffered greatly, like a new place, from the slowing of the years' business that passed by; and a big split was made in the place by the tragic accident that occurred here; but there is a cheerful outlook here for the cause, after everything, and confidence that a successful future is awaiting.

LLANSANTFFRAID-AR-LAI (St Bride's super Ely parish)

 (Vol 2, p 367)

Yr hyn a achlysurodd ddechreuad yr achos hwn, fel y nodasom yn hanes Taihirion, oedd i'r eglwys yn y lle hwnw wrthod rhoddi galwad Benjamin Morgan. Penderfynodd tua phedwararddeg o'r aelodau er hyny gael B. Morgan yn weinidog iddynt, ac i'r dyhen hwnw adeiladasant gapel bychan yn mhentref Llansantffraid. Agorwyd y capel ar y dydd cyntaf o Fai, 1834, ac ar yr un dydd urddwyd B. Morgan yn weinidog y lle. Nid oedd un gweinidog yn cymeryd rhan yn y gwasanaeth ond Mr. W. James, Caerdydd, a Mr. David Thomas, Llanfaches. Cafwyd arian at adedadu y capel gan Mr. Edward Llewellyn, Tynewydd, yr hwn oedd yn aelod yn y Taihirion. Yn y flwyddyn 1838, rhoddwyd yr eglwys yn rhydd o'r thlyled gan Mr. E. Turberville Llewellyn, ac felly, cafodd y frawdoliaeth fechan ei chapel yn ddiddyled yn dra buan. Er siomedigaeth i'w bleidwyr aeth B. Morgan yn rhy anheilwng ei fachedd yn mhen tua blwyddyn a haner ar of ei urddiad i gael ei oddef yn weinidog nac yn aelod eglwysig. Wedi ei ddiarddeliad ef, rhoddodd yr eglwys ei hun o dan ofal Mr. John Lewis, Taihirion, a bu dan ei ofal ef a Mr. Daniel Jones, Tresmiwn, hyd y flwyddyn 1838, pryd y cymerwyd ei gofal gan Mr. David Davies, Taihirion. Bu Mr. Davies yn weinidog yma hyd 1848, Pan y rhoddodd ei ofal i fyny wrth ymgymeryd a gofal yr eglwys Gymreig yn Nghaerodor. Yn y flwyddyn 1850, rhoddwyd galwad i Mr. Benjamin Lewis , mewn cysylltiad a Zoar, Llanfabon. Bu y lle dan ei ofal ef nes iddo ymfudo i'r America yb 1852. Wedi hyny buwyd yn ymddibynu ar weinidogaeth achlysurol hyd 1854, pryd y rhoddwyd galwad i Mr. William Russell, mown cysylltiad a'r Eglwysnewydd. Bu Mr. Russell yn llafurio yma, gyda chymeradwyaeth nodedig hyd fis Medi, 1857, pan yr analluogwyd of gan gystudd. Yn y cystudd hwnw collodd ei lafur, ac y mae o'r pryd hwnw hyd yn awr yn fud. Dilynwyd Mr. Russell yma, ac yn yr Eglwysnewydd, gan Mr. John Lloyd James, o athrofa Caerfyrddin. Urddwyd Mr. James yn Chwefror, 1860, a bu yn llafurio yn ddiwyd yn y cylch hwn hyd 1869, pryd y symudodd i Dowlais i gymeryd gofal yr eglwys Saesonig yno. Nid oes un gweinidog sefydlog wedi bod yma er pan yr ymadawodd Mr. James. Eglwys a chynnulleidfa fechan o angenrheidrwydd sydd ymagan nad yw poblogaeth yr ardal ond teneu. Yn ddiweddar prynwyd darn o dir yn ymyl y capel at gladdu y meirw. Costiodd 65p., ac y mae y cyfeillion yn awr yn ymegnio i dalu y ddyled hon.

Translation by Steve Stephenson (Feb 2009)

This cause was started, as was noted in the history of Taihirion, when the  church in that place refused to give a call to Benjamin Morgan. Around fourteen of the members decided nevertheless to have B Morgan as their minister, and to that purpose they built a small chapel in the village of St Bride's Super Ely. The chapel was opened on the first day of May 1834 and on the same day B Morgan was ordained as minister of the place. There was not only one minister taking part in the service but Mr W James (Cardiff) and Mr David Thomas (Llanfaches). Money was had for the building from Mr Edward Llewellyn (Tynewydd) who had been a member of Taihirion. In 1838 the church was cleared of debt by Mr E Turberville Llewellyn and therefore the small brotherhood had their church debt-free very quickly. Unfortunately for the members B Morgan became too unworthy in his conduct about a year and a half after his ordination to be allowed to remain as minister or as a member of the church. After his expulsion the church gave itself to the care of Mr John Lewis (Taihirion) and it was under his care and that of Mr David Jones (Bonvilston) until 1838 when the care of the church was taken by Mr David Davies (Taihirion). Mr Davies was minister here until 1848 when he gave up his position to undertake the care of the Welsh church in Bristol. In 1850 a call was sent to Mr Benjamin Lewis, in connection with Zoar, Llanfabon. The place was under his care until he emigrated to America in 1852. After this it was dependent on occasional ministry until 1854 when a call was sent to Mr William Russell in connection with Whitchurch. Mr Russell worked here with great approval until September 1857 when he became incapable throufh illness. In this illness he lost his ability to work and from that time until now he is dumb. Mr Russell was followed here, and in Whitchurch, by Mr John Lloyd James from Carmarthen college. Mr James was ordained in February 1860 and he worked diligently in this region until 1869 when he moved to Dowlais to take the care of the English church there. Not one established minister has been here since Mr James left. The church and small needful congegation are  split because the population of the region is dwindling. Lately a piece of land close to the chapel has been purchased to  bury the dead. It cost £65 and now the friends are working energetically to pay this debt.

BETHLEHEM, PENTYRCH

(Vol 2, p 368)

Yr oedd amryw o aelodau yr eglwys yn y Taihirion yn byw yn ymyl gwaith haiarn Pentyrch, ac yn cadw cyfarfodydd gweddio, Ysgol Sabbothol, cyfeillachau crefyddol, a phregethu achlysurol, mewn anedddai er y flwyddyn 1820, os nad cyn hyny ond gan nad oeddynt dros o ddeuddeg i bymtheg o rif, ni buont yn ddigon anturiaethus i adeiladu capel hyd tua y flwyddyn 1831 neu 1832. Y pryd hwnw adeiladwyd capel bychan, yr hwn a alwyd Bethlehem, a chafodd pedwararddeg o aelodau ollyngdod o'r Taihirion i ddyfod yma i ymffurfio yn eglwys. Darfu i rai o aelodau y Groeswen, a gyfaneddent yn yr ardal, ymuno a hwy. Mr. David Jones oedd y gweinidog yma, mewn cysylltiad a'r Taihirion, ond yn mhen ychydig gyda blwyddyn wedi agoriad y capel, darfu ei gysylltiad ef a'r ddau le, a symudodd i ardal Abertawy, ac yn fuan wedi hyny cymorodd ofal yr eglwys yn Nghlydach. Dilynwyd ef yn y Taihirion a Bethlehem gan Mr. John Lewis, yn nechreu y flwyddyn 1834, a bu yma hyd ddechreu 1837. Yn niwedd yr un flwyddyn, urddwyd Mr. David Davies, i fod yn weinidog yn y Taihirion ac yma, ond darfu ei gysylltiad of a'r ddau le yn gynar yn y flwyddyn 1838. Wedi hyny buwyd yn agos ddwy flynedd yn byw ar weinidogaeth achlysurol. Yn nechreu 1840, urddwyd Mr. Lemuel Smith i weinidogaethu yn y Taihirion a Bethlehem. Wedi dwy flynedd o lafur llwyddianus bu farw y gweinidog ieuangc a gobeithiol hwn. Wedi marwolaeth Mr. Smith, rhoddodd eglwys Bethlehem ei hun dan ofal Mr. John J ones, mewn cysylltiad a'r Rhydri, a than ei ofal ef y mae wedi bod er's dengmlyneddarhugain bellach, a'r achos wedi ychwanegu nerth mawr yn nhymor ei weinidogaeth. Cafodd y capel ei helaethu ddwywaith yn y tymor hwn, ac y mae yma fwriad yn bresenol i adeiladu capel newydd helaethach a phrydferthach. Mae yma yn awr eglwys gymharol luosog a chref iawn, wrth ystyried fod eglwysi o'r un enwad yn agos iddi yn mhob cyfeiriad. Nid ydym yn gwybod am ddim nodedig a gymerodd le yn hanes yr eglwys hon amgen nag iddi gael ei bendithio a mesur helaeth o'r adfywiad grymus a deimlwyd yn y rhan fwyaf o eglwysi Cymru yn 1859, a'r flwyddyn ganlynol.

Cafodd y personau canlynol eu cyfodi i bregethu yma :-

  • Daniel John Rees. Dechreuodd bregethu yn y flwyddyn 1834, ac yn fuan wedi hyny yrafudodd i America. Nid ydym yn gwybod ychwaneg o'i hanes.
  • William Russell. Dechreuodd yntau bregethu yn 1834. Urddwyd ef yn yr Eglwysnewydd a Llansantffraidarlai.
  • William Rees. Dechreuodd bregethu yn 1853, ac yn fuan wedi hyny ymfudodd i'r America.
  • Joseph Millward a ddechreuodd bregethu yn 1858, ac y mae yma etto yn bregethwr cynorthwyol defnyddiol a chymeradwy.
  • David Jones, mab Mr. Jones, y gweinidog. Addysgwyd ef yn athrofa Aberhonddu, ac y mae yn awr yn weinidog yn Nghwmrhos a Thretwr, Brycheiniog.
  • John Evans a ddechreuodd bregethu yn y flwyddyn 1866. Bu am ychydig amser ar ei draul ei hun yn athrofa y Bala, ac ymfudodd oddi yno i'r America.

Translation by Steve Stephenson (Feb 2009)

Several members of the church in Taihirion lived close to the Pentyrch Iron Works and were holding prayer meetings, a Sunday School, religious fellowship meetings and occasional services in homes since 1820, if not before that, but because they were no more than 12 or 15 in number they were not sufficiently adventurous to build a chapel until around 1831 or 1832. At that time they built a small chapel, which was called Bethlehem, and 40 members from Taihirion were released to come here to form a church. Some of the members left Groeswen and settled in the region and joined them. Mr David Jones was the minister here in connection with Taihirion but after around one year of the opening of the chapel he ended his connection with the two places and moved to the region of Swansea, and soon after that he received a call from the church in Clydach. He was followed in Taihirion and Bethlehem by Mr John Lewis at the start of 1834 and he was here until the beginning of 1837. At the end of that year Mr David Davies was ordained to be minister in Taihirion and in this place, but he ended his connection with the two places early in 1838. After that for almost two years they had only occasional ministry. At the start of 1840 Mr Lemuel Smith was ordained to the ministries in Taihirion and Bethlehem. After two years of successful work the young and promising minister died. After the death of Mr Smith the church in Bethlehem gave itself to the care of Mr John Jones, in connection with Rudry, and it has been under his care for the next thirty years and the cause has gained great strength during the time of his ministry. The church has been enlarged twice in this period and it is intended presently to build a new bigger and more handsome chapel.The church is now comparatively numerous and very strong, considering that there are churches of the same denomination close to it in all directions. We do not know of anything notable that took place in the history of this church other than it did not have the blessing in any large measure  from the strong revival which was felt in most parts of the churches in Wales in 1859 and the following years.

The following people were raised to preach here:-

  • Daniel John Rees. He started preaching in 1834 and soon after that emigrated to America. We do not know anything else of his history.
  • William Russell. He started preaching in 1834. He was ordained in Eglwysnewydd and St Bride's Super Ely.
  • William Rees. He started preaching in 1853 and soon after that he emigrated to America.
  • Joseph Millward. He started preaching in 1858 and is here now as a useful and approved assistant preacher.
  • David Jones, the son of Mr Jones the minister. He was educated in the college at Brecon and is now minister in Cwmrhos and Tretower, Breconshire.
  • John Evans. He started preaching in 1866. He was for some time at his own expense in the college at Bala. He emigrated from there to America.

BETHESDA, TONGWYNLAS  (Whitchurch parish)

(Vol 2, p 369)

Cangen yw yr eglwys hon o Bethlehem, Pentyreh, a than yr un weinidogaeth a'r fameglwys y mae wedi bod o ddechreuad yr achos hyd yn bresenol. Yr oedd amryw o aelodau Bethlehem yn cyfaneddu yn mhentref Tongwynlas, ac mewn canlyniad i'r adfywiad yn 1859, lluosogodd eu rhif i gymaint o raddau fel y teimlasant awydd am ddechreu achos yma. Cymerasant ystafell gyfleus at gynal moddion crefyddol yn 1859. Buont yn addoli yno hyd Mehefin, 1861, pryd yr agorwyd y capel. Mae y capel yn un helaeth, hardd, a chyfleus. Yr oedd golwg ryfeddol o obeithiol yma y pryd hwnw, ond yn fuan wedi hyny aeth masnach yr ardal yn farwaidd, fel y gwasgarwyd llawer o'r aelodau o'r gymydogaeth. Lled wan yw yr eglwys yn bresenol, ac nid yw y gwrandawyr ond ychydig mown cymhariaeth. Mae yn sicr pe cedwid y gwasanaeth yn unig yn yr iaith Saesonig y byddai y gynnulleidfa yn llawer lluosocach, gan fod y rhan fwyaf o ieuengctyd yr ardal yn hoffach o'r iaith Saesonig nag o'r Gymraeg.

Y pregethwyr a gyfodwyd yma ydynt, Methusalem Jones, mab Mr. Jones, y gweinidog, yr hwn sydd yn awr yn weinidog yr eglwysi yn Nhrehafod, a'r Tynewydd, Cwmrhondda, a T. R. Jenkins, yr hwn a ddechreuodd bregethu yn 1871, ac sydd yn awr dan ofal Dr. Pan Jones, Mostyn, yn parotoi gyferbyn a myned i athrofa.

Translation by Maureen Saycell (May 2009)

This is a branch of Bethlehem, Pentyrch, and has always been under the same ministry. Many members of Bethlehem lived in Tongwynlais and following the revival of 1859, numbers increased to the point that there was an urge to start a cause here. They rented a room suitable for worship in 1859. They continued to worship there until June 1861 when the chapel was opened. The chapel is large, handsome and convenient. At that time there was hope for the future, soon the industries in the area deteriorated and many moved away. The current church is weak, and the listeners are comparatively few. If services were held only in English the church would be much healthier as most of the young are happier using English in preference to Welsh.

Those raised to preach here are -

  • METHUSALEM JONES - son of Mr. Jones, minister - now a minister at Trehafod and Tynewydd, Cwmrhondda.
  • T. R. JENKINS - began preaching 1871, now in the care of Dr. Pan Jones, Mostyn, preparing for College.

SOAR, ABERDAR

(Vol 2, p 369)

Nifer o bobl a ymneillduasant o eglwys y Wesleyaid Cymreig a ddechreuasant yr achos hwn yn y flwyddyn 1852. Prif gynorthwywr yr eglwys hon oddiar ei ffurflad cyntaf hyd yn bresenol, yw David Davies, Ysw., Maesyffynon. Y gweinidog cyntaf yma oedd Mr. William Jones, yn awr o Elim, Tredegar. Bu Mr. Jones yn gofalu am yr arch yma tra y bu yn trigo mewn pabell, ond wedi adeiladu y capel yn 1858, gan nas gallasai wasanaethu y lle hwn a Thredegar yn effeithiol, rhoddwyd galwad i Mr. Stephen Davies, myfyriwr yn athrofa Caerfyrddin, ac urddwyd ef yma yn 1858. Parhaodd Mr. Davies yn ei gysylltiad bugeiliol a'r eglwys hon nes iddo pa ngwanwyn y flwyddyn 1866, dderbyn galwad o Peniel, Sir Gaerfyrddin, a symud yno. Ar ol ei ymadawiad ef bu yr eglwys am yn agos i flwyddyn yn ymddibynu ar weinidogaeth achlysurol. Yn nechreu y flwyddyn 1867, rhoddwyd galwad i Mr. John Davies, Pontygof, Mynwy, a'r hon y cydsyniodd, a dechreuodd ei weinidogaeth yma yn mis Mawrth, y flwyddyn hono. Mae Mr. Davies yn parhau i lenwi ei gylch yn effeithiol yma, ac yr ydym yn hyderu fod blynyddoedd lawer o ddefnyddioldeb yn ei aros yn y lle hwn.

Nid 'yw yr eglwys hon yn lluosog iawn, ond y mae yn un ragorol o weithgar yn ol ei rhif. Mae y capel yn adeilad hardd, yn cynwys tua chwe' chant o eisteddleoedd, ac agos yn rhydd o ddyled.

Yr unig un, cyn belled ag y gwyddom ni, a gyfodwyd yma i bregethu, ydyw Mr. Evan Evans, gweinidog yr eglwys Annibynol yn Mhenderyn, Brycheiniog.

 

It was a number of people seceding from the Wesleyan Welsh church who began this cause in 1852. The mainstay of this church from its inception until now has been David Davies Esq, Maesyffynon. The first minister here was Mr William Jones, now at Elim, Tredegar. Mr Jones took care of this place whilst he lived in a tent, but after the chapel was built in 1858, as he could not effectively service this place and Tredegar, they gave a call to Mr Stephen Davies, a student at Carmarthen College, and he was ordained here in 1858. Mr Davies continued in his sheperding role here until  the Spring of 1866 when he accepted a call from Peniel, Carmarthen, and moved there. After he left the church here was for almost a year reliant on occasional ministers. At the start of 1867 they gave a call to Mr John Davies, Pontygof, Monmouthshire, which he agreed to, and he began his ministry here in March of that year. Mr Davies continues to fulfill his role efectively here, and we are confident that there are many years of usefullness in his staying here.

This church isn't very numerous, but it is admirably industrious across its membership. The chapel is a beautiful building, convenient for about 600 seating, and almost free of debt.

The only one, as far as we know, who was raised here to preach, is Mr Evan Evans, minister of the Independent church in Penderyn, Breconshire.

MOUNTAIN ASH  [BETHANIA]  (Llanwonno parish)

(Vol 2, p 339)

Mae y lle hwn yn ngwaelod plwyf Aberdar, nid oedd yma flynyddau yn ol ond ychydig dai, ond erbyn hyn y mae yn lle mawr a phoblogaidd, a gweithfeydd yn ymagor ar bob llaw. Gwnaed cynyg ar sefydlu achos yma, a Chorpholwyd nifer o bersonau a ymadawsant a'r Bedyddwyr yn eglwys yn y lle tua'r flwyddyn 1844. ond ymddengys mai o ddynion yr oedd y cwbl, a diflanodd yr achos yn fuan. Yn y flwyddyn 1850, pan y dechreuwyd agor gwaith glo ac adeiladu tai yma, yr oedd yn mysg y dyfodiaid rai dynion crefyddol, y rhai a deimlent yn awyddus am gael moddion gras yn y lle. Dechreuasant gynal Ysgol Sabbothol a chyfarfodydd gweddi o dy i dy, ac yn y flwyddyn 1851, cymerasant weithdy cryddion a ddigwyddodd fod yn wag, ac erbyn hyn yr oeddynt yn cael ambell i bregethwr yn achlysurol o Aberdar, Cwmbach, a Throedyrhiw. Yr oedd Mr. John Jones, Rhydybont- ond adnabyddir yn well fel "Jones, Llangollen "- erbyn hyn wedi symud i Ferthyr i fwy a gwahoddwyd ef gan yr ychydig enwau oedd yma i bregethu iddynt; a chyda'i addewidion teg yr adeiladau gapel iddynt, llwyddodd i gael ganddynt roddi galwad iddo yn weinidog-ond deallasant yn fuan nad oedd pob peth yn amgylchiadau Mr. Jones yn foddhaol, a pharodd hyny rwyg blin yn yr eglwys fechan. Aeth tua deuddeg a honynt i Cwmbach, a llai na hyny oedd ar ol gyda Mr. Jones, heblaw ei deulu ei hun, ond parhai i bregethu i'r ychydig a ddeuai i'r gweithdy ato, a dechreuodd adeiladu capel newydd. Arferai Mr. Henry Lewis, Cwmbach, ddyfod i lawr i bregethu i'r rhai oedd yn aelodau gydag ef, rhai a gyfarfyddent i addoli yn nhy gwraig weddw o'r enw Mari Richard. Parhaodd pethau fel hyn dros dymor; ond yn y flwyddyn 1853, gadawodd Mr. Jones y wlad yn ddirgelaidd am America, gan adael y capel ar ei haner, a'r hyn a wnaed arno heb dalu am dano. Buy capel am naw mis yn sefyll fel yr ydoedd, a pherchen y tir yn dal ei hawl ynddo nes y digolledid ef am y defnyddiau a roddasai ato. Llwyddodd Meistri W. Edwards a D. Price, Aberdar, i gael gan y ddwy gangen i fyned at eu gilydd, ac ymgymeryd a chwblhau y capel a myned i mewn iddo; a Mr. Edwards, Aberdar, yn benaf fu yn bwrw golwg dros yr achos yn yr adeg helbulus yma. Agorwyd y capel, yr hwn a alwyd yn Bethania, Ionawr 30ain a'r 31ain, 1855, ac yr oedd holl draul ei adeiladiad yn 320p., a chasglwyd 60p. o'r swm hwnw ar ddydd yr agoriad. Yn mysg y rhai oedd fwyaf gweithgar gyda'r achos yn ei gychwyniad, yr oedd Daniel Rowlands, o Glynnedd; Morgan Morgan, o Libanus; John Thomas, o Benybont-ar-ogwy; David Davies, o'r Cymer, a David Williams, o Lanfabon. Ar ol hyny, tuag amser adeiladu ac agor y capel, daeth y personau canlynol yn mysg eraill yma, y rhai oedd flaenllaw gyda phob peth :-Ebenezer Jones, o'r Cwmbach; John Griffith a William Morgan, o Fynyddisiwyn; Thomas Fisher, David Rees, a Leonard Thomas, o Maesteg; Rees Thomas, o Aberdar, a Thomas Williams, o Lanybri; ac yr oedd gwragedd gan rai o honynt, y rhai a gymerasant lawer o boen er mwyn yr achos. Daeth John Griffith yma hefyd, yr hwn sydd wedi bod bellach am dymor hir o wasanaeth mawr i'r achos yn y lle, fel aelod defnyddiol, ac fel pregethwr cymeradwy.

Cyn hir wedi agor y capel, rhoddwyd galwad i Mr. Thomas Llewelyn, myfyriwr o athrofa Aberhonddu, ac urddwyd ef Awst 2i1, 1855. Ar yr achlysur pregethwyd ar natur eglwys gan Mr. J. Davies, Aberaman; holwyd y gotyniadau gan Mr. D. Price, Aberdar; dyrchafwyd yr urddweddi gan Mr. J. Thomas, Salem, Aberdar; pregethwyd i'r gweinidog gan Mr. J. D. Williams, Caerdydd, ac i'r eglwys gan Mr. W. Edwards, Aberdar.* Nid oedd yma ond 50 o aelodau pan urddwyd Mr. Llewelyn, ond y mae yr eglwys yn awr yn rhifo 360, a'r Ysgol Sabbothol o'r un nifer agos. Aeth y capel cyntaf yn rhy fychan, fel y bu raid adeiladu un arall yn mesur 50 troedfedd wrth 40 troedfedd; ac yr oedd y draul yn.950p., ac aed drachefn i 200p. a draul i adeiladu ysgoldy; ond y mae yr holl ddyled erbyn hyn wedi ei thynu o dan 250p.

Codwyd yma un pregethwr, sef John Herbert, ac y mae yn awr bregethwr cynorthwyol yn Zoar, Castellnedd.

Bendithiwyd yr eglwys yma ag adfywiadau grymus. Derbyniwyd yma 105 yr un nos Sabbath yn 1866, a thua 100 arall mewn ychydig fisoedd. Yn 1869 drachefn derbyniwyd o 80 i 100, ac y mae llawer o honynt yn aros etto. Mae y rhai sydd yn cofio y lle ugain mlynedd yn ol yn synu fad gwaith mor fawr wedi ei wneyd mewn tymor cymharol fyr. " O'r Arglwydd y daeth hyn, a rhyfedd yw yn ein golwg ni."

*Diwygiwr, 1855 Tu dal 313

Translation by Gareth Hicks (May 2009)

This place is at the bottom end of Aberdare parish, a few years ago there were just a few houses here, but by now there is a large population here, with works opening all over. They attempted to establish a cause here and formalise into a church a number of people who left the Baptists, around 1844, but it seems that o ddynion yr oedd y cwbl ?, and the cause soon vanished. In 1850, when they started to open coal mines and build houses here, there were amongst the incomers some religious men, and some who were desirous of having the means of grace in the place. They began to hold Sunday school and prayer meetings from house to house, and in 1851, took a shoemaker's workshop, which happened to be empty, and by this time were getting the occasional preacher from Aberdare, Cwmbach and Troedyrhiw. Mr John Jones, Rhydybont -  better known as "Jones, Llangollen" - had by then  moved to Merthyr to live, and the few of connection here invited him  to preach to them; and with the reasonable prospect of a chapel being built, succeeded in getting him here to give him a call as minister - but soon realised that not everything in Mr Jones's circumstances was satisfactory, and that continued as a distressing rift in the small church. Some 12 of them left for Cwmbach, and less than that remained with Mr Jones, apart from his own family, but he continued to preach to the few who came to the workshop to him, and began to build a new chapel. Mr Henry Lewis, Cwmbach, used to come down to preach to those who were members with him, those who met to worship in the house of a widow called Mari Richard. Matters went on like this for a while; but in 1853, Mr Jones mysteriously left the country for America, leaving the chapel on half, and without paying for what had been done. The chapel stayed this way for 9 months, and the owner of the land maintained his claim to it until he was compensated for the materials he had he had given him. Messrs W. Edwards and D. Price, Aberdare managed to get the 2 branches to come together, and undertake to finish the chapel and move into it; and it was mainly Mr Edwards, Aberdare, who kept his eye on the cause throughout this troublesome time. The chapel opened, which they called Bethania, on January 30/31st 1855, and the whole building cost was £320, and they collected £60 of this on the opening day. Amongst those most active with the cause at the beginning, were Daniel Rowlands, from Glynnedd; Morgan Morgan, from Libanus; John Thomas, from Benybont-ar-ogwy; David Davies, from the Cymer, and David Williams, from Lanfabon. After that, about the time of the building/opening of the chapel, the following persons came here amongst others, the ones who were to the fore in all things;- Ebenezer Jones, from Cwmbach; John Griffith and William Morgan, from Fynyddisiwyn; Thomas Fisher, David Rees, and Leonard Thomas, from Maesteg; Rees Thomas, from Aberdar, and Thomas Williams, from Lanybri; and some of these had wives, the ones who suffered much  for the cause. John Griffith came here too, who has gone the furthest for a long time in the service of the cause in the place, as a helpful member, and creditable preacher.

Not long after opening the chapel, they gave a call to Mr Thomas Llewelyn, a student at Brecon College, and he was ordained here on 2 August 1855. On the occasion, Mr J Davies, Aberaman, preached on the nature of a church; questions were asked  by Mr D Price, Aberdare; the ordination prayer given by J Thomas, Salem, Aberdare; a homily to the minister by J D Williams, Cardiff; and to the church by W Edwards, Aberdare. *  When they ordained Mr Llewelyn, there were only 50 members here, but the church now numbers 360, and the Sunday school almost as many. The first chapel became too small, so they built another one measuring 50ft by 40ft; and the cost was £950, with again £200 to build the schoolhouse; but the whole debt has by now been reduced to under £250.

One preacher was raised here, namely John Herbert, and he is now an assistant preacher in Zoar, Neath.

This church was blessed by a powerful revival. They admitted 105 (members) here on one Sunday in 1866, and about another 100 within a few months. In 1869 again they received  80/100, and many of them are still here. Those who remember the place 20 years ago consider that a great work has been done here within a comparatively brief time. "This came from the Lord, and he is mysterious in our sight."

 *Diwygiwr, 1855 p313