GENUKI: CENTENARY Of the Church of the Calvinistic Methodists, Glamorgan

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In Glynogwy.

The Chapel was opened

October 24th and 25th 1819:

The History of the Occasion

By the Revd. Charles Williams Cwmogwy.

Nantymoel
R. H. Mason Printed etc. 40 Ogwy Street 1919.

Translation by Mrs Heulwen Strathen

Contributed by the Ogmore Valley Local History Society (Huw Daniel) (July 2008)

"Think about your deacons, those who speak to you the word of God:

Follow the faith of these considering the end of their conduct."

"Jesus Christ, yesterday and today the one eternally."

THE ORDER OF THE MEETINGS

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, October 7th, 8th and 9th 1919

TUESDAY

At 2.30

Preached by the Revd. W. H. Thomas, Maesteg

(President of the South Church Association)

At 6.00 o'clock

Preached by the Revd. W. Evans M.A. Pembroke Dock (In English): and the

Revd. W. H. Thomas (In Welsh)

WEDNESDAY at 2.00 o'clock

CENTENARY MEETING

The chair will be taken by the Revd. Charles Williams, Cwmogwy, and addresses will be delivered by the Revd. W. Evans M.A.; W. Jones
(Treforest) Aberdulais; W. H. Thomas, Maesteg; and ministers in the
area.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT at 6.00 o'clock

Preached in English by the Revd. Charles Williams; and in Welsh by the Revd. William Jones.

THURSDAY

At 2.30

Preached in Welsh by the Revd. D. Jones, Creunant.

At 6.00 o'clock

Preached in English by the Revd. W. Jones, Aberdulais; and in Welsh by the Revd. David Jones.

A GREETING TO THE CHURCH

The Church of God - I know that your century
Is Joy in heaven;
Hold the banner you made to fly
For His Holy name.
In spite of an occasional cloud blackening
Your firmament on the journey,
Yet, you followed the pillar -
You did not fail with the work.
Your efforts were crowned
Many a time with great success,
Many a shower of blessings
Revived you many an hour;
You saw more than once, we believe,
The ability of the arm that can save the world,
And you rejoiced
On your knees at the time.
And whatever is your history
Today, after a long century,
Hold your grasp, be serious,
Put your strength in favour of the truth.
Don't forget those strong ones -
Famous strong people of the throne of grace -
Who of old pulled heaven down
To the meetings with zest.
By today having escaped
Home, beyond the mist of the valley;
What - if they are watching you
Over the handrails of the hill of Sion;
We pray for the next century
To be on the right hand of God;
Trust in Him,
He can kill, and keep alive.
From the eternal spirit, lead,
Bring the light on their journey;
Bring them strength to stay
Faithful with the work;
Make every member a missionary,
To sound his field about God in atonement,
Atonement - through that wondrous death
On Calvary one afternoon.
Camogwy Afan Ddu

CONTENT

CHAPTER 1

The start of the Cause - Revd. D. Jones Llangan preaching I am a Patron saint on a mountain in Llanbedr downwards - the Conversion of Mr. E. Prichard from Collenau and his wife - the Start of the Methodist Cause in Tonyrefail - the Establishment of the Sunday School there - and a branch from it in Glynogwy. (p. 9 - 12)

CHAPTER 2

Officials and member of the church up to 1859, together with their families:- Morgan Thomas, Craiglas; Mrs. David, Hendreforgan; Thomas Williams, Penllwyngwent; Thomas Jenkins, Caerosser; William Jones, Gellifud; Jenkin Morgan, Pantycornant; Thomas Thomas, Brynchwith; Thomas Thomas, Hendre Ifan Goch; David Hopkin, Hendre Ifan Goch; Llewelyn Watkin o'r Graig; Bili Tycwrdd; Thomas Evans, Gellifudfach; Henry Evans , Persondy; Evan Rees. Cwmpantdyfnwy; Thomas Thomas, Craigtalyfan; Betti Thomas; Siencyn Dafydd y Clochydd; Thomas Lloyd, Pwllyfelin; William Davydd y teilwr; Henry Butler; Rebecca Davies, Tynewydd; Margaret Edmunds from Maendy; Thomas Williams, Felin Craiglas; Richard and Morgan Jenkins - the present officials. (p.13 - 28)

CHAPTER 3

Ministers and preachers connected with the church: - Revd. William Evans, Tonyrefail, William Watson, Evan Williams, David Davies, John Jones, Benjamin Evans, Richard Williams, Ezekial Williams. (p.29 - 39)

CHAPTER 4

General view; - The Buildings - The Ministry - The Sunday School - Particular Meetings - An effort to start a religious cause in Cwmogwy - The first Split - The second Split - Revivals - Heroes in the War - Conclusion. (p.40 - 48)

THE CENTENARY OF THE CALVINISTIC METHODISTS OF THE CHURCH OF GLYNOGWY

CHAPTER 1 THE START OF THE CAUSE

When the Methodist cause started in Glynogwy is a question that one cannot, quite likely, ever answer correctly. It would be interesting to know, but it does not appear that there is any record of that available at all. The first date concerning the cause which is available, I believe, is the date:-

The Opening of the Chapel October 24TH and 25TH, 1819

The late Revd. William Evans, Tonyrefail, preached on the occasion of the Sunday afternoon on Acts xxvi. 18 (see his biography, page 59). Previous to that, the cause was brought on in a room above a smithy near the churchhouse.

In "The Centenary of Paran Church, Blackmill" page 19, it is said that the Revd. Benjamin Davies, the first minister of that church was organized "to preach in a schoolhouse near the Church." But after he and his companion arrived at the place, it was seen that there wasn't a welcome for the Baptists, although there was an united service previously by people from various beliefs. Mr. Davies was opposed publicly, by various Methodists going out, but he continued to go through the service, without taking notice of the agitation that was in the bosom of the organizers.

Did the Methodists or the Organizers behave like that, or was my friend misinformed? I cannot say, but what I will say is if the Methodists behaved as such towards the Baptists, they behaved very differently to the custom of the Methodists. Denominations, like individual people have their "ready sin to surround them", but certainly, not narrowness, and prejudice towards and a spirit of persecuting their brothers from other denominations is the "ready sin to surround" the Methodists. Now, there are none of those Methodists alive to defend themselves, and I cannot but think it would be better to forget something like this rather than remember it, even allowing that it took place, at such an interesting time in the history of the Baptists in Blackmill, and the Methodists in Glynogwy - the time of the centenary of the two churches. Whatever, this is of worth in itself to the Methodists - it is a confession that they were, although so slowly it is said by many, that they had starte a cause in the community long before their respectable brothers the Baptistgs, and that the Methodists are a lot older than a hundred years in Glynogwy.

Who were the founders of the Methodist cause in Glynogwy we have no advantage to know. But there is every foundation to suppose that these communities were awoken to a great extent to the importance of things of religion, through the ministry of one of the main

revivalists the Lord raised in our country, namely the Methodist clergyman-preacher - "Jones Llangan" - the famous evangelist that Williams Pantycelyn sang about-

"The stones melted with his freshness,
And in the strength of his sweet gospel
He made the most hardened oak
Bend flexibly like the rushes"

In 1768 the immortal Jones came to Llangan. Religion was very low in the country, and each time when religion is low, sin is high. The land lay in wickedness. Fairs, patron saints days, folk evenings, football, handball and bando took all the youth of the country towards eternal woe. There were men fighting and cockerel fighting as daily things in those days. How great the mercy which brought a man like "Jones Llangan" to this country! "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light and for those who sat in the valley and shadow of death, a light arose for them." There was a strange thing heard in the church of Llanganna. It was the sound of the eternal gospel. The people started to gather together there from all the corners of the country. Soon Llangan came second to Llangeitho.

But Mr. Jones was not like many a soldier who keeps within his castle. He carried the battle into the middle of the camp of the enemies. On the top of Llanbedr mountain, within three miles to the spot where Glynogwy chapel stands, every year a patron saint's festival would be held - the main patron saints festival of the country. Here hundreds of the youth of Glamorgan would gather together to drink, get drunk, dance, and fight, and doubtless that is not all. The great day of this cursed festival was the Sabbath - the day of the Lord. Mr. Jones decided to make an effort to put an end to this sinful gathering. He went there on his own to preach about Christ. He gave a deathly blow at once to the sinful festival, and more than that , the patron saint's day was turned into a singing festival. He continued to go there to preach on that Sunday every year for 30 years. Thousands crowded together from every part of the country to listen, and I could not less than believe that many from Glynogwy went there amongst them, and that they experienced the authority of the mission in their hearts, and in their lives. "Amongst the hosts who would gather there one Sabbath, there went a gentleman from the district of Tonyrefail - Mr. Evan Prichard from Collenau, and his wife. The two were complete strangers to religious things, and lived completely for the pleasures of this life. They heard, in spite of that, so much about "Jones Llangan" that they went out of curiosity to listen to him. When they saw so many ordinary people in dress and manner had gathered together outside the church of Llanbedr, Mrs. Prichard felt particularly that she was lowered as a lady of her status that she was in such a place, and amongst such a people. She wished to be a hundred miles from the place. She tried to persuade her husband to come from there, but he would not move - and between willingness and unwillingness she stayed to listen. It was the testimony of the famous evangelist "For the great day of His anger came, and who will perhaps stand?" The arrow went to the heart of the proud lady. She forgot her status. She saw that there was no accepting face with God. She tried to wipe out the impression from her mind and her heart by going to a ball in Cowbridge, but to no avail. The fear of judgement had held her. She

was in tribulation and agony of mind for a fortnight, but when listening to a sermon in Llantrisant, she was lead to Him who soothes those who are tired and heavy laden by tribulations of every nature. She had an escape through it, and she dedicated her life to serve Him for the rest of her life. Her husband took a similar conversion in his life as well. She left the hound dogs for ever. She retreated from her old friends and base pleasures, and did her lot amongst the people of God.

Mr. and Mrs. Prichard opened their mansion to hold religious meetings. The hall was turned into a chapel and the settle into a pulpit.

That was the start of the cause of the Methodists in Tonyrefail. The district was visited by a strong revival in 1785. In 1788 the first chapel of the Methodists was built there.

About this time, this country was visited by the one who is acknowledged by every unprejudiced mind, as more worthy by far than anyone else of being considered as the Founder of the Sunday School in Wales, namely the Revd. Thomas Charles from Bala. A Sunday School was established, as a result of the visit of Mr. Charles in Tonyrefail, and through it three other Sunday Schools, namely one in the City, another one in Castella, and the third in Glynogwy. Here doubtless was the start of the Methodist cause that is celebrating its centenary this year (1919) although doubtless there are over 120 years since the Sunday School was established in the Glyn.

CHAPTER 2 Officials and Members of the Church up to 1859, together with their Families

MORGAN THOMAS, Craiglas. He was one of the first members of the church, and doubtless one of the first deacons, if not the very first. The tradition about him is that he was the best man of everyone who ever belonged to this church. He had had educational advantages above his contemporaries. It was intended that he would be a minister in the Church of England, but doubtless the aims of his life were changed completely in his conversion, and from then on he devoted his life to serve God with regards to the cause of the Methodists in Glynogwy. He was a companion many a time to the Revd. William Evans from Tonyrefail - "The silver Trumpet of Wales", on his preaching journeys. The meetings started , and it was Mr. Evans' testimony, that he did not know of anyone who was more blessed with the gift of prayer. It is a great loss, doubtless, that we do not have more of the history of this godly man - one whose name embalms those in the community from age to age. "The righteous will always be remembered."

Mr. William Thomas, Craiglas was his son. We were very sorry to understand that he was not a member of the church. It appears that he was everything also with religion apart from that, - a regular listener - leading a blameless life - taking the deepest interest in the cause - a teacher of the oldest class in the Sunday School - and an excellent teacher (it was considered to be the greatest honour in the School to be a member of William Thomas' class.) And yet, he had not, for some reason or other, taken the excellent Name on himself. There were various people similar to him in the Glyn. It is difficult to understand the position of such men, and even more difficult, indeed, it is impossible, in the face of the clear and unambiguous doctrine of the Saviour Himself, to justify their position. I could not think of some like these, who are everything but members - giving everything but themselves - "within a little" "without being complete" who are only waiting for "an appropriate time" and then like he earlier while "loitering here and there" there is the opportunity to escape!

MRS. DAVID Hendreforgan. She was the sister of Mr. Morgan Thomas, and a grandmother, a mother to the mother of the Revd. W. Evans M. A., Pembroke Dock. He says about her that she was a strong character. In the fellowship meeting one time a young man was asked to go to pray, but he failed to say one word. "Say the Lord's Prayer, my boy" she said, and as he said the Lord's Prayer, he was able to pray himself. We are not certain, but the likelihood is that her husband was also a member.

THOMAS (TWMI) WILLIAMS, Penllwyngwent. He was one of the first members and officials. He was one of the sons of the Gadlys. The testimony we have of him is that he was a good man, and a man of strong personality, but of a very harsh temper, so that he wasn't always easy to live with. He died May 4th 1870, 83 years old.

SARAH WILLIAMS, his wife. She was the daughter of the Rhiw, near Tonyrefail. It is said of her in her obituary in the "Cylchgrawn" (Magazine) for March 1876 as follows:- "She was a pleasant lady, approved of by all who knew her. Her neighbours thought and spoke of her as a good, godly woman. She was distinguished with great tenderness of feeling, she was not able to sit like many before a powerful sermon without being moved by it, but powerful ministry would get hold of her deeply in her spirit, until it filled her bosom with pious feelings. I heard her many a time when I was a child , and when I had grown up, breaking out to praise her Saviour, under the influence of deep feelings, and with a trembling voice." (It is said it would be difficult sometimes to get her out of chapel, as she would forget time completely. ) "She was an example also in generosity. She would contribute with a ready heart and an open hand, and she received the cause of Christ in the timely place of help and was a refreshing stimulus by her example through her long life. The continual effects of her blameless life and her Christian journey are to be seen in her family, for the majority of her children are members of the church of Christ in various places. - Ogwyson."

This godly lady died Sunday, December 6th 1875, 82 years of age. She was buried the following Thursday in her husband's grave, who preceded her by about five years. The Revd. David Jones, Cwmogwy preached in the dwelling place.

They had six children - three sons and three daughters. I suppose that the oldest of them was (1) MARIAH their daughter, who married Mr. Thomas Treharne, and they lived in Pantdyfnwy, and after that in Rhiwglyn, where they died. Three of their sons and a daughter are living now. (2) The Revd. EVAN WILLIAMS was their oldest son. His history is in Chapter 111. He used to say "The first I wish to meet the other side is my mother." (3) SARAH, who married Mr. Morgan Davies, and they lived in Brynchwyth. The testimony of two of her brothers about her was that she was the best of the family. (4) RICHARD, or, as he was known best, "Bartimeus". He took delight in writing poetry, and he published three books - "Glennydd Ogwy" (The Banks of Ogwy), "Bartimeus ar Fôr Tiberias" (Bartimeus on the Sea of Tiberias), and "Bartimeus ym mhlith yr adar"(Bartimeus amongst the birds). He was able to sing fluently, and one finds many a truly poetical aim in his songs. Apart from writing poetry, he was also an assistant preacher with the Independents, who he joined after he had gone to live amongst them in Ty'nwaun. Mrs. John, Blaencrymlyn near Blackmill is his daughter. (5) THOMAS was their third son. He lived in Cae'rgwanar, a farmhouse near to Felin Newydd, near Llantrisant. He was a deacon in the Methodist church in Felin Newydd. He reached a fair age, and he was respected by all who knew him. (6) The youngest of the children was DEBORAH, who married her cousin, Mr. Jenkin Williams, the son of Rhiwglyn, and who spent his life in his parents' old dwelling place, namely Penllwyngwent. She and her husband were members in the Glyn for years, and he had been chosen as a deacon, but in the grievous disagreement which took place about the year 1880, they left as a family, and they were a numerous family - about the same number as Jacob's family of old. Mr. and Mrs. Williams became members before long, and some of the children after that, in our church in Hermon, Cwmogwy, and they were of great service to the cause. He was chosen as a deacon there again. So Mrs. Williams whom I knew best of the family of Penllwyngwent, and whom I had known for about thirty years, the impression which will always stay in my mind about her is that she was a Christian lady - one who was respected by all, kind to everyone, and truly religious in spirit. She inherited

many of the characteristics of her godly mother. She died very suddenly, October 17th, 1912, 74 years old. She had various rough storms on her journey through life, but I believe that she went to fair eternity.

MR. THOMAS JENKINS (Twmi the blacksmith, locally), Caerosser. I knew him well, and I had many an interesting story from him about religion in the Glyn and the district, and I could have had from him all the history of the cause in Glynogwy, because he was concerned with it from almost the very start. He was a son of Thomas Jenkins - (Twmi the blacksmith) - Blackmill, and a brother to the Revd. Hopkin Jenkins, a minister of the Baptists in Paran, with whom I had the privilege of preaching with one time in the Glyn. He was nearly 80 at that time, but remarkably lively in spirit, although feeble in body. He tried earnestly to preach first, but I could not allow that. Then, before starting to preach, he appealed to the prayers of the congregation for him to have strength - "I need it far more" he said "than my brother here." He preached very sweetly.

The two brothers, although similar in height, and of features, were very different to each other. The craft that each one had been concerned with, had influenced as it were not only their bodies, but also their personal characteristics, as the two represented obviously in their persons the blacksmith and the clothier. The blacksmith was stronger and thicker in body than his brother, the clothier - and perhaps more difficult also; at least , he could hit very strongly sometimes, as I experienced once. Since some ministers who had been expected there had let them down, and that they as a church had not had Communion at the usual time, I was allowed, by the home church, to go to the Glyn one Sunday morning to administer it. After I had gone up into the pulpit, another minister came in. I saw at once that some mistake had happened. I beckoned him to come up, and told him, that I would start the service, and he could preach. After I had gone through the introductory parts, he got up to give a hymn to be sung before reading his text - but while the hymn was sung,the old brother Mr. Jenkins came up the stairs, and told me in an authoritative voice and manner, raising his fist "You are to preach - not him." The two of us saw that there was nothing to do, but bend to his authority. By the end of the service, his spirit had calmed down, and the other brother announced he would preach in the evening.

He was a strong, special character, and remarkably interesting company. His mental abilities were strong, his memory gripping, and his knowledge of religious things vast, and he was very powerful in prayers. After the cause in the Glyn weakened, he would often have to take part in the two prayer meetings which were held often on the Sabbath but he had such an abundance of talent of prayer, that it wasn't a burden to him, or wearisome to those who went continually to listen to him. He prayed twice the last Sunday he lived - and after ending the evening meeting, he returned to his house, sat in his chair, put his arm on the Bible which was on the table near him, and his spirit flew to God who gave it to him - to a country, doubtless, where there is no end to the Sabbath. This was in October 1892, when he was 86 years old. The Revd. Ezekiel Thomas said in his funeral that that is how he would like to die - "in the harness." He fought a lot with the troubles of the world. He burdened himself perhaps too much with the seasonal cares of the farm, the smithy, and the shop. "It is not good to have too many irons in the fire" says the old saying. He felt, perhaps, that necessity had been placed upon him, because of his vast family, to do that.

BARBARA, the daughter of Hendreforgan, - a sister to the Revd. W. Evans, M.A. was his wife. She was worthy of the best traditions of her family. They had eleven children. Eight of them were baptized by the Revd. William Evans, Tonyrefail, one by the Revd. David Howells; one by the Revd. Edward Mathews, and one by the Revd. Richard Thomas, Llysyfronydd.

(1) The oldest son, Thomas (Ogwyson) was a literary man of some talent. Various essays of his appeared in the Cylchgrawn,&c. He kept a daily school on the "Ton", and in the loft of the chapel, and in the schoolhouse of Bwrdd in the Glyn. He emigrated to Australia, and there he died. (2) EDWARD was a deacon in the Glyn for thirty years. Two of his sons were also chosen to the same job. One of the two is still in the church, and the other, Mr. T. E. Jenkins lives in Pencoed. He (T.E.Jenkins) was of great use in the area as a secretary of the Cymanfa Ganu (Singing Festival) of Bridgend, and when he resigned, on the formation of another Cymanfa (Festival) of the district in Cwm and Glyn Ogwy, the secretary presented a lovely address on behalf of the District. Mr. Edward Jenkins was very faithful to the cause in his weakness and his troubles. At his request, I delivered a funeral sermon for him on Isaiah xi, 30 and 31 - the subject which was chosen by himself. His widow lives in the old home in Nerag Ddu, and although getting on in years, she continues to be faithful as a member of the church, "Fresh and succulent in spirit, expressing that the Lord her rock is righteous and there is no untruth in him." The protection of the heavens be for her and the children - eight in number who have left them in the wilderness until the day of the rejoining in a better country. (3) WILLIAM who was one of the first fruits of the revival of 1859. He took pleasure in rhyming, and he had a special ability to compose sharp-witted and funny rhymes for every occasion. The neighbours were quite afraid of being placed in a rhyme by William Jenkins. Some of them are remembered in the neighbourhood now. He emigrated to America very young, and he climbed to a position of respect and influence there. He preached often with the Presbyterians there, and there he died. Space prevents us from paying attention to every one of the other children. Some of them emigrated to Australia, America, and South Africa. Only Mrs. Mary Evans, Glasynys remains in this area, and although her sight has been impaired to a degree, her senses are clear and lively. May God of the family be a God to her.

MRS. MARY WILLIAMS, Gadlys. She was the wife of Mr. William (Bili) Williams, the brother of Mr. Thomas Williams (Twmi), Penllwyngwent. There is a reference to her in Chapter IV. She was one of the first members, and she proved that she was too much of a Methodist to become an Independent. Mr. Lewis Williams is a son to her, who lives in the Gadlys at present. Her son, Mr. William Williams, Jnr., was a faithful and useful member in the Glyn, and also in Llanilltyd Faerdre and Porthcawl, where he died. He was also, I believe a deacon in the two last churches. The same can be said of her sister, the wife of Mr. Williams Jenkins, the oldest son of the late Revd. Hopkin Jenkins, Blackmill. She was a good Methodist throughout her life in Aberkenfig, and in Porthcawl, where she ended her days. Mr. William Jenkins, Jnr., is a son to them who serves the job of deacon well in the Methodist church in Porthcawl, and Mrs. Hargest is a daughter to them (the widow of the late Mr. T. Hargest, a Schoolmaster for many years in Blaengarw, where his memory is dear even today), who is a member of the same church, and the Revd. Emlyn James , B.A.,B.D., Liscard, Liverpool is a grandson to them, one of the most hopeful young ministers of our Association.

MR. WILLIAM JONES, Gellifud. He was a native of Llangewydd. He married the daughter of Gellifud, but she and her two children died not long after the birth of the last one. Having been left alone, he went to Neath, to the employment fair, to look for a maid to keep his house, and he returned with her on pillion on his horse. Someone said when they saw them: "Mr. William Jones has come and his wife with him," and so it proved to be. She was an excellent wife to him. They had ten children, but none of them remain now apart from Mrs. Morgan from Y Graig. Mr. William Jones was a truly religious man, it is said, and his wife remarkable too. She was from Swansea. Her brother was the Revd. Thomas Edwards, a minister with the Independents in Ebenezer, Caernarfon, the daughter of whom is the wife of the Revd. R. Roberts, Rhosllanerchrugog, the President of the Union of Welsh Independents for the year 1909. Mr. William Jones, Gellifud and his wife were fervent abstainers of drink long before the Temperance movement got a grip on the country which it has today. They not only did not touch intoxicating drinks themselves, but also nothing of the kind was allowed to come into their house. It would be a great blessing for the families of our country if they were to follow their example in this. There is a story worth mentioning about one of their sons, William Jones, Jnr., who died when he was only 26 years old. He had learnt, it is said, all of the Old Testament by heart. The Glyn Sunday School would pay a visit occasionally to the Independents Sunday School in Y Graig, Cwmogwy, to recite from the bible and sing etc. In such a meeting, the minister who was there asked whether there was someone who could recite a chapter from the Scripture to start the meeting. It was answered that there was a young man who could do that, and he was marked out as such. The minister asked him which chapter could he recite? His answer was, any chapter in the New Testament, except for two chapter in the book of Acts that he wasn't completely certain of. A worthy example to be imitated by the young people of every age.

Mr. Thomas Jones , their son, who lived in Gellifud after them, died on February 9th, 1901 at 72 years of age. He had a fall near the house which proved to be fatal for him. He was a man who was respected greatly in the area where he was known - exceptionally faithful with the Sunday School, and, not only attended it himself, but was careful that every member of the family and servants and maids also did the same. He took the deepest interest in the cause. He was generous to it - but somehow or other he did not break through to be a member. Mrs. Jones, his widow, is one of the oldest members of the church, although she has failed to attend chapel continually for a while because of weakness. She is tested doubtlessly when flesh and heart fail that "the strength of her heart and her part is God eternally."

MR. and MRS. JENKIN MORGAN, PANTYCORNANT. He was one of the members, and also one of the first deacons. It is said that he was the richest man who belonged to the church, but it is said also much better than that about him that he was a godly man, who had a remarkable talent in prayers, and faithful and very useful in the cause. His wife was also faithful and useful also. She was from Llanpha near Tregolywy. She had been married before, and she had two daughters. One of them married the late Mr. Thomas Morgan who was a deacon for years in Llysyfronydd, but who moved to Floodgate, near Llanilltyd Fawr, where he died. Her other daughter got married.

MR. THOMAS THOMAS, BRYNCHWYTH

He was a nephew to Mr. Morgan Thomas, Craiglas. He was a faithful and hardworking member. He was a secretary of the Sunday School for years and his uncle an Inspector.

When someone did his work faithfully and effectively, our fathers did not believe in putting someone in their place, and "each in his turn". It is doubtful whether the new order of changing the officials of the Sunday School every year or more often is better each time than the old system of letting everyone who would do his job well to continue in it.

MR. THOMAS THOMAS (Twmi), Hendre Ifan Goch. He was one of the oldest deacons, and a brother to Mr. Morgan Thomas, Craiglas, I believe.

MR. DAVID HOPKIN, Hendre Ifan Goch, who was one of the pillars until his movement to Tymawr, Llanfeithin, about the year 1864. He was a deacon, and a secretary of the church.

MR. LLEWELLYN WATKINS from the Graig. I knew him in his last years, when having left the Glyn, he became a member in the young church in Bryncethin. The testimony I had about him in the Glyn was there had never been anyone more useful who belonged to a church. He was an excellent teacher in the Sunday School, and held in great respect by his class. "His word was law" to them, and his views on any verse or topic was "the end of every argument". After the departure of Mr. David Hopkin (above), he was chosen as a secretary of the church in his place. He was also made a deacon. Although he had a long way to come to chapel, he was one of the most faithful in the meetings, and having been made a deacon, he went regularly to the Monthly Meeting. Losing him was a great loss to the church in the Glyn, and his successor in the Graig and the family, when the cause was started in Bryncethin. When he retired from the farm he had, it is said, there was enough to sustain him comfortably for the rest of his life, but some took advantage, shame eternally on them, of his innocence, so that he died a poor man. But he had "Better riches and continuous in heaven" - his greatest treasure was in a place "where there are no worms nor rust contaminating, and where thieves will not dig through or steal". At last he was allowed to go to enjoy, and enjoy his treasure and his better wealth will be his history doubtless for evermore.

MR. WILLIAM WILLIAMS (Bili, Ty-Cwrdd), was a special, honest, impartial character, and one of the most faithful members. When living in Hendre Bassett, where about half a mile further up the mountain than Penllwyngwent, he would be in the medicine without a break, although he had a very far and rough road, and he would be mostly, it is said, one of the children, when they were small, on his back. His faithfulness in the medicine of grace is a strong condemnation on many listeners, yes, and lazy, apathetic religious people of these days. He wouldn't like any sermon unless it was full of Christ - and he wouldn't be backward in telling the preacher "There wasn't enough of Christ in your sermon, man". The late Syr T. Marchant Williams was a grandson to him.

MR. THOMAS EVANS, Gellifudfach, and his wife were some of the first members. He was a mason by occupation. He, like most of the first male members of the church, possessed a special gift in prayer. "He was a great prayer" - so we were informed. Mr. Thomas Evans,

Gilfachorfydd was a son to him. His son acted as a supervisor to Mr. Walter Coffin, the owner of Cilfachorfydd a Chaerosser. Mr. Thomas Evans is a son to him, who is a member of Jerusalem church, Ynysybwl. The wives of Mr. Williams Thomas, Craiglas and Morgan Jenkins the tailor were daughters to him. He and his son died very suddenly from some strange fever. He was a regular listener, but he was not a member. His wife was a faithful member.

MR. HENRY EVANS, Persondy. He was the son of Mr. Thomas Evans, Gellifudfach, and of the same occupation as his father. Comparatively recently in his life he came to religion, but his wife was one of the oldest members, before 1859. Since he lived in the Parsonage, there was some compulsion for him to go to church in the morning, but the wife and children would go to chapel, and he would be there on Sunday night. Mrs. Jenkins Nerag Ddu is a daughter to them, and the late Mr. Henry Evans, Blackmill was a son to them. He was an Assistant Overseer of the parish of Llandyfodwg for years, up to his death. His first wife was a daughter to the Revd. Hopkin Jenkins, and his second wife was his cousin, Mrs Evans Glasynys. He had two girls from the first wife. One of them married the son of Caerosser and they went to America - and the other married Mr. M. Thomas Surveyor of the District Council of Porthmadog. Mr. H. M. Stafford Thomas is a son to them, who is a young, truly promising preacher in our Association. He is a student in Cardiff University. Mr. Henry Evans, Jnr., was a faithful member of the church in the Glyn since his joining, and he also served as a deacon and treasurer for the last eight years of his life.

MR. EVAN REES, Cwmpantdyfnwy. He was a cobbler by occupation - and the testimony about him is, that he was as good a character as any of his co-members, and greater was his scriptural and theological knowledge than any of them. Some preachers, it is said, felt that he was a dangerous man in an argument, although he was not fond of arguing for the sake of arguing either. He was a modest man in spirit without any tendency at all to push himself to the forefront. He possessed a remarkable talent in prayer. As for his wife MARTHA, the Revd. W. Paran Griffiths says ("The Centenary of Paran Church", page 11) that she was "an ardent member with the Baptists in Paran". There is evidence that more than any of the members of the Glyn, she was was a member there and she was regular in the scriptures. It is said, she, and her neighbour Betti Thomas, were amongst the most faithful ones attending the meetings. They say also that it was not the Revd. Hopkin Jenkins who buried Evan Rees, but the late Revd. Rees Phillips, Aberavon - with him he lingered having arranged for him to stay there Monday (he was preaching there that Sunday) to serve in the funeral. "Let it be between the men of Pentyrch and each other". I cannot decide which of the two stories is true, but scarcely can the two be true. It could have been, and it seems likely, that Mr. Jenkins was in the funeral, and if he was, that he was taking part.

This good man and his wife had nine children, but I don't know if any of them are alive. One of the converts in the Revival of 1859 was their son called John. There is a story concerning him which is worthy of note. It appears that there was a debt of £60 remaining on the chapel for years, and that as much interest had been paid as the main part. The young man insisted that the debt should not remain any longer - and he threw out a challenge - "I will give", he said "fifty shillings towards the debt if the rest do so within the year". It was cleared at once. The best inducement is an example.

MR. THOMAS THOMAS, Craig Talyfan, and Catws his wife, were faithful members, but he would not take a public part. He was a quiet man, speaking more with his feet than his tongue. "Be quiet, tongue, and you speak, foot" says an old proverb. One would think that that was the motto of his life.

MISS BETI THOMAS, Campantdyfnwy. She was one of the members before 1859. We have already referred to her faithfulness. She lived in the house which now is in ruins on the bank of the river near the wooden bridge which crosses it. The garden was full of multi-coloured flowers, and in the summer they would perfume the road which led past. Having reached quite an age, she married a carpenter called Hananiah, and they moved to Blackmill to live - and there they died.

MR. JENKIN DAVID, or as he was known best, "Siencyn Dafydd y Clochydd" (the Sexton). He was a rather strange character. It appears that his two eyes were not of the same colour, completely, and he was also lame, so it meant he used to have two walking sticks. He held the jobs of Sexton and the starter of the singing in the country church, and he was a member, and started to sing often, in the chapel as well. A mischievous person at one time teased him by saying that he had "two kinds of eyes, two kinds of legs, and two kinds of religion". As a starter of the singing, it is said that he never failed to sing any word that was given to him, whatever the metre was, because if he didn't have a tune to that metre, he would compose on at the time! He too was very fond of rhyming. In an auction, a plough was sold by Dewi Haran. When he noticed that Siencyn Dafydd was bidding for it he hit a note saying:-

Well, here is a famous plough,
Says everyone who comes across it;
I will sell it with a skip and a jump
To Siencyn, the clerk of the church.

Siencyn answered in a moment like this:-

You, Dewi wouldn't be
Half so great
If the drunkards would only
See their mistake.

One sees that there was a rebuke in his answer with the old disgusting custom of giving intoxicating drinks in auctions, to make men drunk in order to make them buy the goods which were sold for more than their worth, and not needing them.

Apart from these oddities which characterized Siencyn Dafydd, and above all, I was told that he was a good man and "very good on his knees". Not every good man is "good on his knees", publicly, and some men are "good" (funny) on his knees and are not always good on foot. The Revd. Joseph Thomas, Carno, said that some were so good on their knees and so poor on their feet (his walk), that it was a pity that he ever got up." It is good that we have the testimony that Siencyn Dafydd is "a good man, and good on his knees."

MR. THOMAS LLOYD, Pwyllyfelin, was also one of the members before 1859. He was for a

while in the country church. He did a test of religion also with the Baptists in Blackmill, but he returned home to the Glyn, like many a child from his wanderings before the evening. After returning he was very faithful.

MR. WILLIAM DAVID, Glyncoch, or as he was known best, "William Dafydd the tailor" was a character completely on his own, and lived greatly inside himself. He had quite a bit of wealth at one time, but several of his adventures turned out to be disappointing, and that or something else had soured quite a lot of his spirit. He moved to Cwmogwy, and the Methodist cause was there being held on "the loft" or his workshop. He was very unsettled - he moved several times from one place to the other, and he was the same with religion - sometimes faithful, other times turning his back. In spite of everything and through everything, I could not less than believe that "the root of the matter" was in him. He was very educated in the Bible, and had read a lot of theology, and it was a treat to see him on his knees. William Dafydd, certainly, in my opinion, knew the way to the throne of grace. We heard that he was set on the ministry when he was a young man.

MR. HENRY BUTLER. He was one of the members in this period, and an useful member as well, as he was the leader of the singing. Siencyn Dafydd was his assistant. He was an able and diligent worker, and the farmers would be very keen to ensure his service. He had a musical talent, and it seems that that stayed in the family, because Mr. John Butler, I believe is a grandson to him, the leader of the singing in Bethel, Pontycymmer, his praise is great in Cwmgarw, as a leader of the Male voice Choir to many a victory in the eisteddfods of the area. Henry Butler emigrated to Australia.

MRS. REBECCA DAVIES, Tynewydd was a sister to him, the mother of the two girls referred to on page 30. She was "a faithful, religious woman".

MRS. MARGARET EDMUNDS from Maendy was also one of the members before 1859. She was "a good religious woman".

MR. THOMAS WILLIAMS, Felin Craiglas, also. He was a simple brother, but very faithful. Thomas Jenkins questioned him once about his experience in the Prayer Meeting. "Which do you prefer, Tomos, religion or the mill?" "Wel," answered Tomos, "I like the mill when it's going well, but I'd prefer religion in spite of that."

MR. RICHARD JENKINS. He was a brother to Morgan Jenkins the tailor, whose name was mentioned earlier. Their mother was one of the girls of the Gladlys. Richard Jenkins was a "funny and talented man", so we were informed, and very fond of singing. He led the School Song. His brother, Morgan Jenkins, was not so clever and funny as his brother, but he was and honest man, truthful and sincere, and he and his wife were faithful members. She was the daughter of Gilfachorfydd , as was noted. Elsped was the wife of Richard Jenkins, the daughter of "Bili Tycwrdd", and from the point of view of her religion and faithfulness, a worthy daughter of her father. Syr T. Marchant Williams was a son to her brother.

MR. ROBERT MORGAN, Pantycornant. He was only a comparatively recent member. He

was very coarse in his life and his manners, but there was a wish for religion in him at that time. The gospel had some grip on him. He felt as well as everyone else a strong disappointment one time when the Revd. John James, Bridgend did not come to the Annual Meeting in the Glyn. Robert Morgan went in a coach to Bridgend to look for him. He found Mr. James, as the good man would often be, depressed, in his bed. He insisted on seeing him, and greeted him in an excitable voice and manner, "Man, is this where you are, and we are going to the devil in Glynogwr!" "Oh", said Mr. James. "I'll come with you in a minute." - and blessed meetings were had. Robert Morgan, although he was so rough, had religion before leaving the world I believe. His son was a faithful and remarkably useful member for years. He was made a deacon - but he turned his back - "How the gold tarnished." His wife and three of the daughters were faithful members, and two of them are still so, namely Mrs. Williams, the widow of the late Mr. W. Williams (the son of the Gadlys in Porthcawl,) and Mrs. Arthur Phillips in Hermon, Bridgend. The third - Mrs. Treharne, was a faithful member in Hermon Cwmogwy for years until she died.

Amongst the names above, are those who were members from 1854 to 1859 - the year of the Revival. They were thirty one in number, says my informer. About twenty were added to them in the Revival. That was the greatest number, it seems, who were members at the same time in all the history of the church. One sees that we have not restricted ourselves to that period completely. There are in the chapter the names of those who had died before 1854, and others who were accepted after 1859, on account of their peculiarity, or their family connections.

Perhaps the first half of the century which is celebrated this year, was the golden age in the history of the Methodist cause in Glynogwy - from the point of view of numbers in the church and congregation. About the end of the first half of the century many of the old members died. Others emigrated and moved from the neighbourhood, so the cause weakened greatly, yet there are here "the remainder" left, who have stuck faithfully to it through all changes. "And you are the ones who stayed with me in my troubles, and I ordain to you a kingdom." And in spite of every change and tribulation she has gone through, the church in the Glyn, although not plural in number, yet, so comfortable looking now as it has been almost in any period in its history. Unity, and love, and co-operation characterize it, and its forecast for the future is very hopeful.

PRESENT OFFICERS

In the church are: Pastor: The Revd. Ezekial Williams (see the next chapter); Deacons: (1) Mr. Thomas Evans, who lives in Chapel House, and he and his wife fill their area with every faithfulness and amiability; (2) Mr. Williams Jenkins, the son of the late Mr. Edward Jenkins, and a grandson to Mr. Thomas Jenkins, Caerosser; (3) Mr. Charles Morgan, Gellifeddgar - he is the treasurer of the church; Mr. Morgan Williams, Troedyrhiw, a son to the late Mr. Jenkin Williams, and a grandson to Mr. Thomas Williams, Penllwyngwent, and a nephew, the son of the sister of the Revd. Evan Williams. He, like Mr. William Jenkins is the third generation of his family to be in official succession in this church. He is one of the children of Hermon, Cwmogwy, even so, so the secretary has an obligation of feeling warm towards him. He is the secretary of the church, and the church books are kept by him, as we have seen many a time in the Annual Visit, in the most clear and tasteful way which shows his special

suitability for the job. The organist of the church is Mrs. Williams, Gellifud. She is helped by Mrs. Edward, Glynllan, who is a great grand-daughter to the unforgettable Revd. William Evans, Tonyrefail. The young brothers Willie Phillips, Craiglas and Glyn Williams, Troedyrhiw are the Secretary and Treasurer of the Sunday School.

CHAPTER 3 Ministers and Preachers Connected with the Church

This chapter would not be complete nor correct, if we did not name first of all in it, the

REVD. WILLIAM EVANS, TONYREFAIL

There is no need to write anything of the history of his life. That has been done in great detail and completely by his grandson, the Venerable William Evans M.A., Pembroke Dock, in the excellent biography which was written about him. Perhaps, even so, I will be allowed to place in here memories of some occasions I had the privilege to come into contact with him, so they will be remembered for posterity, because I believe they are too valuable to be lost. The first Sabbath I preached in Tonyrefail, I had just come to Cwmogwy, and since the cause was sinking under the weight of heavy debt, I had permission by the kind officials of the church of Ton to put the case before the School in the afternoon. Everybody was extremely kind. I collected £12.00. Before the evening service, about half an hour, I went to see Mr. Evans. I had heard that he had been asking throughout the day - where was the preacher that he hadn't called to see him. One of the brothers came with me, and said, "I've brought the preacher to see you." "Oh! Ho! Is there something odd about him?" "Now, now, that's not fair, asking something like that in front of the stranger," said Mrs. Evans. "Forgive me, dear brother," he said "I like an odd preacher. Very few odd ones we have now." After about a quarter of an hour of conversation, and having had a contribution from him towards the collection, I got up to leave. "Are you going?" he said, "Well, yes, take care to start on time always, and never ever preach for a long time - a short sermon has a long result." Another time, when leaving, I wished him a good afternoon. "What did you say?" he said, "Good afternoon, Mr. Evans." "Good afternoon, is it! I'll tell you more," he said, and his eyes lighting up, and some electricity in his voice and manner - "I tell you, good eternity, good eternity, and the way for us to have good eternity, is to take care of something good on the way there." Another time, a comparatively young brother came with me to see him. When leaving, I was so bold as to ask him to give us a word of advice. "A word of advice", he said, "You will have two words, and here are the two words - purpose and effort. Now, insist on a true purpose first of all, then, an effort. Purpose without effort is not worth a lot, but remember, purpose without effort is better than effort without purpose." Wel, that's the whole of life in two words - purpose and effort.

In his time, in the first half of his age especially, an employed pastorate almost did not exist in our Association, but the fathers supervised all the churches in the area nearest to them, and it was acknowledged that they possessed complete authority on those churches. Their authority was so great that they placed who they wished as deacons, without electing them at all in the church, and perhaps, that was the best way to act at that time. They would be very careful who they would place in the job, in spite of that. The cause of the great King was so important in their minds, and so close to their hearts, that they did not misuse the authority allowed to them. I understood that some of the first deacons of Glynogwy church had been placed in their jobs by the Bishop from Tonyrefail. Also, when some disagreement arose in the church, and that would arise now and again, especially between the two

"Twmis", Mr. Evans would be sent for straight away to make the "two angry parties as one". He would succeed usually. I was told once after their reconciliation, "There, take a paddle, and bury the lot."

He would baptize almost all of the children of the members. They had so much respect for him, that they did not think of asking anybody else, if they could get Mr. Evans to do so. He, mostly, would officiate also in the funerals. He would preach in the dwelling houses on almost every such occasion. In the Trysorfa December, 1847, one has the story of him burying two little girls, one 11, and the other 9 years old, to William and Rebecca Davies, Tynewydd, who died the same day. He preached in the house from John x, 28. It appears that these two little girls had matured remarkably early. They spoke to each other about spiritual things more like fully grown women than children. One called the attention of the other - so beautiful were the shoots in the field before them. "Yes", answered the other one, "but it will be harvested when it is mature, and we also will be harvested; but what will be lovely is, if we will be mature at that time." They were very keen to be able to remember the death of the Cross, according to the command of the Saviour. One of them warned their father, who was non-religious, "My father, think about death. It has no harm to do to us, but if it would come to you, it would not be so." Like this "David Evans, Tonyrefail" finishes (Was he the son of the Revd. W. Evans, and the father of the Revd. W. Evans, M.A.?) the remarkable story:

"On the sunny hill of the bright church,
So early had they matured;
In the lap of angels above the stars
They went to God and the Lamb;
Today they sparkle the sky,
Sweetly singing "For Him."

Another special, and priceless, valuable service of Mr. Evans' to the little church in the Glyn was to ensure the visits of some of the most famous of his contemporaries. His grandson Hybarch from Pembroke Dock tells us, that the famous Ebenezer Richard from Tregaron visited the Glyn once, and administered the holy sacrament from the Lord's Supper there - and his famous grandfather helping him. Doubtless, that visit, especially on the "breaking of bread" was a time of "a revival from the presence of the Lord." I could not less than believe that the two famous servants were so often under the conviction of their Master therefore in a special way at that time.

We had said already that it is not known who took part in the first opening of the chapel apart from the Revd. W. Evans. The Revd. W. Evans, M.A., considers that it is possible that Ebenezer Richard was there at that time, since the Association was in Newport on Usk the previous days. However, it is quite likely that the Revd. W. Evans had ensured the service of some of the famous people who were in the Association.

2 MR. WILLIAM WATSON

He was the first preacher who was raised in Glynogwy. He was a son to one called George Watson, who is described by the late Revd. Edward Matthews as " a big man of a Scotchman" who travelled the Vale of Glamorgan selling goods and a few school books. He

was a native of Dumfries and he came here on an adventure and he settled in Bridgend. He was not, in spite of that, belonging to the present packmen. He would sell for cash, and for a reasonable price, the best goods out. There was mention of the goods of George Watson throughout the whole country. They would last until men got fed up of them. So great was the respect for his character as an honest and good man, the most responsible families of the Vale of Glamorgan would consider it an honour to be able to give him lodging and food. Everyone rejoiced when he came, and expected his arrival again when he departed. Religion would have the greatest place in the family the night George Watson would lodge there - the history of Jones Llangan preaching, and the strange effects that would follow his ministry, and similar things that would keep the family in a good mood that night, and especially the domestic duty. He would read and explain in English. He would take some Scriptural story in hand, and he would recite it in a remarkably entertaining way.

George Watson, because of his religion was a blessing to the families of the lower part of Glamorgan. Not only was he a good man himself, and influenced well the families that he would visit, but he did great goodness in the districts of Bridgend, by establishing a Sunday School in various villages of the Vale; and his School was the start of the cause in St. Brides, Brychtwn, Tregolwyn, and many places around. This good man died in his son William's house in Bryncethin, in the year 1849.

George Watson's youngest son was William Watson, the first preacher Glynogwy had the honour of being the start of his work in the ministry - an honour in spite of that the people of the Glyn did not put a lot of value on. It appears, that at first, they didn't consider it an honour at all, but rather a move they should oppose.

The Revd. Edward Matthews in his funny and talented style wrote a biography to him. It appeared in six numbers of the "Cylchgrawn" (Magazine) for 1875 and 1876, of which we quote freely. "It was a difficult battle concerning this move to the ministry - between William Watson and the men of Glynogwr. Now, nothing of the kind had happened before in the Glyn, so they were unfamiliar in the work of criticizing suitability to the ministry. They weren't backward in judging the chief farmers in the value of a horse or a young sheep, or any agricultural goods, but they weren't so familiar with judging the qualification of a man for the ministry.

"Apart from this Watson was a stranger. How he came to live in Glynogwy it is not said - but since he was a stranger, perhaps there was some prejudice towards him because of that. The men of Glynogwr would quarrel with each other sometimes, yet they would be very united together when attacking a stranger who would have ventured to the Glyn. So it appears that they were male and female almost unanimous defeating Watson. The only exception was the woman from Penllwyngwent. She was very tender, and of a gentle spirit - but then, she was one who had come here from the district of Tonyrefail. It appears that Watson was very careless and untidy concerning the external things of life, and the men of Glynogwr failed to understand a man reading an old book, when the people needed shoes, and he needed money to get food for his wife and his children. They thought that he was lazy and careless about his family, and therefore worse than those without faith. The

people did not know him at that time, and so they knocked him heavily, because he desired to be a preacher."

Watson was a long time before anybody took his case to the Monthly Meeting, and Mr. Matthews' description of the difficulties Watson went through, before getting his feet free to ascend the pulpit is extremely funny. At last he succeeded, and the fact that he was a son to his godly father was a great help in him succeeding.

It appears that Watson was very slow and awkward in all his movements - "more of the awkwardness of the elephant than the swiftness of the eagle" characterised him. One could take him as stupid or drunk. In the place where he lived once he was taken as half drunk. He was given tea hoping that that would sober him up, but Watson was the same after tea, and before that. Tea and sugar did not change him at all. The man of the house supposed that it was better to hide his illness as far as possible, and he asked him whether he would like to go to bed. "What," said Watson, "It's only eight o'clock yet, isn't it early?" "Saturday night please." "Oh well, sir, if so, I will go when you say." But Watson was the same getting up as when he went to bed. And the same in the pulpit, the same in the chapel house - Watson was as himself everywhere.

Not long after having freedom to preach, Watson moved from Glynogwy to Bryncethin - "from the frying pan into the fire". I could not follow his history nor the remarkable horse he found when in Bryncethin. The two were known throughout the whole of Glamorgan as "Watson and his horse." Anyone who would like to spend a few hours with one of the most innocent and droll characters on one side of him, and from the other side - he was one who owned strong mental abilities, and one of extensive knowledge - one who was a constant reader of the Hebrew Bible, and the Greek Testament, and above all doubtless godliness, I could not refer to no better than the entertaining and funny biography by the Revd. Edward Matthews we have already mentioned.* By giving more attention to the things of the world

(*See also "The Works of the Revd. Edward Matthews" by the Rev. W. Llywelyn Morgan.)

of the mind and spirit than to the material things of this world, Watson sunk into more debt than he could pay, and as a result he was stopped from preaching. After he had moved to live to Kenfig Hill, Providence smiled on him, he came into comfortable circumstances, and he was restored to the work of the ministry, without being stopped for one sufficient cause, for over twenty years! He preached very effectively often. It was expected that he would have years of life to preach, but he was taken ill in the train on the way to his engagement, he was in excruciating pain for about a month, and then he slept in Jesus. He was heard in his last hours praying often: "Shorten the time, Lord, I am ready. Come, don't delay." December 31st, 1872, a very respectable remembrance about him was made in the Monthly Meeting of Pyle. It is said in the records about him: "He was faithful with the home cause in all his circles. It is reckoned that there was a great loss after him."

3 REVD. EVAN WILLIAMS

He was different to the Revd. William Watson, as he was a native of the neighbourhood, so, the likelihood is, he did not experience the opposition which Watson had, because he was a stranger. He was the eldest son, as was mentioned already, of Mr. Thomas Williams, Penllwyngwent. We don't know when he started to preach, or any of the circumstances connected with that, but we found in his own manuscript that he went to Trefecca College

in the year 1849, when he was about 30 years old. He was there for four years. He was ordained to the full work of the ministry in 1854, in the Association of Trecastell, when the Address on the Nature of a Church was delivered by the Revd. John Walters, Ystradgynlais, and the Counsel by the Revd. David Howells, Swansea. He was for a term looking after the church of Penybont, in Radnorshire, but his stay there was not long. He returned to his native district and he lodged for years, some with his sister in Pantdyfnwy. From there he moved to a house which he built on the land of Troedyrhiw, opposite the Council Schoolhouse in the lower part of the village of Glynogwy.

As a person he tended to be tall, and his appearance was noble. His clothes would always be clean and smart. He lost his hearing to a great extent when he was comparatively young, and that possibly was responsible for him living so separated, because he was unable to socialize through conversation with others and there was no delight.

He was in spite of that pleasant and amiable to everyone who would call with him. I remember calling with him at one time, and I had to take tea with him. I enjoyed the tea very much. Crossing the mountain towards there had given it a special taste, but I enjoyed watching him making the tea as much as the tea itself. For an old bachelor, he was particularly skilful at the task. On the table I could see various newspapers spread over each other. They were the tablecloths which were used by him, and when he would need a clean cloth he only had to pull the top one off. My experience was very different to that of the Revd. Edward Matthews after being on a visit to him. In a monthly meeting which was held in Glynogwy, Mr. Matthews insisted on lodging with him. Mr. Williams tried in every way to stop him coming to him. But although Mr. Williams was so determined to stop him, it appears that Mr. Matthews' will was stronger, and he had to allow him to be able to come, but he said the following day that he would go to the soldiers before he would live like Mr. Williams.

Although Mr. Williams lived so separated, and although he socialized so little with men, yet he had companions that he would spend many hours regularly with. These companions were his books - and what better company can anyone have? In good books one has the best minds of the best thinkers of the ages. He had an excellent library, and they were in his possession not only through purchase but through use as well, which contained the latest books. He was very fond of the works of Drummond and especially his "Ascent of Man". He read also the best newspapers, so that he was very informed of the course of the world. He kept himself up therefore with his age in politics and general literature, as well as in theology. Losing his hearing doubtless was responsible for his monotony when preaching, but his sermons always, it is said, had been thought out well, and the most thoughtful listeners would enjoy his ministry.

The loss of his hearing together with some disappointment he had in his life, it is said, affected his "loving the retreats" too much. I believe that if he hadn't lived so separated, and had mixed more with men and thrown himself more into the work of religion in his social manner, his life would have been of a lot more pleasure to himself, and more of an influence for the sake of goodness in his circle than there was.

He died in a very sudden way. He had been ill for some time. His sister and his brother in law from Penllwyngwent had come to see him. But although they tried he wasn't willing for them to stay the night with him. They had stayed outside to watch him going to his bed - and they had the pain of seeing him fall backwards, when he tried to go up the stairs - and when they went in, they found him dead! This took place Christmas day 1897, when he was 78 years old.

He was buried in the family Cemetery in the graveyard of Llandyfodwg Church. The secretary preached in the chapel from Ecclesiastes vii, 1, and on the graveside testimony of his blameless life was brought, and his substantial ministry by the late Alderman W. Howell, Y. H., Pencoed. "Let him sleep in peace."

The church of Glynogwy was handed over to the region of the Monthly Meeting of West Glamorgan in the year 1882, but he kept his membership of the Monthly Meeting of the East until his death.

4 REVD. DAVID DAVIES

Another minister who was connected to Glynogwy was the Revd. David Davies, Llanelli, Brecon after that - a brother of the late Revd. William Davies, Merthyr Tydfil. He kept a daily school in the loft above the stable for about two years, and he lodged in the Gadlys. During his stay in the Glyn, he was of a lot of service to the church in the weekly meetings etc.

5 MR. JOHN JONES

He was one who came to dwell in the Glyn in 1894. He was for about ten years a minister to a respectable church of Tregaron, a secretary, and one of the leaders of the Monthly Meeting of South Cardiganshire. He had some fall which made it essential for him to leave not only the place, but also the ministry. So easy can a man go down! Having tried to take on a trade in books in Neath, he came on his path to Glynogwy in 1894 - and although he then moved to Gilfachgoch, he was a member of the church in the Glyn until 1905, when he

died. He was of great service to the church. After being induced, he would preach here often, and in the chapels around, although not being restored regularly - and his ministry was very acceptable. He possessed above normal mental abilities. He had had the usual course of education in Trefecca. He was an excellent poet. I have some pieces of his work in my possession which are "of the same true blood and poetic gift." Poor John Jones! Whatever was his crime, he suffered greatly as a result of it. And he suffered like a hero! Although I was in his company many times, I never heard him complain at all, nor blame anyone. His mind was on preaching. About that he would like to talk. He yearned for the pulpit, and it was a great pleasure for him to have the little freedom which he had in his last days to ascend it occasionally. His history gave serious emphasis to the warning: "Whoever is standing, let him look not fall." After writing the above, I met an old fellow-student of his, who visited him a little before he died. His last word to his old friend was: "Jordan is near at hand, but I am not afraid of crossing it."

6 PARCH. BENJAMIN EVANS

He was a native of Rhymney. He was the first paid pastor who was in this church. He already looked after the English church Gilfach Goch, and there he lived, and since the way was long and inaccessible, and the population in the Glyn now thin and scattered, one could

not have expected him to do a lot of work here. Within about nine months he received a call to be a pastor at the English church of Manselton, Swansea, and so he broke his connection with Glwynogwy.

He was very successful in Manselton, and useful also in the Presbyterianism of West Glamorgan. He fulfilled every task entrusted to him with skill and faithfulness - according to the evidence which we had "he did everything well". He left there in 1917 to go to Garston, in the Presbyterianism of Lancashire, where his ministry was acceptable and effective. We were very sorry to hear the other day of his death on the Day of the Celebration of Peace (July 19th, 1919). He appeared strong, but he was cut down in the middle of his strength, when he was 46 years old. "In the midst of life we are in death." May the Heavens protect his widow who has been left alone.

7 REVD. RICHARD WILLIAMS

As a successor to the Revd. Benjamin Evans, came the Revd. Richard Williams, from Aberkenfig, now from Rhydargaeau, Carmarthenshire, the place of his birth. He was in the Glyn for seven years, when he received a call to be a pastor of the churches Burnet's Hill and Millin Cross, Pembrokeshire. An hourglass of marble was presented to him as a sign of the appreciation of the church of his labour, especially not only amongst the children of the church, but also the children of the neighbourhood generally. He would hold meetings for them and he prepared many of them to pass the County Exam - so that the fruit of his labour remains to this day.

8 REVD. EZEKIEL WILLIAMS

Last in the succession is the Revd. Ezekiel Williams, the present pastor of this church, together with the English church of Cwmogwy. He is a grandson, the son of an only girl, the late Revd. Ezekiel Thomas, Swansea, and it is said that his famous grandfather will not die completely while his grandson lives. He had his education in the school of the Revd. T. Howat, B.A., in Pontypridd, and then he went through the usual course in the University of

Cardiff, and the Theological College of Aberystwyth. He came to his present region after having three and a half years experience as a pastor in the church of Walton, Brecon, and five years in Trewilliam (English).

One sees that up to now he has been in the English ministry, - and he was brought up more of an Englishman than a Welshman. In spite of that, he devotes himself to overcome this disadvantage, and already has made obvious progress. We wish him and the two churches under his care every comfort and success.

CHAPTER 4 A GENERAL VIEW OF THE CAUSE

(a) THE BUILDINGS

As was noted already, the cause was brought on until the opening of the chapel, in a room above a smithy near the churchhouse. The chapel was opened on October 24th and 25th, 1819. Who was ministering on the occasion apart from the Revd. William Evans, we do not know. We are told that it was a small chapel, and facing it were its three windows, and the pulpit inside the middle window. At the same time the Chapel-house was built, together with the Stable, to place in it the horses of the farmers who would go there. From that time, and for the following fifty years, the cause in Glynogwy was prosperous and successful. All the families of the neighbourhood almost, attended the chapel - Penllwyngwent, Gellifud, Pantdyfnwy*, Gilfachorfydd, Gadlys, Pantycornant, Brynchwyth, Hendre Ifan Goch, Hendreforgan, Tynewydd, Craiglas, Pwllyfelin, etc. In the year 1849 the chapel was extended by moving the back wall out, and making the seats to rise, one higher than the other towards it. Two windows were placed also in the back wall, and various other improvements were made. This is the time, I think also, the room which is above the stable (as it is at present) was made, which serves as a vestry.

From time to time a daily school was held in it before building the Council Schoolhouse. Before making this room, daily school would be held in the Chapel-house, and in that, which was kept by a respectable widow called Mrs. Harries, and her daughter, one person learnt to write, who has written some valuable volumes, and a great multitude of articles in the Traethodydd, and other periodicals, namely the Revd. W. Evans, M.A., Pembroke Dock. Important results have insignificant starts often.

On the re-opening of the extended chapel, the first meeting was started by the Revd. William Evans, Tonyrefail, and was preached by the Revd. Edward Matthews.

To finish with the buildings, in 1904 important improvements were made to the chapel. Everything inside it was renewed, and the door was moved from its face to its gable end, and a lobby was added outside it. All of it was done according to the latest style, so it is tasteful and particularly comfortable. All the cost was £306 5s 0d. The land which is under the building and around it is freehold - it was bought for £50, and yet there is but £100 of debt on all the property, which is proof of the activity and generosity of the little church. The chapel was opened the third time on June 20th and 21st, 1905, when the Revds. W. Evans, M.A., and W. W. Lewis, Swansea preached. Monday afternoon (the following day) the Revd. Benjamin Evans was inducted as a pastor to the church.

* "Pantdyfi" orally in the country; Pantyfud some say; but according to Morien, the view which appears to me to be most natural - Pantdyfnwy - gwy = water running through a deep valley.

(b) THE MINISTRY

Glynogwy at first was a Sunday journey in connection with Dinas and Tonyrefail. The preachers would be in the "Glyn" in the morning, in Dinas in the afternoon and on the "Ton" in the evening. The old preachers of Glamorgan would come here in their turn to contribute the Word of Life. They had a journey plan, as it was called, arranged so that every church would be visited every month by one of the ordained ministers. The small churches therefore would enjoy the ministry of the chief ministers as well as the big churches. Doubtless a similar arrangement to it would be a great advantage to the Association again. The Revd. W. Evans, M.A., says that the Revd. D. Howells, Swansea was in the journey some Sunday before the chapel was opened, and that he had walked all the way from Swansea, but he had a horse to carry him to Dinas and the Ton. On that Sunday, he said himself in 1868, he heard first of the remarkable young preacher who had set out in Tonyrefail, and his praise spread quickly through all the churches.

On the other Sundays one would have in the journey the service of the preachers who were not ordained, like William Watson, Thomas Pardoe, Titus Jones and others.

A prayer meeting would be held most frequently on a Sunday night, and the first members, as was shown already, were blessed greatly with the talent of prayer. Some of them were very powerful therefore. It seems that the frequent calls they would have to practise the talent, had been a help to develop it.

About the year 1852, the Revd. W. Evans, M.A., says Dinas was connected with Siloam, Companions, like a Sunday journey. Then the preacher would be in the Glyn in the morning, and on the Ton in the afternoon and the evening; but before long, the connection that was between the two places was cut, to the great loss of Glynogwy. After that, the pulpit wasn't filled nearly so often or as well. The School would be kept in the morning, and a preacher was not had in the evening but very rarely. The cause suffered as a result, and since by now many of the old families had died, and those who followed them were not of a similar spirit, and also many had emigrated to Australia and America etc., and others had moved to other places in this country, the Cause weakened greatly.

It appears that the Glyn was connected for some term with Gilfach Goch, as a Sunday journey; and concerning that, it is said that a mission was sent from Gilfach to the Glyn some Sunday morning, that they didn't want the preacher to come there that Sunday, because they didn't have the means to acknowledge him. The preacher who came from the Glyn was the Revd. Rees Phillips, Aberafon. He asked the messenger "Are there people to be had there?" He answered that there were people, but that they didn't have money to pay him for preaching. Mr. Phillips said: "Well if there are people there I will come to preach to them, although they don't have money to pay me." The Patriarch from Tonyrefail heard about it, and the first time he saw Mr Phillips after that, he told him: "You are a great man, indeed, you are a great man."

The connection with Gilfach did not last long. The Glyn again became a Sunday journey on its own, but the church had gone too weak by now to hold a regular and effective ministry.

In spite of that, the congregation kept up remarkably up until comparatively recently. In 1870 there was not one seat to give to anyone who came there new. It was believed that this was a great help to the Cause.

There was a prosperous Sunday School from the start (remembering that the School was the start of the Cause), and it continued so for a long time over the first half of the fifty years. The Sunday School belonged, together with five other Schools, to the District of Llantrisant. The Two monthly Meeting would be held in its turn in every one of the six places which formed the District, namely Glynogwy, Tonyrefail, Dinas, Llantrisant, Porth and Penygraig. The School Singing Festival would be held once in the year, and the day of the School Singing Festival was a big day in the Glyn. The "men of Glynoccwr" (as they were called), were like a regiment of horsemen going over the mountain on their horses to Llantrisant, to the Singing Festival to recite the topic - a chapter from the "Hyfforddwr" (Instructor), and to be questioned in the topic of the chapter, and they always, it is said, prepared themselves well, so that they would go through their work in reciting and singing with honour to themselves, and for the sake of benefit and blessing for those who would be listening to them. In its turn, the Gymanfa (Singing Festival) would come to the Glyn, and when it would come the chapel would be overfilled.

The church in Glynogwy , the sisters mainly, of course, have a reputation for their ability and their amiability concerning every

(d) SPECIAL MEETINGS

which are held there. They do not spare either trouble or expense to welcome the strangers on such occasions. Since the Glyn is a place which is at least three miles from every other place, perhaps the journey there over the steep hills from every corner, and the healthy breezes of the hills contribute somewhat towards that, but the unanimous testimony of everyone who would have partaken of it is that there is no more tasty refreshments to be had anywhere than in the Glyn, when preaching meetings are held there, monthly meetings, or any other special meeting. This History would not be complete without including this fact.

(e) AN EFFORT TO START A RELIGIOUS CAUSE IN CWMOGWY

The Cause was started in Glynogwy by establishing there a branch of the Tonyrefail Sunday School. The first members of the church, after receiving the same spirit - the spirit of Jesus - the spirit of the first Missionary, made an effort to spread His kingdom by starting the Sunday School in Cwmogwy. About the year 1824, Mrs. Morgan Thomas from Graiglas , Thomas Jenkins, Caerosser, and his wife after that, Miss Barbara David, Hendreforgan, Rebecca Davies, Tynewydd, and one or two others from Glynogwy church came over to Cwmogwy, and they started a Sunday School in a cottage called Tybach, which stood on the land of Caedu. This house, on account of the ungodliness of a family who at some time before that, dwelt in it, had gained for itself the ugly name of "Little Hell". In this remarkable house was held the first Sunday School in Cwmogwy. There was a prosperous outlook on it for a season. Quite a number of inhabitants of the Cwm came to it, and many of them learnt in it to read the word of God. Everyone of them almost was completely ignorant at that time of its contents, and very base was their language, their morals and their habits. One woman who frequented the School in Tybach, when she was asked for a

Bible verse, replied - "Hell! I had a pretty little verse as well, but I've forgotten it, God's truth."

Various old ministers of the County, it is said, held meetings in Pantyrawel, like Richard Siams from Gyfylchi, and others, and we saw the history of the Revd. William Evans, Tonyrefail preaching at the side of the mountain about a mile higher up in the Cwm, about the year 1841. His topic was Isaiah iv, 7. He was given two shillings for his service. "Is that all you had for such a sermon?" said one who saw it being given to him "Perhaps it wasn't worth as much as this," he answered modestly.

As the effect of the School and the preaching which was noted, the Methodists doubtless would have had the oldest religious cause in Cwmogwy, but "the wild boar" came to "burrow the vineyard!" A disagreement arose in the church between natural brothers and this continued which one can call

(f) THE FIRST SPLIT

in its history. This was about the year 1840. Mr. Morgan Williams, Rhiwglyn, and Richard Williams (Dicws), his brother, and two sisters in law to him, namely Mrs. Richard Williams and Mrs. Mary Williams from the Gadlys, and a few others left, not only from the church in the Glyn but also from the Association, which they started, and Gwenni Jones, a woman of Nantymoel, who was a member with the Independents in Brynmenyn, an Independent church in a worker's house which was called "Y Graig" (The Rock) near the place where Bethania Chapel, Cwmogwy now stands. Mrs. Mary Williams from the Gadlys returned before long, but the others stayed. Mr. Morgan Williams was a good and godly man, it is said. He died on the way home from the Religious Meeting, January 14th 1867, when he was 66 years old.

(g) THE SECOND SPLIT

There were two splits in the history of the church - the second within about forty years after the first. The second split did the greatest harm to the Cause. Although those who caused it have gone the way of all the earth for years, the effects remain. It is not our purpose now, to search into the cause of it at all, or sit in judgement on those who caused it. We have no right or qualification for that. And since they have appeared before Him who possesses every right and every qualification to judge everyone, what is best for everyone now is to be quiet. And we would not mention it at all, if it wasn't that our History would be history if we were to leave out such an important fact without one reference at all to it.

It is our pleasure now to leave the splits to talk about the

(h) REVIVALS

If there were two splits in the history of the church of Glynogwy we are glad to note she partook extensively in the two recent Revivals our land was blessed with. Strong influences were experienced here regarding the Revival of 1859. Some who are now alive remember Mr. John Jones, Sychpant, Maesteg, in the Glyn, on a work night, holding a meeting, when some strange effects descended on him and the congregation, until it caused all of them almost to completely forget themselves. Under the powerful influences that were in the meeting, John Jones threw his coat off, and jumped to the top of the bench, and there he

praised the Saviour in a very heavenly mood, and almost everyone else there was possessed

with the same spirit. About twenty were added to the thirty one who were members of the church previously. Some of them remain faithful with the Cause up to now, and others are pillars beneath the Cause in other places. Some refreshing showers were found here also concerning the latest Revival, and a few came to ask for a place in the House, and a name amongst those which are kept - one of them over 70 years of age, namely the late Mr. Richard Williams, Penllwyngwent, who was once a very rough character.

(i) Heroes of the War

Our history would be incomplete without a section of it to the five heroes who had obeyed the call of their King and their Country, yes, and their conscience with their God, in the most serious crisis our country, and the world also, has every been in. Voluntarily, and not from obligation they joined the Army to fight the most cunning, unprincipled, barbaric enemy who ever went to war. A lot was heard during the war about Conscientious Objectors, but the proper attention was not given by far to the fact that millions of our Soldiers and Seamen were Conscientious Objectors, and that through them our country was saved so that today we are not under the merciless oppression of the Germans. From the number of the Conscientious Objectors there are five heroes from the church of the Glyn. Their names are:

William T. Evans, Ty'r Capel;
David John Griffiths, Gellifud;
Enoch Phillips, Craiglas;
Thomas Phillips, Craiglas;
Albert Williams, Penllwyngwent.

Of the five, the last only was killed. His life was taken from him by a German sniper, and the life of a young officer who jumped towards him to help him when he saw him fall, September 5th, 1918. He was a Licensed Assistant Teacher in Aber Boys School, Cwmogwy before the War. When the news came of his death, deep sadness extended over the Glyn and Cwmogwy, where he was known so well, and he was respected so greatly. He was a young man of strong mental abilities, and had had the best education. There was in him deep, religious tendencies, and once a strong tendency for the ministry. A lot of service was expected from him, and he had been of special use in the church already. A remembrance service was held for him November 3rd, 1918, when the secretary preached.

(j) CONCLUSION

This booklet has increased a lot more than I thought, when I undertook to write it, one could say. I tried to avoid the responsibility of writing it, but the friends would not take a refusal. Lest I am responsible for the facts of this history getting lost forever, and because I have lived nearby for one third of the century, and I should therefore know more of the history than any of the brothers in the area, I agreed, between willingness and unwillingness, and their effort to collect the facts and place them in some kind of order in order to safeguard them. In a great rush, and in the middle of a multitude of tasks, I wrote these pages. While drying my pen, I wish to truly gratefully acknowledge the kind friends I asked questions of, and without the help of these I could not write about them. I am not naming them because they are too numerous.

What is suitable to me now when putting this book aside, is to ask for forgiveness of

everyone who reads it for every defect which is in it, and especially, if I have done anyone any wrong in what was written, or If I have left something out. Unintentionally, and in complete ignorance, that was so, if it was done.

I wish to urge the brotherhood in the Glyn, to try to learn the lessons which are in the history of the church - to follow the fathers and mothers:

1. In their zeal for the purity of the church. They would be very careful who they would accept. They would not accept anyone into the church without their application for that first under consideration of the church. Church discipline was managed by them with conscientious exactness. Their zeal for purity was the strength of the church.
2. In their activity with the Sunday School. The Glyn School was one of the most prosperous Schools in the whole area.
3. Especially in nurturing the spirit of prayer. Possessing a talent of prayer was an obvious characteristic of the fathers. To possess the talent you must possess the spirit. The talent is but the means of the spirit to reveal itself.

"And God the peace, He who brings again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great
Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the eternal covenant, and perfect you in
every good act, to do His will, working in you what is acceptable in His sight through
Jesus Christ, to Him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen."

[Last Updated : 10 July 2008 - Gareth Hicks]

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CENTENARY Of the Church of the Calvinistic Methodists

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In Glynogwy.

The Chapel was opened

October 24th and 25th 1819:

The History of the Occasion

By the Revd. Charles Williams Cwmogwy.

THE ORDER OF THE MEETINGS

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, October 7th, 8th and 9th 1919

TUESDAY

At 2.30

Preached by the Revd. W. H. Thomas, Maesteg

(President of the South Church Association)

At 6.00 o'clock

Preached by the Revd. W. Evans M.A. Pembroke Dock (In English): and the

Revd. W. H. Thomas (In Welsh)

WEDNESDAY at 2.00 o'clock

CENTENARY MEETING

The chair will be taken by the Revd. Charles Williams, Cwmogwy, and addresses will be delivered by the Revd. W. Evans M.A.; W. Jones(Treforest) Aberdulais; W. H. Thomas, Maesteg; and ministers in thearea.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT at 6.00 o'clock

Preached in English by the Revd. Charles Williams; and in Welsh by the Revd. William Jones.

THURSDAY

At 2.30

Preached in Welsh by the Revd. D. Jones, Creunant.

At 6.00 o'clock

Preached in English by the Revd. W. Jones, Aberdulais; and in Welsh by the Revd. David Jones.

A GREETING TO THE CHURCH

CONTENT

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

THE CENTENARY OF THE CALVINISTIC METHODISTS OF THE CHURCH OF GLYNOGWY

CHAPTER 1

THE START OF THE CAUSE

CHAPTER 2

Officials and Members of the Church up to 1859, together with their Families

PRESENT OFFICERS

CHAPTER 3

Ministers and Preachers Connected with the Church

CHAPTER 4

A GENERAL VIEW OF THE CAUSE

The chair will be taken by the Revd. Charles Williams, Cwmogwy, and addresses will be delivered by the Revd. W. Evans M.A.; W. Jones
(Treforest) Aberdulais; W. H. Thomas, Maesteg; and ministers in the
area.