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Montgomeryshire |  |
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Proof read by Maureen Saycell (May 2008)
Chapels below;
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i Mr J. Williams, Dinas ; ac er i Mr. Williams roddi i fyny ofal Aberhosan, parhaodd i ofalu am Penegos tra y gallodd ; a phan y gorfodwyd ef gan waeledd i roddi i fyny ei ofal gweinidogaethol yma hefyd, etto parhaodd mewn cysylltiad a'r eglwys hyd ei ddiwedd. Wedi i Mr Williams fethu, cymerodd Mr Jones, Machynlleth, ofal yr eglwys, ac efe sydd parhau i fwrw golwg drosti. Ni bu yr achos yma erioed gryf, ac nid oes dim nodedig wedi digwydd ei hanes; ond y mae yma nifer o frodyr a chwiorydd ffyddlon a heddychol, a mawr ofal calon ganddynt am achos yr Arglwydd. Nid ydym gwybod fod neb oddi yma wedi codi i bregethu, ac ni bu yr un pregethwr cynorthwyol hyd y deallasom yn perthyn iddi mewn unrhyw gyfnod yn ei hanes.
JOHN WILLIAMS. Ganwyd Mr Williams yn 1798, yn Pennal, ger Machynlleth. Dygwyd ef i fyny fel gwas amaethyddol, ac felly y treuliodd flynyddau boreu ei oes. Dychwelwyd ef dan weinidogaeth Mr Morgan, Machynlleth, tua'r flwyddyn 1817, ac ymunodd a'r gangen fechan oedd dan ofal Mr Morgan Pennal. Symudodd oddi yno i wasanaethu i Towyn, ac wedi hyny i Lanegryn, a thra aros y lle olaf y dechreuodd bregethu ar gais yr eglwys a'i gweinidog, Mr Lloyd, Towyn. Bu rai blynyddau yn pregethu yn y wlad oddi amgylch gyda derbyniad mawr cyn ei fyned i'r ysgol ramadegol yn y Drefnewydd 1827. Arosodd yno ddwy flynedd, nes y derbyniodd alwad o Dinasmawddwy i fod olynydd i'r efengylaidd Mr. Hughes. Urddwyd ef Chwefror 19eg, 1829, a llafuriodd yno am ddeng mlynedd.
Yn 1839, derbyniodd wahoddiad eglwysi Aberhosan a Phenegos i ddyfod fugail arnynt. Trwy ryw amgylchiadau na waeth heb eu crybwyll, terfynodd ei gysylltiad ag Aberhosan tua'r flwyddyn 1860 ; ond parhaodd yn weinidog Penegos tra y gallodd. Yr oedd ei iechyd wedi gwaelu yn fawr; ac ysigodd ei gyfansoddiad, yr hwn oedd naturiol gryf, trwy yr amgylchiadau a'i cyfarfu, ac neillduol trwy farwolaeth ei unig blentyn. Ni bu y byd byth yr un peth iddo wedi iddo golli ei anwyl John. Derbyniwyd ef ar Drysorfa, yr Hen Weinidogion, ond galwyd arno fuan i wlad nad oedd raid iddo wrth ei chynorthwy. Bu farw Medi 12fed, 1864, 66 oed, a chladdwyd ef mynwent capel Aberhosan, lle yr oedd wedi rhoddi ei fab i orwedd.
Yr oedd Mr. Williams o faintioli cyffredin, ac o wneuthuriad cadarn. Pan yn nghanol ei ddyddiau, yr oedd golwg gryf, iachus, wridcoch arno, a'i wallt yn ddu fel y fran ; ond yn ei flynyddoedd olaf, yr oedd wedi cyfnewid ddirfawr. Yr oedd y gwrid wedi cilio o'i ruddiau, a'i wallt yn wyn ei liw. Yr oedd o dymer siriol, lawen, nodedig o garedig i ddynion ieuaingc, ac o ffyddlon i'w holl frodyr. Ni wyddai am ofn dyn, ac ni feddyliai am atal ei dafod pan y barnai ef y dylasai lefaru. Os rhoddai addewid cadwai ati, a lle y byddai ganddo ymrwymiad yno y ceid ef. Gwnai aberth er mwyn yr hyn a farnai yn wirionedd, ac ni phetrusai am wg neb os meddyliai fod dyledswydd galw arno i gymeryd cyfeiriad neillduol. Diamheu yr arbedasid iddo lawer o'i ofidiau gweinidogaethol pe buasai yn fwy gochelgar i ymadroddion ; a theimlai rhai o'i wrandawyr fod rhai o'i saethau o'r pulpud weithiau cael eu cyfeirio atynt ...................................
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Daw ein Cofnodiad Bywgraphyddol o Mr Hughes, yr unig weinidog a fu gan yr eglwys hon o flaen Mr Morgan, ynglyn a Dinasmawddwy. Cawsom y rhan fwyaf o ddefnyddiau yr hanes blaenorol o ysgrif eiddo Mr Morgan a ymddangosodd Nysgedydd 1866, tudal. 92.
"Dechreuwyd pregethu yn achlysurol yn nhy John Jones, Ty'nrhos, Darowen, tua'r flwyddyn 1816, neu yn fuan wedi hyny, gan Mr. Hughes, Dinas. Yn mhen amser, symudodd John Jones i Allt Tafolog, yn agos Bethsaida, a chododd Richard Owens, Cefncoch, gapel bychan ar ei dyddyn yn y flwyddyn 1827, a galwyd of Nebo ; ac y mae ychydig enwau wedi bod yma er hyny. Gofalodd Mr. Morgan, Sammah, am y lle fel mam yn gofalu am blentyn gwan, am fwy na deugain mlynedd. Wedi agoriad y ffordd haiarn, a gweled fod nifer o dai yn cael eu codi lle y mae station Cemmaes Road, a bod y lle yn debyg o ddyfod yn bentref, penderfynwyd ail godi Nebo yno, am fod lle yr hen gapel yn hollol anghyfleus. Cymerwyd Mr. Morgan yn glaf tuag adeg cychwyniad adeiladiad y capel newydd, a dywedodd wrth gyfaill -
" Yr wyf fi yn rhy wael i gymeryd gofal dygiad y gwaith yn mlaen, cymerwch chwi hwnw; a pha un bynag ai byw ai marw a fyddaf fi, bydd yma 50p. at draul y capel newydd."
Rhoddodd hyny fywyd newydd yn y cyfeillion, ac ymroisant i weithio a'u holl egni. Gweithiodd llawer yn ardderchog mewn cyfranu a chasglu, ond rhagorodd un wraig arnynt oll. Agorwyd y capel newydd Mehefin 28ain a'r 29ain, 1870, ac oedd ei holl ddyled wedi ei thalu ddydd ei agoriad. Gweinyddwyd ar achlysur gan Meistri E. Hughes, Penmain; J. Owen, Llangefni ; J. R. Roberts, Aberhosan.; J. Jones, ac S. Edwards, Machynlleth ; I. Thomas, Towyn ; J. C. Williams, Corris ; ac E. Williams, Dinas. Mae y lle yn parhau fel o'r dechreuad dan un weinidogaeth a Sammah.
Codwyd yma ddyn ieuangc o'r enw James Jones i bregethu ; bu yn Athrofa y Bala, ac y mae yn awr yn Mhrifysgol Glasgow. "
Dechreuwyd pregethu yr ardal hon gan y diweddar Mr John Roberts, Llanbrynmair; ac ar ol pregethu llawer o dy i dy, sicrhawyd darn o dir at adeiladu capel ar dir Mr Joseph Thomas, Creigfryn. Dyddiad y weithred ar y tir ydyw Chwefror laf, 1811, ac fel ymddiriedolwyr yr ydym yn cael enwau John Davies, Rhydlydan, Llanwnog;John Roberts, Llanbrynmair ; James Griffiths, Machynlleth ; James Davies, Bwlchyffridd ; David Roberts, Llanfyllin, y rhai a ddynodir fel gweinidogion yr efengyl ; a John Jones, masnachydd, Machynlleth ; Richard Tibbott, masnachydd, Machynlleth ; Charles Jones, masnachydd, Llan-
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fyllin ; Richard Jones, Tymawr, Llanbrynmair; David Davies, Cwmclegyrnant, Llanbrynmair ; a John Roberts, Ieuaf, Llanbrynmair. Y mae yn debygol i rai o'r rhai olaf gael eu hychwanegu mewn blynyddau diweddarach. Agorwyd y capel Hydref 18fed, 1811. Yn Ebrill 1812 y bu y cymundeb cyntaf ynddo, a derbyniwyd pump o'r newydd.
" Aeth traul ei adeiladiad yn fwy na £350. Bernir na ddylasai fyned yn gymaint. Derbyniwyd £100 o Loegr tuag at y ddyled. Talwyd y gweddill gan gyfeillion yn yr ardal, ac yn Llanbrynmair. Erys cof hir a chynes am ffyddlondeb teuluoedd y Creigfryn, Trawsgoed, Pentre'rne, Plasau, Pikins, y Beudy-hir, y ddau Glanhanog, Evan Humphrey o'r Capel, ac eraill, eu llafurus gariad ar gychwyniad yr achos yma. Y mae hiliogaeth rhai o'r teuluoedd hyny wedi bod yn ddefnyddiol gydag achos Gwaredwr mewn llawer man yn Lloegr ac America.*"
Bu y lle dan ofal gweinidogion Llanbrynmair hyd ddiwedd y flwyddyn 1848, pan y symudodd Mr John Roberts i Rhuthyn (nid 1847, fel y cam hysbyswyd yn hanes Llanbrynmair), ac y rhoddodd Mr S. Roberts i fyny ofal Carno, oblegid fod y cylch yn rhy eang iddo heb gyd-lafurwr. Rhoddodd yr eglwys alwad i Mr John Jones, Penllys, yr hwn a ddechreuodd yma yn 1849, ac a fu yma hyd 1851, pan y symudodd i Sir Amwythig i ffarmio. Wedi ei ymadawiad, derbyniodd Mr Edward Roberts alwad, yr hwn oedd wedi bod dros chwe blynedd yn llafurio y Foel a Llanerfyl. Daeth Mr Roberts yma yn 1852, a llafuriodd gyda chymeradwyaeth a mesur o lwyddiant hyd 1865, pan y symudodd i Coedpoeth, Sir Ddinbych. Bu adfywial grymus ar yr achos yn adeg gweinidogaeth Mr Jones, ac un arall nerthol iawn yn 1861, yn nhymor gweinidogaeth Mr Roberts. Yn 1866, derbyniodd Mr Robert Ellis, yr hwn a fuasai am dymor dan addysg yn Manchester, alwad, ac urddwyd ef Hydref 13eg, yn yr un flwyddyn. Pregethwyd ar natur eglwys gan Mr E. Roberts, Coedpoeth. Holwyd y gofyniadau gan Mr J. Roberts, Conway. Dyrchafwyd yr urdd-weddi gan Mr H. Morgan, Sammah. Pregethwyd i'r gweinidog gan Mr R. Ellis, Brithdir (tad yr urddedig), ac i'r eglwys gan Mr J. Jones, Smethcott. Gweinyddwyd hefyd yn y cyfarfodydd gan Meistri D. Rowlands, B.A., Llanbrynmair ; H. James, Llansantffraid; H. Ellis, Llangwm ; a J. Watkins, Bwlchyffridd. Mae Mr Ellis yn parhau yma yn y weinidogaeth, a'r achos ar y cyfan mewn agwedd lwyddianus.
Preaching was started here by Mr John Roberts, Llanbrynmair, and after preaching from house to house, a piece of land was acquired for building a chapel on land owned by Mr Joseph Thomas, Creigfryn. The date on the deed is February 1st, 1811. The trustees named on it are John Davies, Rhydlydan, Llanwnog; John Roberts, Llanbrynmair ; James Griffiths, Machynlleth ; James Davies, Bwlchyffridd ; David Roberts, Llanfyllin, Ministers of the church; and John Jones, Businessman, Machynlleth ; Richard Tibbott, Businessman, Machynlleth ; Charles Jones, Businessman, Llanfyllin ; Richard Jones, Tymawr, Llanbrynmair; David Davies, Cwmclegyrnant, Llanbrynmair ; and John Roberts, Ieuaf, Llanbrynmair. It is likely that some of the latter were added in later years. The Chapel was opened October 18th, 1811. The first communion was held in April 1812, when 5 new members were accepted.
" The cost of building went beyond £350. It was judged that it should not have been so much. £100 was received from England toward the debt. The remainder was paid by local friends and those in Llanbrynmair. The following families are remembered warmly for their help and care in the beginning - Creigfryn, Trawsgoed, Pentre'rne, Plasau, Pikins, Beudy-hir, both of the Glanhanog, Evan Humphrey, Capel. Their descendants continue in the faith in many places including England and America."*
The ministers of Llanbrynmair took care of this place until 1848, when Mr John Roberts moved to Ruthin, (not 1847 as mistakenly reported in Llanbrynmair's history), and Mr S Roberts gave up the care of Carno, because the area was too large on his own. The church sent a call to Mr John Jones, Penllys, who started here in 1849 and stayed until 1851 when he moved to Shropshire to farm.. Following his departure Mr Edward Roberts accepted a call, he had been at Foel and Llanarfyl for 6 years. He started here in 1852 and was sucessful and liked until 1865, when he moved to Coedpoeth, Denbighshire. There was a strong revival during Mr Jones' Ministry and another in 1861 during Mr Roberts' time. In 1866 Mr Robert Ellis, who had been studying in Manchester accepted the call and was ordained here on October 13th, the same year. On the occasion a sermon on the nature of a church was given by Mr E. Roberts, Coedpoeth. Questions were asked by Mr J. Roberts, Conway. The ordination prayer was offered by Mr H. Morgan, Sammah. Mr R. Ellis, Brithdir , father of the ordinant, preached to the minister, and a sermon to the church from Mr J. Jones, Smethcott. The following also took part - Messrs D. Rowlands, B.A., Llanbrynmair ; H. James, Llansantffraid; H. Ellis, Llangwm ; and J. Watkins, Bwlchyffridd. Mr Ellis remains here and the cause appears healthy.
* Llythyr Mr S. Roberts.
(Llanerfyl parish)
Y mae y capel yma mhlwyf Llanerfyl, mewn ardal uchel, fynyddig, a elwir Nantyreira. Mae y lle yn hollol ddiarffordd, ond yn y cyfeiriad o Lanbrynmair i Cann-office, tua haner ffordd o'r naill i'r llall. Mae yn y gymydogaeth lawer o ffermydd ; ac er mai mynydd-dir gwyllt yw y tir, ceir yma lawer o bobl gefnog eu hamgylchiadau. Driugain mlynedd yn ol, a chyn hyny, yr oedd amryw o'r trigolion yn aelodau Llanbrynmair, a chyrchent yno yn gyson i'r moddion ar hyd llwybrau corsiog, gwlybion, ac elai y diweddar Mr John Roberts yno atynt yn achlysurol i bregethu iddynt. Yn Nghwmderwen y dechreuwyd pregethu ; ac yr oedd Thomas
* Llythyr Mr S. Roberts.
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Edwards, Cwmderwen, a'i wraig, a Hugh Sychnant, a'i wraig, a Susan o'r Myrddyn Llwyd, y rhai cyntaf o'r gymydogaeth a ymunodd a'r eglwys yn Llanbrynmair. Cyrchent yno bob wythnos yr holl ffordd i'r gyfeillach, a chyn ymadael wrth y Ddolgaregwen, cydymgryment gyda'u gilydd i weddio. Yn Nolgaregwen y pregethodd Mr John Breese, wedi hyny o Liverpool, ei bregeth gyntaf. Yr oedd ar y pryd yn was yn Cwmcarnedd, ac yn gweithio yn Prisgwyncyll. Mae yma rai etto yn ei gofio, yn ei glocs a'i smockfrock, yn pregethu y noson hono. Pregethwyd llawer yn Cannon, Ffrwdfawr, a Phenffriddnewydd, cyn codi y capel. Adeiladwyd capel Beulah yn 1822, ar ddarn o dir ar etifeddiaeth Wynnstay ; a thalwyd am dano trwy ffyddlondeb yr ardalwyr, a'r cymhorth a gafwyd gan y fam eglwys yn Llanbrynmair ; ac wedi codi capel Llanbrynmair, cymerwyd areithfa yr hen gapel, bwrdd, a pheth o'i ddodrefn eraill, i Beulah, ac y maent yno hyd y dydd heddyw. Prif ategwyr yr achos yma yn gychwyniad, ac am flynyddoedd wedi hyny, oeddynt deuluoedd Cwmderwen, Cannon, Bryngwyn, Penffriddnewydd, Hafod, Sychnant, Dolau, a'r Ffriddfawr ; ac y mae hiliogaeth rhai o honynt yn parhau yn y lle, ac yn ffyddlon i'r achos.*
Bu Beulah mewn cysylltiad gweinidogaethol a Llanbrynmair hyd fynediad Mr Samuel Roberts i America yn 1858. Er hyny ni bu yno weinidog sefydlog ; ond gofelir am y lle yn benaf awr gan Mr Evans, Llanbrynmair, a Mr Evans, Foel, fel y ddau gymydog agosaf. Rhifa y gynnulleidfa tua 130 yn gyffredin, ac y mae o leiaf haner y nifer hwnw yn aelodau. Maent yn nodedig o ffyddlon i ddyfod i'r moddion, os na bydd hi yn dywydd afresymol i neb fyned o'i dy ; ac y mae yn anhawdd cael cynnulleidfa o wrandawyr mwy astud ; ac y mae ynddi nifer o ddynion deallus yn mhethau yr efengyl. Sonir ganddynt am adgyweirio yr hen gapel, neu adeiladu un newydd, ac y mae mawr angen am hyny. #
This chapel is in the parish of Llanerfyl, in a high , mountainous area named Nantyreira. It is a very remote place, about half way between Llanbrynmair and Cann Office. The area has many farms and despite the fact that the land is rough there are many well off people here. Sixty years ago and earlier, many were members in Llanbrynmair and travelled the wet and muddy paths to worship, as well as Mr John Roberts coming to preach to them occasionally. Preaching began at Cwmderwen and Thomas Edwards, Cwmderwen, and his wife, Hugh Sychnant, and his wife and Susan from Myrddyn Llwyd, were the first to become members at Llanbrynmair. They went all the way to the socials weekly, and before going their separate ways at Dolgarregwen they would kneel and pray together. It was at Dolgarregwen that Mr John Breese, later of Liverpool, gave his first sermon. At the time he was a servant in Cwmcarneddand working in Prisgwyngyll. There are still some who remember him preaching that night in his smock and clogs. Preaching took place in Cannon, Ffrwdfawr and Penffriddnewydd before the chapel was built. Beulah was built in 1822 on a piece of land on the Wynnstay estate, it was paid for by the local faithful with some assistance from the mother church at Llanbrynmair, when the new chapel was built in Llanbrynmair the old pulpit, table and some other furniture was taken to Beulah, and remain there to this day. Those supporting the new cause and for years after were the families of Cwmderwen, Cannon, Bryngwyn, Penffriddnewydd, Hafod, Sychnant, Dolau, and Ffriddfawr, and their descendants remain in the area and faithful to the cause.*
Beulah was in joint ministry with Llanbrynmair until Mr Samuel Roberts left for America in 1858. Since then there has been no regular minister, most of the care being taken by Mr Evans, Llanbrynmair and Mr Evans, Foel, being the closest neighbours. The congregation numbers about 130, at least half of them being members.They are notably faithful in their attendanceof the services, unless the weather is bad enough to prohibit them leaving their homes, it would be most difficult to find a more attentive congregation which includes some knowledgeable in the scriptures. There is talk of restoring the chapel, or building a new one, which is badly needed.#
* Llythyr Mr B. Roberts.
# Llythyr Mr 0. Evans.
(Aberhafesb parish)
Aberhafesp y gelwid yr achos yma gynt, am mai mewn gwahanol fanau yn mhlwyf Aberhafesp y cyfarfyddid; ond pan godwyd y capel, galwyd of Bwlchyffridd. Sail o fewn pedair milldir i'r Drefnewydd, ar ddarn o dir sydd yn cysylltu dau ddyffryn prydferth, sef dyffryn Hafren, yr hwn a red i fyny i Gaersws, a dyffryn Creginog, yr hwn sydd yn rhedeg i fyny at Creginog Hall, palas Arglwydd Sudley. Ymddengys fod pregethu yn mhlwyf Aberhafesp er yn foreu iawn. Nid yw yr Ysgafell lle y preswyliai Mr Henry Williams ond tua phedair milldir oddi yma'i a phregethodd ef a'i gyd-lafurwyr lawer yn yr holl wlad oddi amgylch yma. Yn nyddiau Meistri Lewis Rees a Richard Tibbott, yr oedd llawer o aelodau Llanbrynmair yn preswylio yn y plwyf hwn, a chyfarfyddent a'u gilydd i gynal cyfeillachau crefyddol, a deuai eu gweinidogion yn fynych i bregethu iddynt. Pan oedd Mr Evan Roberts, tad. Mr J. Roberts, Llanbrynmair, yn byw yn mhlwyf Mochdre, at y gangen oedd yn Aberhafesp y deuai i'r cyfeillachau crefyddol, er mai aelod o Llanbrynmair ydoedd. Fel y crybwyllasom eisioes, yr oedd Llanbrynmair y pryd hwn nifer o Fedyddwyr yn aelodau ; ac ymddengys mai y Bedyddwyr oedd luosocaf yn y
* Llythyr Mr B. Roberts. # Llythyr Mr 0. Evans.
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gangen yn Aberhafesp, oblegid mae yn debyg eu bod fwy dan ddylanwad gweinidogion y Bedyddwyr yn y Dolau a'r Pentre, ac mwynhau mwy o'u gweinidogaeth. Adeiladodd y Bedyddwyr gapel heb fod yn nepell oddi yma, lle y maent yn ymgynnull etto ; ac o hyny allan, parhaodd yr Annibynwyr i ymgynnull o dyledswydd i dyledswydd, gan gyfrif eu hunain yn aelodau yn Llanbrynmair, a deuai gweinidogion Llanbrynmair i bregethu iddynt.
Nis gallwn gael allan i sicrwydd pa bryd y ffurfiwyd y gangen yn Aberhafesp yn eglwys Annibynol. Er fod y cyfamod eglwysig a dynwyd allan ganddynt awr ger ein bron, ac enwau yr aelodau cyntaf wedi eu cadw yn ddiogel ; ond anffodus, nid oes dyddiad i'r cyfamod. Yn ol pob peth a allwn gasglu, yr oedd rywbryd wedi 1780, a chyn dechreu gweinidogaeth Mr J. Roberts. Y mae un o hen aelodau yr eglwys, Mr Charles Benbow, yn cofio yn dda am ymweliadau Mr Tibbott i'r ardal i bregethu. Pregethai yn aml ar y maesydd, ac yn unrhyw dyledswydd y rhoddid derbyniad iddo, nes o'r diwedd y dechreuwyd cynal moddion yn sefydlog yn Brynygroes, tyddyndy bychan rhwng Bwlchyffridd a Llanwnog. Yn fuan wedi hyny, agorodd Mr Richard Lewis, Gareglwyd, ei dyledswydd, yr hwn oedd lle helaeth a chyfleus, a chafodd yr achos gartref yma dros lawer o flynyddau. Yr oedd Mr Lewis, Gareglwyd, amaethwr cyfrifol, ac yn berchen ar amryw ffermydd y gymydogaeth, a bu o gynorthwy mawr i'r eglwys ; ac y mae wyrion iddo yn glynu gyda'r achos yn y lle hyd y dydd hwn. Y mae yn debyg mai yn y Gareglwyd y corpholwyd yr eglwys, tua'r flwyddyn 1790, fel y gallwn farnu oddiwrth y gwahanol adroddiadau a roddir. Dyma y cyfamod ar yr hwn y cytunasant : .................................
" Y Cyfamod Eglwysig y cytunwyd arno gan y Gymdetíhas o Ymneillduwyr Protestanaidd yn Aberhafesp"
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John Reynolds, Richard Lewis, Evan Evans, Morris Griffiths, Francis Watts, Joseph Richards, Evan Morris, Elizabeth Lewis, Mary Watts, Jane Shutt, Margaret Morris, a Jane Griffiths. Y tri cyntaf ar y rhestr oeddynt brif gefnogwyr yr achos, ac yr oeddynt mewn amgylchiadau bydol cysurus, ac yn ddynion o gymeriadau crefyddol nodedig. Sonir yn arbenig am John Reynolds fel un enwog yn ei ofal am yr achos yn y lle. Aeth y Gareglwyd rhy gyfyng i gynwys y rhai a ddeuai yn nghyd. Mewn llythyr at ei frawd yn America, dyddiedig Chwefror 1800, dywed Mr J. Roberts, Llanbrynmair : - " Bydd dda genych glywed fod y gymdeithas yn Aberhafesp wedi cynyddu yn ddiweddar nes ydyw ty Mr R. Lewis yn rhy fychan i'w chynwys ; ac yr ydym wedi cytuno am dir wrth Bwlchyffridd i godi arno addoldy yr haf nesaf." Yr oedd y llecyn ar yr hwn y saif y capel yn lle nodedig y dyddiau gynt. Yma yr arferid cyfarfod i ymladd ceiliogod, a dwyn yn mlaen chwareuon annuwiol at y Sabbothau ; a meddyliwyd nas gallesid gwneyd dim yn well na chodi y capel ar y llanerch lle yr oedd y diafol a'i weision wedi arfer cynal eu campau annuwiol, heblaw ei fod ganolog rhwng y tri phlwyf - Aberhafesp, Tregynon, a'r Bettws, trwy y rhai yr oedd yr aelodau yn wasgaredig. Cafwyd y tir yn rhodd ac yn rhad gan y boneddwr oedd y pryd hwnw yn berchenog y Creginog Hall. Agorwyd y capel yn 1800, ac yr oedd gofal yr eglwys ar y pryd, ac am flynyddau wedi hyny, ar Mr J. Roberts, Llanbrynmair. Deuai yma rheolaidd unwaith bob mis, ac elai oddi yma y prydnawn i Penarth. Nid ymddengys fod ffydd y cyfeillion yma yn gref yn nghodiad y capel cyntaf, oblegid gwelwyd yn fuan ei fod yn llawer rhy fychan ; a chyn pen deng mlynedd, bu raid ei dynu lawr, a chodi un llawer helaethach. Agorwyd hwnw yn 1810 ; a thra y buwyd ail adeiladu y capel, cynhelid y cyfarfodydd y Gareglwyd fel
This cause was previously known as Aberhafesp, as they met in various parts of that parish that meetings were held, but when the chapel was built it was named Bwlchyffridd. It stands within 4 miles of Newtown, on a piece of land connecting two beautiful valleys, that of the Severn, running to Caersws and the Gregynog valley leading to Gregynog Hall, home of Lord Sudley. It appears that preaching began in Aberhafesp very early. Ysgafell, the home of Mr Henry Williams, is only about 4 miles away, and both he and his fellow workers preached everywhere in the area. In the days of Messrs Lewis Rees and Richard Tibbott there were many members of Llanbrynmair living in this area, they came together for religious social meetings and their ministers frequently came to preach to them. When Mr Evan Roberts, father of Mr J Roberts, Llanbrynmair, lived in the parish of Mochdre, he attended the religiou socials at Aberhafesp despite being a member at Llanbrynmair. As mentioned there were a number of Baptists who were members at Llanbrynmair, and it appears that they were in the majority at the branch in Aberhafesp and they seemed to be under the influence of the Baptist ministers at Dolau and Pentre and enjoyed their ministry. The Baptists built a chapel not far from here where they continue to worship. Since then the Independents continue to meet, considering themselves to be members of Llanbrynmair with the ministers from there coming to preach to them.
We do not know when Aberhafesp branch became an Independent church. The original Church Agreement drawn up is now in our possesion, preserving the names of those original members, but unfortunately it is not dated. From the available evidence it appears to be around 1780, before the ministry of Mr Roberts. An elderly member, Mr Charles Benbow, remembers Mr Tibbott's visits to preach in the area. He would frequently preach in fields, or anywhere he was given a welcome, until eventually regular services were held at Brynygroes, a smallholding between Bwlchyffridd and Llanwnog. Shortly afterward Mr Richard Lewis, Gareglwyd, allowed them a place which was spacious and convenient and this gave the cause a home for many years. Mr Lewis, Gareglwyd was a responsible farmer, owning many farms in the neighbourhood, and a great supporter of the church, and his grandsons continue to this day. It is likely that it was at Gareglwyd that the Church was formed around 1790, from the various reports available. This is the Covenant they drew up:............
" The Church Covenant agreed upon by the Society of Nonconformist Protestants in Aberhafesp"
(Not Extracted)
John Reynolds, Richard Lewis, Evan Evans, Morris Griffiths, Francis Watts, Joseph Richards, Evan Morris, Elizabeth Lewis, Mary Watts, Jane Shutt, Margaret Morris, and Jane Griffiths.The first three were the main backers of the cause, all in a comfortable wordly state and strongly religious. John Reynolds, particularly, was known for his care of this place. Gareglwyd became too small for the congregation. In a letter to his brother in America, dated February 1800, Mr J Roberts, Llanbrynmair, states - " You will be pleased to hear that the association in Aberhafesp has grown lately so that Mr Lewis' house is too small to hold them, and we have agreed on a piece of land near Bwlchyffridd to build on next summer." The land where the chapel stands was notorious in days gone by, it was where cock fights were staged along with other ungodly games on Sundays. The idea that there could be no better use, along with the convenience or all 3 parishes - Aberhafesp, Tregynon and Bettws, where the scattered members lived. The land was donated by the owner of Gregynog Hall. The chapel was opened in 1800 and was under the care of Mr J Roberts, Llanbrynmair. He used to attend once a month and went from here to Penarth in the afternoon. It is obvious that the original members had little faith, as the chapel they built was soon too small and had to be rebuilt in 10 years. The new one was opened in 1810 and during the building services continued to be held in Gareglwyd as before. Seeing the cause getting stronger, Mr Roberts encouraged this church and Penarth to get together and share a minister. They decided on Mr James Davies, a student at Wrexham, who was ordained on April 18th, 1811. The following officiated - Dr. G. Lewis, Llanuwchllyn ; Dr. Jenkin Lewis, Wrexham ; Dr. T. Phillips, Neuaddlwyd ; and Messrs J. Roberts, Llanbrynmair ; J. Griffiths, Machynlleth ; D. Williams, Llanwrtyd ; and W. Hughes, Dinasmawddwy. Mr. Davies worked here faithfully and with a measure of success. He accepted many members into the church, among them two that were to prove very useful - John James and George Morgan. Mr Davies remained here for 7 years before emigrating to America*.
In 1821 the College was moved from Llanfyllin to Newtown and Dr George Lewis became the minister there and at Bwlchyffridd, as well as teaching at the College. A call was sent to his son in law, Mr Edward Davies, who was a supporting teacher at the College, to co-minister with Dr Lewis. He was ordained in Bwlchyffridd on January 24h, 1822. On the occasion a sermon on the nature of a church was given by Mr. J. Whitridge, Oswestry. The minister's confession of faith was accepted by Dr. G. Lewis. The ordination prayer offered by Mr. T. Weaver, Shrewsbury. Mr. W Williams, Wern, preached to the minister, and Mr. J. Roberts, Llanbrynmair, to the church. Mr. Davies, with the support of the students, cared for the church until 1835, when he gave up the care and confined his ministry to Newtown and teaching at the College. In the same year the church sent a call to Mr John Davies, a student at Carmarthen, and he was ordained on July 8th and 9th, 1835. The opening address was given by Mr. T. Morgan, Welshpool. The usual questions were asked by Mr. S. Roberts, Llanbrynmair. Mr. E. Davies, Newtown, offered the ordination prayer. Mr. James Davies, Llanfair, preached on the duties of a minister and a sermon on the duty of a church was given by Mr. D. Morgans, Machynlleth. Mr Davies's ministry was acceptable for many years but the final 3 were not happy. He gave up his ministry in 1843, he continues to reside in the area and preaches occasionally.
In 1845, a call was sent to Mr John Morris, a student at Brecon, but a native of Ffestiniog, who was ordained here. His stay was very short. Despite all the problems the cause held on and gained strength, to a point where the chapel became too small for the congregation, beside the fact that it was delapidated. It was decided to demolish it and build a bigger one. It was opened on June 21st and 22nd, 1848. The following officiated - Messrs L. Roberts, Sarnau ; H. Morgan, Sammah ; S. Roberts, and J. Roberts, Llanbrynmair ; J. Thomas, Shrewsbury ; and A. Francis, Wrexham. It was announced that the chapel was free of debt on the day it was opened. Despite all the great sermons given there the very short one given by Mr Benbow was the best - "The Chapel is free." In the same year it was opened, Mr John Owen, Newtown, accepted a call from the church. He remained here, successfully, until 1864. It was during his ministry that Bethel, a small chapel on the Waun, between Bwlchyffridd and Llanwnog, was built. John James, previously mentioned, was the one that motivated the building. He donated most of the money to build and collected the rest, before he died, he left £30 to Bwlchyffridd, on condition that they took care of Bethel. Prior to that he had donated £60 to build the current chapel at Bwlchyffridd, he also bequeathed £30 to Cefnfaenor and £30 to Bethany, near Kerry. His memory should be honoured.**
In March 1866, Mr Isaac Watkin, a young man from Abergavenny, came here from the Wesleyans. He was on trial for 3 months, then ordained on June 18th and 19th, 1866. A sermon on the nature of a church was given by Mr. R. Hughes, Cendl, and to the minister by Mr. W. Lloyd, Marton. Mr. D. M. Davies, Llanfyllin, preached to the church. Mr. Watkin was here until September 29th, 1867, when he preached a farewell sermon, leaving for Shrewsbury.
At the end of 1869, Mr Robert Lumley, Cwmbran, accepted a call from the church and was settled here June 22nd and 23rd, 1870. Those officiating were - Messrs J. Peters, Bala ; J. Jones, Machynlleth; R. Hughes, Cendl; H. Oliver, B A.,Newport ; O. Evans, Llanbrynmair . D. Rowlands, B.A., Trallwm ; D. M. Jenkins, Newport and others. This cause has become almost totally English, except for one Sunday morning a month. The cause is strong here and has a strong hold on the community. The church has built a convenient house for the minister at a cost of £250, which was all collected except for the £30 left by Mr John James. The members number 130, we are pleased to hear that Mr Lumley's ministry has begun so well.
We have previously mentioned Mr Samuel Benbow and Mr George Morgan, both alive and in advanced years, they have served the cause well. Mr Williams, Wernwas in this area as a schoolboy before going to Wrexham College, there are still some alive that remember his first attempt at preaching in English, when he failed and turned to Welsh. His teacher was a Mr Roberts.
The only preacher raised here was-
THOMAS PETERS - ordained at Marton, then moved to Caerleon, where he remains.
JAMES DAVIES - native of Neuaddlwyd - hard worker, accepted by rich and poor - emigrated to America - problems followed him, died some years ago in Ohio.
* MSS Mr. D. Morgan.
** Llythyr Mr. R. Lumley, Bwlchyffridd.
(Gareth Hicks 23 August 2009)
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