The major facts of the history of the Cause have been noted. It is seen that
there are a number of observations that are worth keeping in view. It is
impossible for a new-comer; it seems, to do justice to a Cause whose history
goes far back. Llanwynno is probably the oldest church in the country. It can
also be seen that a great number of persons are named here. In the case of size,
as in every generation, everything revolved around a few persons. Up to the
present time the committee are looked upon as strangers in our midst. In many
instances there is an engine without the steam but quite often you have the
steam without the engine and as far as we know the last is the best.
An
attempt has been made to choose the essential names in its history to ensure its
succession. We are sure of this fact, there is not one name included that should
have been left out but there are many names left out that could have been
included if space had allowed. Here, there were original,
godly women and to write a chapter on every one of them would be an asset, but
a brief sketch of their history has been given.
The
church has always had, apart from one period in its history, over a hundred
members; a few responsible families and villagers have always made up the body
of the church. Therefore, the characteristic of the church is to propose a
healthy, religious conservatism. She reveres her deacons and the traditions of
the farmers. Religion has rooted deeply here and is unshaken by changes and
riotous circumstances.
The Welsh language is kept in most homes in the
village and the church, but the flow of Englishness has done a great deal of
damage.
Regarding the money situation, there are £70 worth of chapel
debts. In 1914, a new house was built by the church for the minister. It cost
about £400, £350 is still owed. An additional effort in the collection has been
made in spite of the fact that the debt has been cleared.
It’s not a
light load for the eighty members to support the continual shepherding and
ministry, but considering its size we are succeeding beyond expectations and the
people feel heartened to work. The figures show that on average the amount
towards the ministry is twenty one shillings and quite often over that amount. The
financial effort is great even though there are few pounds in hand and the
revenue from two small houses in our favour.
Contributions are made
towards every lawful agreement and also towards other deserving causes.
During the year 1917, the Church collected £20 towards the Y.M.C.A. Regarding
our public meetings and congregations, Sunday morning and evening are pretty
equal, contributing from the Lord’s Table Sunday morning and evening in their
turn. There is place for improvement regarding meetings during the week. The
Prayer Meeting is still above average and attendance fairly high. The Seiat is
not as well attended but this does not lessen its worth. ‘When one, two or three
are gathered together’ that is what establishes a Church. ‘I am there in their
midst’. There is an occasional Seiat in Llanwynno which is
memorable.
Special attention is given to children in the Band of Hope and
Bible classes. The Church is moderately alive to its obligations to the children
and the youth. The Sunday school could be better but its average is fairly high
compared to the size of the church. Our great failure is in not
having suitable teachers.
There is much in the Church’s past which we can
be proud of, embodying a great element of comfort. The Church can say, ‘The God
that sustained them will bring us through’.
Whatever the worry
about coal, it is the future of the neighbourhood. The Church has proof that the
God of our Fathers is the God for her (the church) and will have a renewal of
strength according to the needs of the future. She has a promise, too, whilst
there is Bethel, the God of Bethel will be her God and a testimony internally.
‘Is there not here a House of God and a gateway to heaven’.
It wouldn’t be fair
to end without noting that the Great War has torn at her heart. Eight of
the boys were snatched into the army and into the navy. They were all children
of the Church but not all were full members. The least I can do is to record
their names:
Robert Harries, William Rees Harries, and Evan Harries - children of Mr. & Mrs. John Harries, Llechwan Farm - In the
army
Owen Hughes and Edward Hughes - children of Mr. Thomas Hughes, 9, Rock
Terrace - In the army
Ivor
Morgan
-
son of Mr. & Mrs. John Griffiths, Bryn Ffrwd - In the army
It is
sad to note that two have fallen prey to the enemy, namely Sgt. Robert
Harries and Pte. Owen Hughes. Cyril Edward Hughes also lost an arm in
the skirmish. [Note that a post-script to the document records that Mr.
Evan Harries fell in France, 23 April, 1918]
Heaven’s protection be
over these families and protect the rest of the boys physically and soul wise
until the great trouble between the nations passes so that they can return
without a cut or injury to their safe homes and to the home (hearth) of the
church in Bethel, Llanwynno.
William Gregory (Minister)
Glan
Dwr
Ynysybwl
February 5th 1918
