The History of the Cause
Bethel Llanwynno
(Full text of the document held under Source Reference S379 "Calvinistic Methodist Archives - Bethel Llanwyno")
Chapter 6 - Past Deacons
Mr. Phillips from The Felin (The Mill). The title "Mr" does not sit
easily in Llanwynno, the men of Llanwynno showing more respect for each other
by leaving out the "Mr" and "Mrs". So William Phillips from The Felin is more normal
here, and why not? What is the point of giving a Christian name if it is not
used? Therefore William Philips from The Mill fits best in Llanwyno. He
was appointed Deacon of Bethel Chapel in 1877. In the same year Mr Robert
Evans of Ty Newydd was also appointed; in 1879 they were joined by
Mr William Gibbon. These three were the most prominent in the Chapel for many
years. William Philips came from a well known family, highly respected
in the community, that is the Mill family. William Phillips, together with the
other two officers was very supportive of the Cause for many years. There are
many living who will remember his father – Mr Evan Phillips. He was ‘king’ of
The Mill, on the banks of the River Ffrwd, and because of this he was given the
name William from The Mill.
The Phillips’ had soft and pure voices, running like
a silver chord throughout the family. William Phillips was no exception; he did
a great deal to foster singing in Llanwynno, and he was the Deacon who led the
singing. He was a man of exceptional talent, of fine character and his name is
still respected today in the community. He was buried in the cemetery of Bethel,
where the remains of many of his ancestors lie. He died in the year
1902.
Mr.Robert Evans, Ty Newydd was appointed Deacon in 1877; he died in August 1914. I only had
about a year of his company after coming here; his health was poor towards the
end of his life, and I didn't see him at his best, but I saw plenty of evidence
during the time that I knew him that he was a man of God. Mr Robert Evans was a
fairly carefree person, and the Cause benefitted from this. He didn't partake of
the bread of idleness! He gave a great deal of his time to the cause of
religion. He gave of his best to his friends and to the Community. He was a
discreet man, although not a 'committee' person. Discreet when there was an
important issue at stake; an enthusiastic and fiery man by nature, but when it
was necessary he would suffer himself, rather than allow the Cause to
suffer. It is said of Queen Mary, that after her death, Calais was
imprinted on her heart. Similarly it could be said that Bethel, Llanwynno was
heavily inscribed on the heart of Mr Robert Evans. He gave up his time, offered
his service, and his chapel was everything to him for almost forty years. As a
deacon and loyal officer of the chapel, an able man, and always present in the
services, he was as good as a Minister.
He encouraged many people to
attend the services, and was influential in that regard. He could use the whip
if necessary, be he preferred to suffer himself rather than hold back progress.
He always chastised and encouraged in a kindly way, ensuring that his own family
lived up to the same standards. His loss to Bethel was enormous. He was buried
in a public ceremony in Ynysybwl on August 22nd 1914. He had a princely
funeral.