The History of the Cause
Bethel Llanwynno
(Full text of the document held under Source Reference S379 "Calvinistic Methodist Archives - Bethel Llanwyno")
Chapter 8 - Present Deacons
As this is a history for the future, we must, in passing, mention the present
elders. That said, more credit should be given to the past elders than the
living.
Mr. WILLIAM GIBBON (formerly of Yr Efail, now of
Ffrwd) is difficult to place; in one sense, he might be on the list of
the former elders, but in another sense he deserves a place at the top of the
list of present elders. Doubtless, as a joint official with Mr William
Phillips and Mr Robert Evans, he carried out the bulk of his work during his
lifetime, but, in the natural course of things, he has many years ahead of him
yet, and it is good to think that he has not yet shown the slightest sign of
losing his grip, rather the opposite. A native of Machen, he came here from
Caerphilly, and was a foremost member of Llanwynno from 1879 onwards. The
longest-standing elder of the Church now, but since eldest elder is not
appropriate, a better title might be “Senior Deacon”. (Although the two are the
same, the latter does not suggest the same as the former; being ‘old’ in terms
of longstanding in a job does not imply being old in terms of years). Mr
William Gibbon has worked hard on Bethel’s behalf, holding the reins for many
years. A strong counsellor and faithful to all prayer and Seiat meetings.
Skilled as a teacher, for many years he has been the teacher in the women’s
class. He won the class of fame a while back. His face was to be seen in the
Trysorfa Fach. His numerous family are scattered throughout almost the entire
world, but they all, near and far, all remain faithful to their
convictions. I wish him a long life, and many years of service as Master in
the place.
Mr. EVAN DAVIES is commemorated here,
although he is comparatively young, for he has been serving the Church since
1898. His parents farmed at Mynachty. He belongs to a famous family of
doctors. He too intended, at the outset, to become a doctor, but when
Ynysybwl was opened up he went there to set up in business as a butcher. His
present occupation is that of Relieving Officer on the Pontypridd Board. Like
his predecessor Mr William Gibbon, he was one of the original elders of
Glamorgan, a breed that is almost all gone now. It is often claimed that Glamorgan often accepted the best things from other counties. It is said
for example that it is from other counties that Glamorgan adopted its Seiat
language. In fact, the language of the Seiat was in Llanwynno before the influx of people
to the county. It is the language of the Glamorgan Seiat that can be found in
Llanwonno today. Mr Davies, along with his fellow elders spoke the original
Seiat language of Glamorgan. There is no language like it in terms of depth and
skill. It is a pity to think that it did not cross the dyke sometimes to the
class meeting and the monthly meeting, although others realised that the old
Glamorgan Seiat language is still very much alive. Mr Evan Davies has not
broken contact with Bethel since living in Ynysybwl. We hope they will never see
the road too long to come to the old place of worship of the forefathers. Losing
this family would be no small loss to the Cause in this place.
Mr WILLIAM
EVANS is known by the name of “Mr Evans Post Office” as he is the
Postmaster of Ynysybwl. His family still continue to come up to Bethel. A brother to the late Mr Robert Evans,
Tynewydd, he
was elected an elder in 1898. A tender and gentle man, with good name on the part of all the
inhabitants and a respected man in the Church he is elder in. At the moment
Mr. William Evans is the announcer and the seat secretary. Bethel is very dear
to him and his family. We desire that he will have many years among
us.
Mr. JOHN HARRIES LLECHWAUN has been a deacon in Bethel since 1898. He is
a farmer now but for many years he worked in the colliery. He is a native of
Llangorse, Breconshire, and has two brothers, and they have had a very long
connection with the place and are faithful and a great help in the Church. He
has a numerous family who have been raised in the Church and contribute to the
whole life of the Church. Mrs Harries is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs Jacob Rees
who have been referred to previously. May God protect this respectable family
and keep the succession of the lineage in the Cause in Bethel
Llanwonno.
Mr. WILLIAM HARRIES, the brother of Mr. John
Harries, was elected deacon in 1915. He carried out the office for
years before he was elected and his activity has not lessened since his
election. He has been the Application Deacon for years. He is a native of
Breconshire. He speaks with his mouth but his deeds speak as much if not more.
See, a true Israelite. He does not have a family. He lost his two children when
he was young a few years ago. He also lost his life’s partner a truly Godly
wife. Mr. Harries is now on his own, the Cause is everything to him; he is
faithful and constant before the throne. May he have a long life to serve his
Lord in this way.
Mr. GEORGE EVANS, TYNEWYDD is the son of Mr.
Robert Evans. He was elected a deacon in 1915, the youngest of the
deacons. As Church Secretary he has presented his energetic work to the
Church in Llanwonno. His health does not permit him to follow any occupation but
it is a pleasure for him to carry out work for the benefit of and success of the
Cause. Mr. George Evans (whose full name is George Davies Evans,
named after the late George Davies Tynewydd) is in the succession of those who
first loved the Cause. Bethel and Tynewydd are inextricably linked financially. The
figures and money have been in Tynewydd for many years and everything is
correctly kept and listed. May he have a long life to serve the Church and His
Master in this place, and also Mrs Evans, his mother, who reminds me of Mary and
Martha in her love for the Saviour and in her untiring care regarding external events.
MR. EVAN OWEN was elected a deacon in
1915 but he only lived a few months to complete the work of the office. He died
on July 1st. 1916, forty-two years old. His passing was a great loss to the
Church. His life was characterized by a deep conviction. He added much to the
spiritual wealth of the Church. Whether he was standing or on his knees we felt
the breezes from another world blowing directly on us. He was a brother from
North Wales. His widow and his family were among the first to arrive in the
place. For them there is a warm place in the bosom of the Church in
Llanwonno.