Ystalyfera History
Congregational
Rev. Aman Jones came to Gurnos in 1927, replacing Rev. D.J. Moses who had been minister from 1923 until the end of 1926. Aman Jones' induction took place on October 12th and 13th 1927.
This article from the South Wales Voice newspaper, 14th April 1951 recounts his career:-
Rev. Aman Jones Retires
Fifty Years in ministry
After over 24 years service, the Rev Aman Jones, B.A., on Sunday ended his ministry of Gurnos Congregational Church, Ystalyfera. Mr Jones has spent over 50 years in the ministry, half of which has been at Gurnos. A native of Glanamman, he is one of 11 children, two of his brothers, Rev. David G. Jones, who retired some years ago from the pastorate of Soar, Pontardawe, and Rev W. Glaslyn Jones have also completed 50 years in the Christian Ministry. Mr Jones began his career as a teacher, but experiencing the urge towards the pulpit became a student at the Gwynfryn Academy, Ammanford, and from there passed into Bangor University and Theological College, graduating B.A. (hon). Two teaching periods followed, one at the Collegiate Preparatory School, Pontypridd, and the other at his old Academy, Gwynfryn. He was ordained in 1900 at Rivertown English Congregational Church, Flintshire. He held subsequent pastorates at Merthyr Vale, New Quay (Cards) and Llanwrtyd Wells before coming to Gurnos in 1927. Mrss Jones, formerly Mrs Rees, comes from a well known Cwmllynfell and Amman Valley family. A capable organist, she has acted as deputy organist at each place where her husband has been minister and has rendered signal service in that capacity for 23 years. They have one son, Rev Basil Jones, M.A., Ll B., vicar of Llanuwchlyn, North Wales.
At a farewell service on Wednesday evening, many members paid high tribute to Mr Jones for his selfless devotion to Gurnos throughout the years. Those who took part in the service included Rec. E.T. Evans, Wern; T.J. Morris, Soar; Idris Hopcyn, Cwmtwrch; Owen Williams, Sardis; D.R. Beynon, Jerusalem; W.T. Thomas, Rhifawr; J.G. Hughes, vicar. The choir was conducted by D..R. Jones, Mus. Doc., organist, and the soloists were Mrs R.A. Morris and Mrs M. Price.
Members of Gurnos and friends throughout the Principality will join in wishing Mr and Mrs Jones a happy retirement at Rhyl.
The South Wales Voice newspaper for Friday 22nd May 1953 recorded the death of Rev Aman Jones, in his retirement at Rhyl, only two years after leaving Gurnos.
The news came over the weekend that the Rev Amman Jones had died suddenly at his home at Rhyl North Wales.
Mr Jones, who was a native of Glanamman, retired two years ago after a ministry of 23 years at Gurnos Chapel and was a great scholar as well as a preacher of repute.
He is survived by his wife and an only son, the Rev Basil Jones, Rector of Llanuwchllyn.
Burial took place at Rhyl on Wednesday.
Gurnos Chapel after closure, and up for sale. It has since been bought and used for community purposes.
Inside Gurnos Chapel, looking towards the organ and the pulpit
Inside Gurnos Chapel, looking from the pulpit out over the pews, showing just how many people could be accommodated in a chapel of Gurnos' relatively moderate size.
Thank You to David whose Pillars of Faith website provides the information up to the 1930s: www.ministers.pillars-of-faith.com
The Rev (Ebenezer) Aman Jones was minister of Flint, Rivertwon from 1900 to 1901.
The Rev (Ebenezer) Aman Jones was minister of Bethania, Merthyr Vale from 1906 to 1910.
The Rev (Ebenezer) Aman Jones was minister of Towyn, New Quay from 1910 to 1920.
The Rev (Ebenezer) Aman Jones was minister of Llanwrtyd Wells from 1920 to 1927.
The Rev (Ebenezer) Aman Jones was minister of Gurnos Chapel, Ystalyfera from 1927 until his retirement in 1951.