Ystalyfera History

History and Heritage

Ystalyfera and District

Ystalyfera History & Heritage

The English Congregational Church, Ystalyfera

75th Anniversary of the Founding of the English Con

The South Wales Voice newspaper, printed in Ystalyfera, did a commemoration piece on 8th July 1944 on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the English Congregational Church in Ystalyfera:-

ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
CELEBRATE 75th ANNIVERSARY
The members of the English Congregational Church Ystalyfera held meetings during the weekend to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of this Church. The special preacher on Sunday was the Rev T J Morgan, Stoke on Trent, who was pastor of the church from 1902 to 1908. On Saturday evening a presentation and celebration meeting was held when there was a large gathering of members and friends, over which Mr W R G Bell presided. The meeting was opened by the Rev W E Llewelyn with prayer.

The chairman, tracing the history of the course, said that the founding of the church acquired a great deal of thought and courage: the founders of the English Congregational Churches Ystalyfera were not wanted in those qualities. The conditions that obtain 75 years ago were very different from those of today. Most of the chapel seen in the district were built between the years 1840 and 1870: and the number and quality of the buildings could be taken as a measure of the prosperity that was experienced at that time. Many of the people who came to Ystalyfera were from English-speaking districts and steps were taken to provide a church of their own. Until this was done, accommodation was kindly provided by the members of Wern Chapel. The two names that occupied an important place in the history of the English Congregational Church were Parrish and Bain. The former was connected with the iron works and the latter was a colliery proprietor.

These two men laboured for many years for the cause and when they left the district covers took their places. The architect of the building was Mr T R White of Fountain Hall, who expended a great deal of time thought and labour on the building. Many people had commented on the architecture of the building and the site occupied by the church. The type adopted was not that usually seen in the Nonconformist building. The design was the idea of people who came from England. They brought with them not only their ideals of Christianity but architectural ideas. The building was in the same condition (except for a few minor alterations) as it was when the doors were first opened for worship.

The chairman went on to say that the members had decided to take advantage of the opportunity to show appreciation of the services rendered to the cause by the Minister and two officials. The Rev Melville Phillips had held the pastorate for 20 years; Mr John Bell had been treasurer the 25 years, while the secretaryship had been in the hands of Mr William Thomas the 24 years. Gifts were to be presented to them that evening by a former pastor and by Mrs Roberta Rees JP who had been connected with the church for 65 years. The chairman read a telegram of good wishes from Arthur Jones, son of Mr and Mrs Arthur Jones, also appropriate verses from him and read by his father.

Mrs Roberta Rees J P was in reminiscent mood and spoke of the days gone by. She referred to the changing fashions. There was a time when parents brought their children to church and did not send them as was the present day custom. It was also a day of large families. There was a permanent “blackout” and people lighted their way in winter by means of lanterns. Celebrations of Holy Communion were held in the mornings on alternative months suit the convenience of those people who lived great distances from the church. The church activities including singing class for children, a woman’s sewing guild, week night prayer meetings and penny readings for children. With the growth of the Temperance movement, the penny readings and singing class were replaced by the Band of Hope, which met with much success. Mrs Rees handed books to Mr Bell and a wallet and fountain pen to Mr Thomas.

The Rev T J Morgan, in presenting the cheque to Mr Melville Phillips, spoke of the happy times he has spent during his ministry to the church. He was happy to say that the Sunday school made great strides and was increased by 300% from 25 which was the membership when he was ordained from college.

Others who spoke were Mr Robert Taylor, on behalf of the deacons: James Williams Sunday school superintendent; Tom Bayliss representing Ystradgynlais Chapel; Rev E T Evans Wern; Mr JR Williams contractor who said he remembered church being built on what was the popular playing field for local children; and Mr Arthur Jones.

Replying, Mr Bell thanked the Church for their gifts and words of appreciation. He spoke of the ground work done by the founders especially Mr Henry Parrish, 1829 to 1901, who hailed from Birmingham and came to Ystalyfera Iron Works in 1864. He was first secretary and a very active worker in church until he removed to Swansea in 1884. While at Ystalyfera he lost a son and daughter on the same day in an epidemic.

Mr Alexander Bain (1818 – 1889), came from Paisley and farmed at Hendreforgan and was also interested in coal mining. He travelled to church on horseback. He died on at Ystalyfera Station in 1889. He was elected a co-deacon with Mr Parrish when the church was formed.

Mr TR white (1832 - 1921) hailed from Morpeth, Northumberland and came to Ystalyfera as engineer to Swansea Canal. He was the architect of the church and played a large part in the erection. An active member Anthony removed to Swansea.

Mr William Thomas, thanking the church with their expressions of gratitude and appreciation spoke of the happy state of affairs in the church during his 24 years as secretary. The path had not been easy but the effort had been worthwhile. He also recounted how a cup of tea in a Swansea cafe had been the first step in securing the pastor for the church. When appointing a new secretary said Mr Thomas, the church should look for a young man possessing faith and vision.

Rev Melville Phillips thanked all members for their loyalty during his 20 years in the church. He said he intended to remain with them to the end. He hoped to finish his ministry here as the Rev T J Morgan, who he was very pleased to have present that evening, had begun his 42 years ago. He thanked his fellow ministers for their expression of goodwill and active cooperation during his sojourn here.

It was also pointed out that all three - pastor, treasurer and secretary hold the record for the length of service.

The meeting closed with the singing of the Doxology and the benediction was pronounced by Rev Ivor Jones, Zoar.

On Sunday, Rev T J Morgan preached appropriate, commemoration sermons to large congregations and administered the Sacraments at the Communion service which followed. During the evening service the choir rendered anthems under Mr R Taylor. Mr B J Davies presided at the organ.

Information from this article is also used in the webpage on the origins of the English Congregational Church, Ystalyfera.