Ystalyfera History & Heritage
- Origins and Construction
- English Con Architecture
- Right to Solemnize Marriages
- The First World War
- Pastors of the English Con
- - Rev Melville Phillips
- Ystradgynlais English Con
- Dedication of a new Bible
- Renovations 1932-1934
- The 1939 Anniversary
- 75th Anniversary 1944
- World War 2 Memorial
- Demolition of the English Con
- Minute Book
- Yan Boogie
- In the Llais
71st Anniversary of the Founding of the English Con
The South Wales Voice newspaper, printed in Ystalyfera, did a commemoration piece in 1939 on the 71st anniversary of the founding of the English Congregational Church in Ystalyfera:-
71st Anniversary
ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
YSTALYFERA
It is the same thing with our local institutions and the works of our fathers are not forgotten. On the 20th inst, the friends at the English Congregational Church, Ystalyfera, celebrate the anniversary of the opening of their church 71 years ago. It is safe to say that no one who was present on that occasion will be there on this date, but they, are not forgotten. Their influence still lives and their memory is precious.
When we again gather in the church to celebrate the anniversary, the vision of these stalwarts of other days will rise and encourage us to carry on the good work and be a call to others to follow in their footsteps. This is one of the values of keeping an anniversary day.
At that time the late Mr. James Palmer Budd was a great power here industrially and I have seen his personal signature on the lease granting the land for the building of the church. A prime mover in the cause was the late Mr. Henry Parrish, a native of Birmingham, who lies buried in the lower churchyard. Another was the late Mr. T. R. White, whom many of the old folk will remember, and who was the architect. The building shows that his plan was an unusual one for this district and was no doubt a copy of what he had been used to in his native county of Northumberland. Mr. Alexander Bain also, a loyal Scotsman and a native of Glasgow district. He lived at Hendreforgan at this time and used to ride down to church on his pony. He also was heart and soul in the work. They have left us a good example and lasting evidence of their labours, which we enjoy today. “By their fruits ye shall know them”.
When we gather again in the church to celebrate the anniversary, the vision of these stalwarts of other days will rise and encourage us to carry on the good work, and be a call to others to follow in their footsteps. This is one of the values of keeping an anniversary day.
Information from this article is also used in the webpage on the origins of the English Congregational Church, Ystalyfera.