Ystalyfera

History and Heritage

Rev T J Roberts, Godrergraig Chapel

T J Roberts was the fifth minister of Godrergraig Chapel, being inducted in 1951. Godre'rgraig Chapel had been without a minister since September 1950 when the previous incumbent, Rev B Llewelyn Evans left.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 5th May 1951:-

GODRE'RGRAIG "CALL" ACCEPTED

It was announced in Godre'rgraig Chapel on Sunday that the Rev T J Roberts, Aberllyfenni Machynlleth, had accepted the pastorate of the chapel, rendered vacant by the transfer of the Rev B Llewelyn Evans to Maenclochog last September.
Mr Roberts, who was trained at the Old College Carmarthen, is expected to commence his new duties at the beginning of July next.


From the South Wales Voice, Saturday 14th July 1951

GODRE'RGRAIG NEW MINISTER
The pulpit of Godre'rgraig Independent Chapel was occupied last Sunday by Rev T J Roberts the Minister elect formerly of Aberllefenni North Wales. His balanced and appropriate sermon greatly impressed the members. Mr and Mrs Roberts expressed the deep appreciation of the practical reception given them on Wednesday last on their arrival at their new home, Tirdael Cilmaengwyn which the members had entirely redecorated.
Mr Roberts's induction service will be held on Thursday 19th July.


From the South Wales Voice, 28th July 1951

NEW GODRE'RGAIG MINISTER
REV T J ROBERTS INDUCTED
The Induction Service of Rev T J Roberts formerly of Aberllefenni North Wales took place on Thursday at Godre'rgraig Congregational Church. He is the fifth pastor of the church.

Rev Iorwerth Jones Pantteg presided and the service was opened by the Rev T Elfryn Jones Tabernacle Pontardawe, Miss Edith Morgan secretary of the church gave the history of the call and prayers were offered by the Rev E T Evans Wern.

An address on the Ministry was given by Rev B Llewelyn Evans Maenclochog former pastor of the church. Mr Evans said that to ensure a successful ministry, a pastor must have the sympathy of his church. The success of a pastorate depended largely on the members and the contribution they were prepared to make towards a common cause.

He and Mr Roberts had been at college together and Mr Evans and he could assure his successor that in Godre'rgraig he had founded church that was willing to work. He expressed pleasure that the church had elected the pastor and asked the members to support Mr Roberts in his work.

Tributes to the Rev and Mrs Roberts were paid by Mr Henry Jones Aberllefenni, Mr Edward Williams Esgair Geiliog and Mr William R Hughes. Each spoke of Mr Robertson's readiness to be of service and his indefatigable work in the churches of Aberllefenni and Esgair Geiliog during his five years pastorate there. Mr Hughes referred especially to his comradeship and straightforwardness.

Each speaker also played glowing tributes to the work done by Mrs Roberts in every branch of church activity and all expressed regret at losing them from their midst.

Mr Johnnie James spoke on behalf of Siloa Cwmerfyn a pastorate formerly held by Mr Roberts and brought greetings from the church on this new phase in his life. Speaking on behalf of his mother church at Hebron Llyn were Councillor Griffith Jones and Rev J D Lewis. Mr Jones said that Mr Roberts was one of 12 children, each of whom had become a credit to their family.

Mr Evan T Lewis welcomed Mr Roberts to Godre'rgraig and he was supported by Rev James Davies, former pastorate of the church.