Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru

(History of the Welsh Independent Churches)

By Thomas Rees and John Thomas; published in 1871+.

These 7 chapel histories were extracted by Gareth Morgan from the CD published by Archive CD Books (Feb 2008)  - no translations

The main project page is on /big/wal/ChurchHistory/Indchapels#Glamorgan

Proof read by Yvonne John (March 2008)

EBENEZER, ABERDAR

(Vol 2, p 323)

Tua diwedd y ganrif ddiweddaf daeth llawer o bobl o wahanol barthau o ddeheudir Cymru i Aberdar i weithio, ac yn eu mysg yr oedd rhai aelodau eglwysig perthynol i'r Annibynwyr a'r Methodistiaid Calfinaidd. Nid oeddynt ond chwech neu saith o rif ar y cyntaf. Buont am rai blynyddau yn cyd-gynal cyfarfodydd gweddio mewn anedd-dai, ac yn llwyddo yn achlysurol i gael pregethwr o'r naill enwad neu'r llall i ymweled a hwy. Tua diwedd y flwyddyn 1799, ymwahanodd y ddau enwad. Aeth y Methodistiaid i gynal en gwasanaeth yn nhy William Pugh, yn Llwydgoed, a'r Annibynwyr yn nhy Timothy Davies, yn y pentref. Yr aelodau cyntaf gyda yr Annibynwyr oeddynt Timothy Davies a'i wraig; Lewis a Dafydd Lawrence a'u gwragedd; Dafydd Richard a'i wraig, a Morgan Rowland a'i wraig. Yn y flwyddyn 1804, cymerasant dý bychan ar Benypound, yn ngwaelod y pentref, yr hwn a gyfaddaswyd at fod yn addoldy. Cafodd y tý hwn ei drwyddedu fel addoldy yn llys Llandaf, Hydref 16eg, 1804, gan Mr. G. Hughes, Groeswen, yr hwn oedd eu gweinidog ar y pryd. Bu Mr. Hughes yn gofalu am yr achos hwn am chwech neu saith mlynedd. Wedi i Mr. Methusalem Jones ymsefydlu yn Merthyr yn 1809, cymerodd ef ofal y ddeadell fechan yn Aberdar, gan ei fod yn nes atynt na Mr. Hughes. Yr oedd nifer yr eglwys wedi lluosogi ychydig erbyn i Mr. Jones gymeryd ei gofal. At y rhai a enwyd yn barod, yr oedd Dafydd Jenkyn ac Ann ei wraig; Benjamin Havard, Margaret Williams, William Williams a'i wraig; Thomas a Joseph Harrison, a rhai eraill, wedi ymuno a'r achos erbyn 1809. Yn y flwyddyn 1811, adeiladwyd capel Ebenezer, ar Heolyfelin, yr hwn le a ystyrid yn fwy canolog na'r pentref. Byddai Mr. Walter Thomas yn pregethu yma yn fynych fel cynorthwywr i Mr. Hughes a Mr. Jones; ac yr ydym yn cofio clywed yr hen aelodau bymtheg-mlynedd-ar-hugain yn ol, yn son yn barchus iawn am dano fel dyn da a nodedig o wresog yn ei ysbryd. Wedi adeiladu Ebenezer ar Heolyfelin, cynyddodd yr eglwys a'r gwrandawyr yn fawr, ac yn 1813, penderfynasant fyny gweinidog iddynt eu hunain. Rhoddasant alwad i Mr. David Jones, aelod o'r eglwys yn y Mynyddbach, ger Abertawy, ac urddwyd ef yma Gorphenaf 29ain, 1813. Ni bu ei arosiad ef yma dros o ddwy i dair blynedd. Gan fod yr eglwys yn analluog i'w gynal ef a'i deulu, derbyniodd alwad oddiwrth yr eglwysi yn Llanharan a'r Taihirion, a symudodd yno. Yn 1817, dewisodd yr eglwys un o'i phlant ei hun i fod yn weinidog iddi, sef Mr. Joseph Harrison, yr hwn oedd wedi dechreu pregethu yma yn 1812. Rhif yr aelodau pan urddwyd Mr. Harrison, oedd 26. Nid oeddynt yn alluog i wneyd digon at ei gynal, ond gan ei fod yn ddyn sengl, ac yn cael rhan fawr o'i gynhaliaeth gan ei gâr, Dafydd Jenkyn, yn nhy yr hwn y llettyai, ni bu raid iddo ef ymadael oddi yma am yr un rheswm ag a orfododd ei ragflaenydd, Mr. Jones, i ymadael. Bn Mr. Harrison yn gwasanaethu yr eglwys hon gyda diwydrwydd diflino a mesur helaeth o lwyddiant hyd y flwyddyn 1835, pryd y darfu y cysylltiad rhyngddynt. Er fod y capel wedi cael ei adeiladu yn 1811, yr oedd dyled drwm yn aros arno yn y flwyddyn 1817, pan ddechreuodd Mr. Harrison ei weinidogaeth yma, a bu ef yn llafurus iawn, ac yn teithio mhell ac agos i gasglu nes llwyr symud y baich. Yn niwedd y flwyddyn 1828, torodd allan yma, fel yn y rhan amlaf o eglwysi Deheudir Cymru, ddiwygiad grymus anarferol, yr hwn a barhaodd am fwy na dwy flynedd. Yn y diwygiad hwn ychwanegwyd amryw ugeiniau at rif yr aelodau, ac aeth y capel lawer rhy fychan i gynwys y gynnulleidfa, fel y bu raid yn y flwyddyn 1829, ei dynu i lawr, ac adeiladu un mwy. Cynwysai y capel newydd tua chwe' chant o eisteddleoedd, ac yr oedd yn yr amser yr adeil- adwyd ef yn cael ei gyfrif yn addoldy hardd iawn. Costiodd tua 700p., ac yr oedd y ddyled wedi ei dynu i lawr i 240p. erbyn terfyniad gweinidogaeth Mr. Harrison yn 1835. Yn nechreu y flwyddyn 1836, rhoddodd yr eglwys hon a'r eglwys yn Nebo, Hirwaun, alwad i Mr. John Davies, Llantrisant, i ddyfod yn weinidog iddynt. Bu Mr. Davies yn llafurio yma ac yn Nebo hyd 1840, pryd y symudodd i'r Mynyddbach. Ni chymerodd dim nodedig le yma yn nhymor gweinidogaeth Mr. Davies, amgen nag i bob peth fyned yn mlaen yn dangnefeddus, ac i ychydig gael eu hychwanegu at yr eglwys. Wedi ymadawiad Mr. Davies yn Mai, 1840, rhoddodd yr eglwys alwad i Mr. Thomas Rees, Craigyfargod, yr hwn a fuasai am dymor yn aelod yma yn amser Mr. Harrison. Bu pobl Ebenezer mewn cryn betrusder wrth roddi yr alwad, gan nad oedd Nebo yn uno a hwy fel yn amser y gweinidogion blaenorol, rhag na fuasent yn alluog i gynal gweinidog eu hunain. Tybiai rhai eu bod yn rhyfygu wrth addaw rhyw dair punt a deg swllt yn y mis at y Weinidogaeth, ond yn fuan gwasgarwyd eu holl ofnau trwy yr ysbryd haelionus a ddisgynodd ar yr eglwys a'r gwrandawyr, a'r ychwanegiad dirfawr a gafwyd yn fuan at rif yr aelodau. Tua chant a haner oedd rhif yr aelodau pan ddechreuodd Mr. Rees ei weinidogaeth yma, ac yn mhen ychydig gyda deuddeng mis ar ol ei sefydliad yr oedd cant a haner eraill wedi eu hychwanegu atynt. Cyn diwedd y flwyddyn 1841, yr oedd casgliadau yr eglwys yn dyfod i fyny i 12p. y mis, ond o herwydd fod amryw o'r hen aelodau am ddefnyddio yr arian a gyfrenid at y weinidogaeth at dalu dyled y capel, ac yn gwrthod rhoddi i'r gweinidog yr hyn oedd yn anhebgorol at ei gynhaliaeth, yn hytrach nag ymryson a hwy, penderfynodd dderbyn galwad o Siloa, Llanelli, a symudodd yno yn Mawrth, 1842. Wedi hyn bu yr eglwys yn Ebenezer yn byw ar weinidogaeth achlysurol hyd 1844, pryd y rhoddwyd galwad i Mr. William Edwards, o athrofa Aberhonddu. Urddwyd ef Gorphenaf 1af a'r 2i1, yr un flwyddyn. Ar yr achlysur, pregethwyd ar natur eglwys gan Mr. B. Owen, Merthyr. Holwyd y gofyniadau gan Mr. W. Williams, Hirwaun. Dyrchafwyd yr urddweddi gan Mr. D. Roberts, Dowlais. Pregethwyd i'r gweinidog gan Mr. E. Davies, athraw ieithyddol athrofa Aberhonddu, ac i'r eglwys gan Mr. D. Jones, Bethesda, Merthyr.*  Mae Mr. Edwards wedi bod yn weithiwr difefl yma bellach er's with-mlynedd-ar-hugain, a'i fwa etto yn parhau yn gryf trwy ddeheulaw grymus Dduw Jacob. Heblaw gofalu am bobl neillduol ei ofal ei hun, y mae wedi gwneyd ei ran yn deg yn sefydliad yr holl eglwysi a ffurflwyd yn y plwyf hwn yn yr with-mlynedd-ar-hugain diweddaf. Er fod llawer o ganghenau wedi myned allan o honi, a chapeli a chynnulleidfaoedd lluosog o'r un enwad oddi amgylch iddi yn mhob cyfeiriad. y mae yr hen fam yn Ebenezer yn awr yn gryfach ac yn fwy llewyrchus nag y bu ar unrhyw gyfnod o'i hanes. Yn 1859, cafodd y capel ei adeiladu y drydedd waith trwy draul o leiaf o 800p. Mae yn awr yn addoldy prydferth iawn, ac yn cynwys dros saith gant o eisteddleoedd. Aed yn ddiweddar hefyd i'r draul o 300p. i'w adgyweirio a'i brydferthu. Ychydig flynyddau yn ol hefyd adeiladwyd ysgoldy eang y tu arall i'r heol gyferbyn a'r capel, yr hwn a gostiodd agos saith cant o bunau. Darfu i'r eglwys weithgar hon hefyd yn y blynyddau a aethant heibio adeiladu ysgoldai yn Llwydgoed, Penywern, a Chwmdar, ac yn awr y mae eglwysi Annibynol yn cynal eu gweinidogion eu hunain mewn dau o'r tri lle hyn.

Nid ydym yn sicr na chyfodwyd rhai yma i bregethu yn yr ugain mlynedd cyntaf o'r ganrif bresenol, nad ydym ni wedi gallu dyfod o hyd i'w henwau. Y rhai canlynol yw yr unig rai y gwyddom ni am danynt.

• Joseph Harrison. Dechreuodd bregethu, fel y gwelsom, yn 1812, a bu yn weinidog yma o 1817 hyd 1835. Daw ei hanes ef dan sylw etto yn nglyn a'r achos yn Salem, Aberdar.
• Ebenezer Pugh. Yr oedd ef yn bregethwr galluog iawn, ond bu farw yn dra ieuangc tua deugain mlynedd yn ol. Yr oedd wedi ymuno a'r Methodistiaid ychydig amser cyn ei farwolaeth
• John Jones. Bu ef am flynyddau yn yr ysgol yn Baran. Ymfudodd oddi yno i America tua phymtheng-mlynedd-ar-hugain yn ol, ac yno y mae etto yn Delawere, Ohio.
• Thomas Pugh. Bu yntau am lawer o flynyddau yn America. Dychwelodd ychydig flynyddau yn ol i'r wlad hon, a bu am dymor byr yn weinidog yn Abarnant, Aberdar. Dychwelodd drachefn i'r America, ac y mae yn bresenol yn weinidog yno.
• Richard Richard. Bu ef yn pregethu am ychydig yn niwedd tymor Mr. Harrison, ond y mae er's blynyddau lawer heb ddim a wnelo a chrefydd.
• David Richard. Dechreuodd ef bregethu yn amser Mr. Davies, a bu yn bregethwr cynorthwyol am lawer o flynyddau. Y mae wedi marw er's rhai blynyddau bellach.
• William Jones. Yu amser Mr. Davies y dechreuodd yntau bregethu. Yn y flwyddyn 1841, ymfudodd gyda ei rieni i America. Mae ei hanes yno yn anhysbys i ni.
• William Jones, genedigol o sir Benfro. Dechreuodd bregethu yn 1841, ac ymfudodd yn fuan wedi hyny i'r America. Clywsom iddo wedi myned yno gael ei dderbyn yn fyfyriwr i brif athrofa Caerefrog Newydd. Nis gwyddom ychwaneg o i hanes.
• Miles Morgan. Dechrenodd ef bregethu yma yn nechreu 1841. Y mae yn parhau i fod yn bregethwr cynorthwyol parchus, ac yn byw yn awr yn Nhonypandy, Cwmrhondda.
• Howell Llewellyn . Derbyniwyd ef yn aelod eglwysig gan Mr. Rees, yn 1840. Yn mhen tua dwy flynedd wedi hyny dechreuodd bregethu, ond bu farw cyn pen nemawr o amser ar of hyny.
• William Thomas, gweinidog yr eglwysi yn Gwynfe, a Chapel Maen, sir Gaerfyrddin. Efe oedd y cyntaf a gyfodwyd yma yn nhymor gweinidogaeth Mr. Edwards.
• Edward J. Griffiths. Ymfudodd i Awstralia yn fuan wedi iddo ddechreu pregethu. Bu yn fyfyriwr yn athrofa Victoria yn y wlad hono, ac er y flwyddyn 1866, y mae yn weinidog yn Landsborough, Victoria.
• Evan Bryant, yr hwn sydd yn genhadwr yn Hankow, China, er y flwyddyn 1865.
• Evan Powell, yr hwn sydd yn awr yn fyfyriwr yn athrofa Aberhonddu.
• Richard Powell, yr hwn sydd yn fyfyriwr yn athrofa y Bala.**

* Dysgedydd 1844. Tudal. 251.

** Llythyrau Mr. Edwards.

Translation by Eleri Rowlands (April 2009)

Around the end of the last century many people came from different districts of south Wales to Aberdare to work, and in their midst were some church members who belonged to the Independents and the Calvinist Methodists.  At first they were about six or seven in number only.  They held prayer meetings for some years in dwelling houses, and occasionally succeeded in getting a minister from one denomination or other to visit them. Towards the end of 1799, the two denominations separated.  The  Methodists held their services in William Pugh's house, in Llwydgoed, and the Independents in Timothy Davies' house, in the village.  The first members for the Independents were Timothy Davies and his wife; Lewis and Dafydd Lawrence and their wives; Dafydd Richard and his wife, and Morgan Rowland and his wife. In 1804, they took a small house on Penypound, at the bottom of the village, that they adapted into a house of worship.  This house was licensed as a house of worship in the court of Llandaff,  on October 16th, 1804, by Mr. G. Hughes, Groeswen, who was their minister at the time.  Mr. Hughes cared for this cause for six or seven years. After Mr. Methusalem Jones settled in Merthyr in 1809, he took care of the small flock in Aberdare, as he was closer to them than Mr. Hughes. The number in the church had increased a little by the time Mr. Jones took over their care. Along with the ones named already, Dafydd Jenkyn and Ann his wife; Benjamin Havard,  Margaret Williams, William Williams and his wife; Thomas and Joseph Harrison, and others, had joined the cause by 1809.  In 1811, Ebenezer chapel was built, in Heolyfelin, which was considered more central than the village.  Mr. Walter Thomas would often preach here as an assistant to Mr. Hughes and Mr. Jones;  and we remember hearing the old members thirty years ago, talking very respectfully about him as a good man and notably warm in spirit. After building Ebenezer in Heolyfelin, the church and listeners greatly increased and in 1813, they decided to insist on a minister for themselves.  They gave a call to Mr. David Jones, a member of the church in Mynyddbach, near Swansea, and he was ordained here on July 29th, 1813. He did not stay here more than two or three years.  Since the church wasn't able to sustain him and his family, he accepted a call from the churches in Llanharan and Taihirion, and he moved there.  In  1817, the church chose one of its own children to be a minister, this was Mr. Joseph Harrison, who had started preaching here in 1812. When Mr. Harrison was ordained there were 26 members. They weren't able to do enough to sustain him, but since he was a single man, and received a great deal of his support from his friend, Dafydd Jenkyn, in whose house he lodged, he did not have to leave here for the same reason as his predecessor, Mr. Jones, had to. Mr. Harrison served this church with unstinting diligence and a great measure of success until the year 1835, when the connection between them was severed.  Even though the chapel was built in 1811, there was still a huge debt in 1817, when Mr. Harrison started his ministry here, and he was very hard working, and travelled far and near to collect until the burden was fully paid.  At the end of 1828, a powerful unusual revival broke out here, as in most of the churches in South Wales, which lasted for more than two years.  During this revival several scores were added to the number of members, and the chapel became far too small to contain the congregations, so that in the year 1829, it had to be pulled down, and a new bigger one built. The new chapel contained about six hundred seats, and it was, at the time it was built, considered to be a fine house of worship.  It cost about £700, and the debt had been reduced to £240 by the time Mr. Harrison's ministry came to an end in 1835. At the beginning of 1836, this church and the church in Nebo, Hirwaun, sent out a call to Mr. John Davies, Llantrisant, to become their minister.  Mr. Davies laboured here and in Nebo until 1840, when he moved to Mynyddbach.  Nothing notable happened here during the term of Mr. Davies' ministry,  other then for everything to move on peacefully and for a few to be added to the church.  After  Mr. Davies left in Mai, 1840, the church gave a call to Mr. Thomas Rees, Craigyfargod, who was a member here during Mr. Harrison's ministry.  The people of Ebenezer were very concerned that they may have been unable to support their own minister when they sent out the call, as Nebo wasn't joining them, as they had done with the previous ministers.  Some wondered whether they were presumptive in promising to pay thirteen shillings in the month towards the Ministry, but all their worries dispelled as the generous spirit fell on the church and the listeners increased and a huge number was soon added to their membership.  There were about a hundred and fifty members when Mr. Rees started his ministry and a little over twelve months after his establishment another hundred and fifty had joined them. Before the end of 1841, the church collection came to £12 every month, but because several of the old members wanted to use the money they contributed to the ministry towards paying the chapel debt, and refused to give it to the minister which was insufficient for his support,  rather than argue with them,  he decided to accept the call from Siloa,  Llanelli, and moved there in March, 1842. After this the church in Ebenezer lived on occasional ministry until 1844, when a call was sent to Mr. William Edwards, from the college in Brecon. He was ordained on July 1st and 2nd, the same year. On that occasion, Mr. B. Owen, Merthyr  preached on the nature of church.  The questions were asked by Mr. W. Williams, Hirwaun.  The ordination prayer was given by Mr. D. Roberts, Dowlais.  Mr. E. Davies,  the language professor in Brecon college preached to the minister and Mr. D. Jones, Bethesda, Merthyr, preached to the church.*  Mr. Edwards has been a flawless worker  here now for twenty eight years, and his bow continues to be strong through the powerful right hand of Jacob's God. Other than caring for the specific people of his own church, he has done his part fairly in the establishment of all the churches formed in this parish during the last twenty eight years. Even though many branches have left it, and numerous chapels and congregations of the same denomination are around it in all directions the old mother in Ebenezer is now stronger and more numerous than at any time in its history.  In 1859, the chapel was built for the third time at a cost of at least £800.  It is now a beautiful house of worship, and contains over seven hundred seats.  Another cost of £300 has been borne lately to repair and embellish it.  A few years ago too an extensive schoolroom was also built across the road opposite the chapel, which cost close to seven hundred pounds.  This hard working church also built schoolrooms in Llwydgoed,  Penywern, and Cwmdar recently, and now there are Independent churches who support their own ministers in two out of three of these places.

We are not sure whether some ministers were raised here to preach during the first twenty years of this century, but we have been unable to find their names. The following are the only ones we know about.

• Joseph Harrison. He started preaching in 1812, and was a minister here from 1817 until 1835. His history comes under the history of Salem, Aberdare.
• Ebenezer Pugh. He was a very able preacher, but he died quite young.  He joined the Methodists just before his death.
• John Jones.  He was for years in the Baran school. He emigrated to America and he is still in Delaware, Ohio.
• Thomas Pugh. He was for many years in America. He returned a few years ago, and was a minister in Abernant, Aberdare. He then returned to America, where he is a minister.
• Richard Richard. He preached for while at the end of Mr. Harrison's term of office, but now has nothing to do with religion.
• David Richard. He started preaching during Mr. Davies' time as minister, and was a lay preacher for many years.
• William Jones.  He also started preaching during Mr. Davies' time.  In1841, he emigrated with his parents to America.
• William Jones,  originally from Pembrokeshire. He started preaching in 1841, and emigrated soon after to America.
• Miles Morgan. He started preaching here in 1841. He continues to be a respected lay preacher, and now lives in Tonypandy, Cwmrhondda.
• Howell Llewellyn . He was accepted as a church member by  Mr. Rees, in 1840.
• William Thomas,  the minister of the churches in Gwynfe, and Capel Maen, Camarthenshire. He was the first to be raised here in Mr. Edwards' ministry.
• Edward J. Griffiths.  He emigrated to Australia soon after starting to preach. He is by now a minister in Landsborough, Victoria.
• Evan Bryant, who is a missionary in Hankow, China, since1865.
• Evan Powell,  who is now a student in Brecon college.
• Richard Powell, who is now a student in Bala college.**

* Dysgedydd 1844. page. 251.

** Mr. Edwards' letters.

CRAIG Y FARGOD  (Gelligaer parish)

(Vol 2, p 311)

Cafodd y capel hwn ei adeiladu mor foreu a'r flwyddyn 1750, gan blaid o Fedyddwyr Arminaidd a ymneillduasant o Hengoed. Mr. Charles Winter oedd y gweinidog cyntaf. Cawsai ef ei addysg yn athrofa Caerfyrddin, dan ofal Mr. Perrot. Wedi gorphen ei amser yno urddwyd ef yn ei fam-eglwys yn Hengoed, a bu yma am rai blynyddau yn gydweinidog ag eraill. Yn mhen amser arweiniodd ei olygiadau Arminaidd i rwygiad yn yr eglwys, ac aeth ef a'i blaid allan. Wedi bod am dymor yn addoli mewn anedd-dai, adeiladasant gapel Craigyfargod. Bu Mr. C. Winter yn gweinidogaethu yma hyd ei farwolaeth yn mis Ebrill 1773. Dilynwyd ef yn y weinidogaeth am ychydig amser gan Mr. Jacob Isaac, aelod o'r eglwys, ac ar ei symudiad ef i Loegr, urddwyd ei frawd, Mr. Daniel Isaac, yn ganlyniedydd iddo. Dilynwyd yntau gan un Mr. Henry Evans, yr hwn a fu yn gweinidogaethu yma am amryw flynyddau o'r ganrif bresenol. Yr oedd yma achos cymharol gryf yn amser Mr. Winter a'r ddau Isaac, ac amryw deuluoedd cyfrifol o blwyfydd Gelligaer, Bedwellty, a Merthyr yn perthyn iddo; ond tua dechreu y ganrif hon dygwyd Ariaeth ac Undodiaeth i mewn yn lle Arminiaeth, a'r canlyniad fu i'r achos wanychu o radd i radd nes y bu raid cau y capel ryw amser cyn y flwyddyn 1830, am nas gallesid cael pobl i ddyfod iddo.

Yr oedd Lewis John Richard, amaethwr parchus o'r gymydogaeth, a'r unig un o'r ymddiriedolwyr oedd yn fyw, yn teimlo rhyw anwyldeb mawr at y lle fel y man yr arferai ei henafiaid addoli, ac fel lle beddrod ei dadau, fel y byddai am rai blynyddau wedi i'r capel gael ei gau yn myned yno fynychaf bob boreu Sabboth i ddarllen penod neu ddwy yn yr hen Fibloedd ar y pulpud. Yn niwedd y flwyddyn 1832, cyfododd anghydfod yn Zoar, Llanfabon, rhwng y gweinidog, Mr. Jonathan Jones, yn nghyd a nifer o'r aelodau, a Mr. Thomas, Llechweddlydan, perchenog y capel hwnw, ac ymadawsant a'r lle. Gan fod nifer o'r aelodau a ymadawsant gyda Mr. Jones o Zoar yn byw ar odre Craigyfargod, cynaliasant eu cyfarfodydd yn aneddau y cyfryw yn achlysurol. Daeth Lewis John Richard i un o'r cyfarfodydd hyn, a dywedodd wrth y gweinidog a'r bobi fod iddynt roesaw i ddyfod i gynal eu cyfarfodydd i gapel Craigyfargod, yr hwn oedd yn segur, ac yn ei feddiant ef fel ymddiriedolwr. Derbyniasant y cynygiad yn ddiolchgar, ac ail agorwyd yr hen gapel yn y flwyddyn 1833, fel capel Annibynol. Tuag wyth neu naw oedd nifer yr aelodau a ddaethant gyda Mr. Jones o Zoar, Llanfabon i Graigyfargod, ond wedi iddynt fyned yno ymunodd Mrs. Edwards, Bedlinog, gwraig Mr. Lewis Edwards, perchenog y tir ar yr hwn y safai y capel; Lewis John Richard, a Hannah ei wraig; Mary Williams, Penymount; James Davies, Penygraig a'i wraig, yn nghyd a'i chwaer; Margaret Richard, Tylanglas, a'r eglwys fechan. Ar of bod yn ymgynnull yno am amryw wythnosau, clywodd rhyw bersonau yn Merthyr a Sirhowy, y rhai a'u galwent eu hunain yn Fedyddwyr Arminaidd, fod yr hen addoldy yn cael ei ddefnyddio gan yr Annibynwyr, a daethant yno un boreu Sabboth i gymeryd meddiant o'r lle. Er nad oedd ganddynt un hawl gyfreithiol i'r eiddo, gan fod y les wedi ei thori trwy beidio talu yr ardreth flynyddol am fwy nag ugain mlynedd, a bod pob un o'r hen gynnulleidfa Arminaidd wedi marw neu adael y lle, ond Lewis John Richard, yr hwn yn awr oedd wedi ymuno a'r Annibynwyr, etto er mwyn tawelwch, cydsyniodd yr Annibynwyr i roddi ugain punt am feddiant o'r lle i'r rhai a broffesent eu bod yn cynrychioli enwad y Bedyddwyr cyffredinol. Yn fuan wedi hyn cafodd yr hen gapel, yr hwn oedd yn ddadfeiliedig iawn, ei wneyd oll o'r newydd ond y muriau. Parhaodd Mr. Jonathan Jones i weinidogaethu yma hyd ddiwedd y flwyddyn 1835, pryd yr ymfudodd ef a Mr. James Davies, Penygraig, a'i deulu, i'r America. Yn mis Mai, 1836, cafodd ysgrifenydd y llinellau hyn wahoddiad i ddyfod yma i gadw ysgol, ac yn fuan wedi hyny derbyniodd alwad oddiwrth yr eglwys fechan, yr hon nid oedd ond deuddeg o aelodau ar y pryd, i ddyfod yn weinidog iddi. Cynaliwyd cyfarfodydd ei urddiad Medi 14eg a'r 15fed, 1836. Rhoddir hanes y cyfarfodydd hyn yn y Diwygiwr am 1836, fel y canlyn :-Medi 14eg a'r 15fed, neillduwyd y brawd Thomas Rees, gynt o Gapel Isaac, sir Gaerfyrddin, i gyflawn waith y weinidogaeth yn gydsyniol a galwad unol yr eglwys Gynnulleidfaol yn addoldy Craigyfargod, swydd Forganwg. Yr hwyr cyntaf dechreuwyd gan Mr. W. Jones, Capel Isaac, a phregethodd y Parchedigion T. Williams, Maendy, a W. Griffiths, Llanharan, a G. Griffiths, Carmel, oddiar Ioan iii. 16; Phil. ii. 12, 13, a Luc xxiv. 24-29. Yr ail ddydd, am 10, gweddiodd y Parch. Josiah Thomas Jones, Merthyr, a thraddodwyd y gynaraeth ar natur eglwys gan y Parch. Thomas Harris, Mynyddislwyn, oddiar 1 Cor. i. 2; derbyniwyd cyffes y gweinidog gan y Parch. John Davies, Llantrisant; gweddiwyd yr urdd-weddi, gydag arddodiad dwylaw, gan y Parch. Methusalem Jones, Merthyr; pregethwyd ar ddyledswydd y gweinidog gan y Parch. Evan Rowlands, Pontypool, oddiar 1 Tim. iv. 16, ac ar ddyledswydd yr eglwys gan y Parch. Hugh Jones, Tredegar, oddiar Heb. xiii. 7, 17, 24. Am 3 o'r gloch, dechreuwyd gan y Parch, D. Davies, Taf-fechan, a phregethodd y Parchedigion J. Thomas, Adulam, Merthyr; W. Hughes, Treforis, a J. Jones, Penmain, oddiar Dat. ii. 10; Joel ii.14, a Rhuf. viii. 1. Am 6, dechreuwyd a phregethwyd gan R. Powell, ieu., Cross Inn; Jonathan Davies, myfyriwr, Drefnewydd, a J. Davies, Llantrisant, oddiar Rhuf. viii. 34; Gen. vi. 22, a Gen. vii. 1."

Bu Mr. T. Rees yn llafurio yma am bedair blynedd, a chyda chymaint o lwyddiant ag a allesid ddisgwyl wrth ystyried fod poblogaeth yr ardal yn deneu iawn, a'r Bedyddwyr wedi meddianu y wlad er's agos i ddau cant o flynyddau. Cynyddodd yr eglwys yn ystod y pedair blynedd y bu ef yma o ddeuddeg o aelodau i ddeg-ar-hugain. Gan nad oedd argoel i'r boblogaeth gynyddu am lawer o flynyddau fel ag i roddi mantais i'r achos i ddyfod yn hunan-gynaliol, derbyniodd y gweinidog alwad o Ebenezer, Aberdar, a symudodd yno yn Awst, 1840, ond parhaodd i ddyfod yn fisol yma hyd ddechreu y flwyddyn 1841; yna rhoddodd ofal y lle i fyny yn hollol. Yr un amser rhoddodd yr eglwys yn Nghraigyfargod ei hun dan ofal Mr. David Thomas mewn cysylltiad a Throedyrhiw, a than ei ofal ef y bu hyd ei farwolaeth yn mis Hydref, 1843. Yn y flwyddyn 1844, rhoddwyd galwad i Mr. James Evans, Merthyr, ac urddwyd ef yma. Parhaodd i lafurio yma ac yn Llanfabon am ugain mlynedd. Yn 1864, rhoddodd ei ofal I fyny, er mwyn cyfyngu ei lafur gyda chychwyniad yr achos newydd yn Fochriw. Yn fuan wedi ymadawiad Mr. Evans, rhoddodd yr eglwysi yn Nghraigyfargod, a'r Nelson, Llanfabon, alwad i Mr. Robert Jones, o athrofa y Bala, ac y mae efe yn parhau i lafurio yma, ac argoelion fod Duw a dynion yn cymeradwyo ei waith.

Yr unig bregethwr a godwyd yn Nghraigyfargod yw Mr. John Rees, yn awr o Rodborough, sir Gaerloew. Derbyniwyd ef yn aelod eglwysig yma yn 1838, gan Mr. T. Rees, a dechreuodd bregethu yn 1841. Ye fuan wedi. hyny symudodd ar ol ei hen weinidog i Lanelli, sir Gaerfyrddin, Ile y bu dan addysg, ac urddwyd ef yn y Bryn, yn 1846.

Yr oedd capel Craigyfargod pan yr adeiladwyd ef yn sefyll mewn man canolog iawn o'r ardal, ac yn gyfleus i'r boblogaeth, ond yn awr, pan y mae y gweithiau glo yn cael eu hagor ar waelod y cymoedd o bob tu iddo, ac anedd-dai y gweithwyr yn cael eu hadeiladu yn ymyl y gweithiau, bydd yn rhaid cael addoldai yn fwy cyfleus na'r hen gapel, ac felly nid yw yn debyg y bydd yma byth achos cryf iawn. Mae hen fynwent wrth y capel, ac er nad yw ond bechan, y mae canoedd o feirw ye gorwedd ynddi.

Translation by Maureen Saycell (April 2009)

This chapel was built as early as 1750 by an Arminian Baptist group that split from Hengoed. Mr Charles Winter was the first minister, he was trained at Carmarthen with Mr Perrot. When he had completed his time there he was called by his mother church at Hengoed and co-ministered here for some years. Eventually his Arminian views caused a rift in the church and he moved out with his followers. Having worshipped in houses for some time they built Craig y Fargod. Mr Winter ministered here until his death in 1773. He was followed for a short time by Mr Jacob Isaac, when he moved to England his brother Mr Daniel Isaac was ordained as his successor. He was followed by Mr Henry Evans who was minister here for many years of this century. There was a strong cause here during Mr Winter and the 2 Isaac's time with many responsible families from Gelligaer, Bedwellty, and Merthyr parishes. Somewhere at the start of the century Arianism and Unitarianism to replaced Arminism and the cause slowly died, the chapel was closed sometime before 1830.

A respected farmer named Lewis John Richard, the only remaining lessee alive, had great affection for the place as his family chapel and came here every Sunday morning to read a few chapters from the old Bibles in the Pulpit. At the end of 1832 there was a disagreement at Zoar, Llanfabon, between Mr Jonathan Jones, minister, some members and Mr Thomas Llechweddlydan, the owner of the chapel, and they left the place. As many of them lived below Craig y Fargod, which was empty, Lewis John Richard invited them to hold their services there. The invitation was accepted and the chapel was reopened in 1833 as an Independent Chapel. There were only 8 or 9 members with Mr Jones leaving Zoar, Mrs Edwards, wife of the owner of the land the chapel stood on, joined them and Lewis John Richard, and his wife Hannah ; Mary Williams, Penymount; James Davies, Penygraig and his wife and sister; Margaret Richard, Tylanglas. Some weeks later some Arminian baptists heard the Independents were using the chapel and on a Sunday morning came to take possession of the chapel despite the fact they had no legal right. To keep the peace the Independents gave £20 to take possession of the place to those professing to represent the Baptists in general. Soon after this the chapel was repaired completely, excepting the walls. Mr Jonathan Jones remained here until 1835 when he and Mr James Davies, Penygraig and his family left for America. In May 1836 this writer was invited to keep a school here, and soon after was called to minister to this small church of only 12 members. His ordination took place September 14th and 15th, 1836, this is recorded in Diwygiwr 1836 :- "September 14th and 15th, Thomas Rees, previously of Capel Isaac, Carmarthenshire, to the full ministry in agreement with the united call of the church worshipping at Craigyfargod, Glamorganshire. The first evening was opened by Mr. W. Jones, Capel Isaac, sermons were given by Reverends T. Williams, Maendy, W. Griffiths, Llanharan, and G. Griffiths, Carmel, from John iii. 16; Phil. ii. 12, 13, and Luke xxiv. 24-29. The second day a prayer was offered by Rev. Josiah Thomas Jones, Merthyr, an opening address on the nature of a church by Rev. Thomas Harris, Mynyddislwyn, from 1 Cor. i. 2; the minister's confession of faith received by Rev. John Davies, Llantrisant; the ordination prayer was offered and sermon given by Rev. Methusalem Jones, Merthyr; sermon on the duty of a minister from Rev. Evan Rowlands, Pontypool, from 1 Tim. iv. 16, the duty of a church by Rev. Hugh Jones, Tredegar, from Heb. xiii. 7, 17, 24.  The 3 pm service was opened by Rev. D. Davies, Taf-fechan, sermons were given by the Reverends J. Thomas, Adulam, Merthyr; W. Hughes, Treforis, and J. Jones, Penmain, from Rev. ii. 10; Joel ii.14, and Romans viii. 1. At 6, an opening sermon given by R. Powell, jun., Cross Inn; Jonathan Davies, student, Newtown, and J. Davies, Llantrisant, from Romans viii. 34; Gen. vi. 22, and Gen. vii. 1."

Mr Rees was here for 4 years with as much success as could be expected in a thinly populated area and the Baptists in possesion here for near 200 years. The church increased in the 4 years from 12 to 30 members. In order to help the church to be self supporting he moved to Ebenezer, Aberdare, in August 1840, but continued to come here once a month until the start of 1841, then he gave up the care completely. At that time the church put itself in the care of Mr David Thomas alongside Troedyrhiw, and remained under his care till his death in October, 1843. In 1844 a call was sent to Mr James Evans, Merthyr, who was ordained here. He remained here and at Llanfabon for 20 years. In 1864 he gave up the care in order to concentrate on the new cause at Fochriw. Soon after he left Craig y Fargod and Nelson, Llanfabon called Mr Robert Jones, Bala College, who continues to labour here with God and the people's blessing.

The only preacher raised here was Mr John Rees, now of Rodborough, Glouscestershire - previously of Llaneli, Carmarthenshire - ordained at Bryn, 1846.

This chapel was built in a central position at that time, and was convenient to the population then, now the new coalmines are being opened in the valleys and the workers homes are there, so this old chapel will not be convenient and unlikely to really flourish. There is a graveyard here holding the remains of  many people that have died.

PONTLOTYN  (Gelligaer parish)

(Vol 2, p 313)

Pentref poblog ar lan yr afon Rhymni, ychydig islaw gwaith haiarn Rhymni, ac o fewn plwyf Gelligaer, yn sir Forganwg, yw Pontlotyn. Er fod yr Annibynwyr yn cynal cyfarfodydd achlysurol yma mewn anedd-dai er's degau o flynyddau, etto nid oedd yma un achos rheolaidd wedi cael ei sefydlu hyd yn ddiweddar. Yn nechreu y flwyddyn 1864, darfu i amryw o aelodau yr eglwys yn Moriah, Rhymni, ddechreu cynal cyfarfodydd wythnosol yn yr ysgoldy Brutanaidd, ac ar yr 3lain o Fawrth, yn yr un flwyddyn, corpholodd Mr. E. C. Jenkins, gweinidog Moriah, hwy yn eglwys Annibynol. Yn fuan wedi hyny, cymerwyd darn o dir er adeiladu capel arno, yr hwn a orphenwyd ac a agorwyd Gorphenaf 17eg, 1865. Pregethwyd ar yr achlysur gan Meistri Jones, Heolgerig; Roberts, Cefn; Griffiths, Cefn; Hughes, Tredegar; Dr. Rees, Abertawy, ac eraill. Nazareth y galwad y capel, yr hwn sydd yn addoldy hardd a chyfleus, ac yn cynwys o bedwar i bum' cant o eisteddleoedd. Bu Mr. Jenkins, Moriah, a Mr. George Owens, Trifil, ac eraill, yn gweinidogaethu yma yn achlysurol hyd Awst, 1868, pryd y rhoddwyd galwad i Mr. T. Cunllo Griffiths, gwr ieuangc o ysgol ramadegol Castellnewydd-yn-Emlyn. Cydsyniodd Mr. Griffiths a'r alwad, ac urddwyd ef yma Hydref 5ed, yn yr un flwyddyn. Gweinyddwyd yn nghyfarfod yr urddiad gan Meistri W. P. Davies, Rhymni; J. Williams, Castellnewydd; D. Price, Aberdar, ac eraill. Yn Mai, 1871, gwnaeth Mr. Griffiths ei feddwl i fyny i ymadael a'r lle, a rhoddodd rybudd i'r eglwys o'i fwriad i ymadael, ond y mae y bobl ag yntau wedi ail gydio yn en gilydd, fel y mae wedi penderfynu aros etto, ac yr ydym yn hyderu y bydd ei lafur yn y lle yn fendith i ganoedd.

Yn mlwyddyn gyntaf gweinidogaeth Mr. Griffiths yma, dechreuodd Mr. B. Evans bregethu. Yn fuan wedi hyny ymfudodd i America, ac y mae yn awr, fel y deallwn, yn weinidog llwyddianus yn Carbondale.

Mae golwg dra gobeithiol ar yr achos yn Mhontlotyn yn awr, a chan fod yma faes helaeth i weithio, mae gobaith y bydd yma eglwys luosog ac enwog yn mhen ychydig o flynyddau.

Translation by Maureen Saycell (April 2009)

Pontlotyn is a heavily populated village on the shores of the river Rhymney, below the Iron Works and in the parish of Gelligaer, Glamorganshire.

Although the Independents had been holding services in various houses here for many years, there was no regularcause here until recently. At the beginning of 1864, members of Moriah, Rhymney, began to  hold weekly services in the Britannic School, and on the 31st of March that year Mr E C Jenkins, minister of Moriah, formed them into a church. A piece of land was acquired to build a chapel on, this was completed and opened on July 17th, 1865. Sermons were given by Messrs Jones, Heolgerig; Roberts, Cefn; Griffiths, Cefn; Hughes, Tredegar; Dr. Rees, Swansea, and others. The chapel was named Nazareth, it has seating for 4 / 500 seats.  Mr Jenkins, Moriah, Mr George Owens, Trifil and others ministered here occasionally until August 1868 when a call was sent to Mr T Cunllo Griffiths, a young man from Newcastle Emlyn Grammar School. He agreed and was ordained on October 5th of the same year. The following officiated - Messrs  W. P. Davies, Rhymni; J. Williams, Castellnewydd; D. Price, Aberdare, and others. In May 1871 Mr Griffithe gave notice that he intended to leave the church, but the congregation and minister have re-bonded and he decided to stay. Hopefully his work here will be a blessing to many.

During the first year of Mr Griffiths ministry here Mr B Evans began to preach, we understand that he is now a successful minister in Carbondale, America.

Things are looking promising here and with a large area to work on it is hoped that this church will flourish.

TABOR, CEFN COED Y CYMER  (Merthyr Tydfil)

(Vol 2, p 299)

Wedi urddiad Meistri W Williams ac R. Evans gan eglwys Ebenezer, aeth nifer o'r aelodau a anghymeradwyant hyny allan gyda Mr. W. Moses -yr hwn oedd hyd hyny yn gweinyddu fel gweinidog yn Ebenezer-i ddechreu achos newydd. Cefnogwyd hwy yn hyny gan weinidogion y ddwy sir, Morganwg a Brycheiniog; a chynhaliwyd cyfarfod gyda'r blaid oedd wedi myned allan ar y Cefn, Mai 9fed a'r 10fed, 1842, ac yn y cyfarfod gweinyddodd Meistri J. Prothero, Llangynidr ; D. Jones, Aber; J. Stephens, Brychgoed; G. Griffiths, Aberhonddu; J. Hughes, Dowlais; J. Thomas, Adulam, Merthyr; D. Roberts, Dowlais, ac eraill. Yn y cyfarfod hwnw gwnaed cais, ond yn afiwyddianus, i ddwyn y pleidiau at eu gilydd.* Adeiladwyd yma gapel yn nghwr uchaf y Pentref, gyda mynwent helaeth yn nglyn ag ef, ac agorwyd y capel Medi 27ain a'r 28ain, 1845. Parhaodd Mr. Moses i lafurio yma hyd ei farwolaeth, yr hyn a gymerodd le Mehefin 27ain, 1857, yn 49 oed. Wedi bod am dymor heb weinidog, rhoddodd yr eglwys alwad i Mr. Richard Griffiths, pregethwr cynorthwyol perthynol i Zoar, Merthyr; ac urddwyd ef Mawrth 2i1 a'r 3ydd, 1858. Gweinyddwyd ar yr achlysur gan Meistri T. Llewellyn, Mountain Ash; J. Morgan, Cwmbach; W. Williams, Hirwaun; J. Thomas, Tresimwn; D. Roberts, Dowlais; J. M. Bowen, Penydarran; J. Evans, Gellideg; J. Hughes, Dowlais; B. Owens, Merthyr; D. Jones, Cefn; B. Williams, Gwernllwyn; E. Jones, Ynysgau; J. Thomas, Salem, Aberdar; a D. Stephens, Glantaf. Mae Mr. Griffiths yn parhau i weinidogaethu yma, a'r achos yn myned rhagddo yn siriol. Rhifedi yr aelodau ydyw 80.

Codwyd yma ddau bregethwr :-

• John Lloyd. Addysgwyd ef yn athrofa Aberhonddu. Urddwyd ef yn Cwmbach, Aberdar, lle y bu farw. Bydd genym air am dano yn nglyn a'r eglwys yno.
• Evan Harris. Bu yn efrydydd yn athrofa Aberhonddu. Urddwyd ef yn Mydroilyn, ac y mae yn awr yn byw yn Erwood, sir Frycheiniog.

* Diwygiwr, 1842. Tu dal. 176.

COFNODIAD BYWGRAPHYDDOL

WILLIAM MOSES. Ganwyd ef yn Rhiwlas, yn mhlwyf Llanfynydd, sir Gaerfyrddin, Tachwedd 5ed, 1808. Yr oedd ei dad yn bregethwr cynorthwyol gyda'r Methodistiaid, a chafodd yntau addysg grefyddol pan yn blentyn. Derbyniwyd ef yn aelod yn Siloam, Pontargothi, yn y flwyddyn 1830, a chyn hir dechreuodd bregethu, a bu am dymor yn yr ysgol ramadegol yn Nghaerfyrddin, dan ofal Mr. D. Peter. Urddwyd ef yn Libanus, gerllaw Aberhonddu, Medi 26ain, 1833. Bu yn gofalu am yr eglwys yn Ebenezer, Cefn-coed-y-cymer, am flynyddau mewn cysylltiad a Libanus, a phan y cymerodd ymraniad le yno, ffurfiodd eglwys arall, ac adeiladodd gapel newydd, yr hwn a elwir Tabor, a bu gofal y lle arno hyd ddydd ei farwolaeth. Yn y flwyddyn 1848, rhoddodd Libanus i fyny, a symudodd i fyw i Gefn-coed-y-cymer. Tymhestlog fu ei yrfa, ond daliodd i lafurio yn ddiwyd hyd ei ddiwedd. Bu farw Mehefin 27ain, 1857, yn 49 oed, ac wedi bod 24 mlynedd yn y weinidogaeth, a chladdwyd ef yn mynwent Tabor. Gadawodd ar ei ol bump o blant yn amddifaid, a rhai o honynt ar ganol eu magu, ond bu Rhagluniaeth yn dirion o honynt.

Translation by Heulwen Jenkins (May 2009)

After the ordination of  Messrs W Williams & R. Evans by Ebenezer church, a number of the members who found that unacceptable, went away with Mr. W. Moses - who was then officiating as a minister in Ebenezer - to start a new cause. They were encouraged in that by ministers of both counties, Glamorgan & Brecon, & a meeting was held with the faction that had gone out on the Cefn, May 9th & 10th, 1842, & Messrs. J. Prothero, Llangynidr; D.Jones, Aber; J. Stephens, Brychgoed; G. Griffiths, Brecon; J. Hughes, Dowlais; J. Thomas, Adulam, Merthyr; D. Roberts, Dowlais, & others officiated at the meeting. In that meeting, an attempt was made, though unsuccessful, to bring the sides together. * A chapel was built here in the upper corner of the village, with an extensive graveyard around it, & the chapel opened September 27th & 28th, 1845. Mr. Moses continued to work here until his death, which took place June 27th, 1857, at 49 years of age. After a term without a minister, the church gave a call to Mr. Richard Griffiths,  an assistant minister belonging to Zoar, Merthyr, & he was ordained March 2nd & 3rd, 1858. Messrs. D. Roberts, Dowlais; J. M. Bowen, Penydarran; J. Evans, Gellideg; J. Hughes, Dowlais; B. Owens, Merthyr; D. Jones, Cefn; B. Williams, Gwernllwyn; E. Jones, Ynysgau; J. Thomas, Salem, Aberdare; & D. Stephens, Glantaf, officiated at the occasion. Mr. Griffiths continues to minister here, & the cause continues brightly. The number of members is 80.

Two ministers were raised here:-

•    John Lloyd. He was taught in Brecon college. He was ordained in Cwmbach, Aberdare, where he died. We have a word about him in connection with that church.
•    Evan Harris. He was a student in Brecon college. He was ordained in Mydroilyn, & he  now lives in Erwood, Breconshire.

* The Revivalist. 1842  Page 176

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES      

WILLIAM MOSES. He was born in Rhiwlas, in Llanfynydd parish, Carmarthenshire., November 5th 1808. His father was an assistant minister with the Methodists, & he had a religious upbringing as a child. He was accepted as a member in Siloam, Pontargothi, in 1830, & before long started preaching, & was for a term in the grammar school in Carmarthen, under the care of Mr. D. Peter. He was ordained in Libanus, near Brecon, June 26th, 1833. He looked after the church in Ebenezer, Cefn-coed-y-cymer, for years in conjunction with Libanus, & when a division was brought about there, he established another church, & built a new chapel, which was called Tabor, & he looked after the place until his death. In 1848, he gave up Libanus, & he moved to live in Cefn-coed-y-cymer. His career was stormy, But he continued to work diligently, until his end. He died June 27th,1857, aged 49 years, after being 24 years in the ministry, & he was buried in Tabor cemetery. He left behind five orphaned children, some of them in the middle of nursing, but Providence was kind to them.

PEN-HEOL-GERIG  (Merthyr Tydfil parish)

(Vol 2, p 300)

Mae y lle hwn o fewn milldir a haner i Ferthyr, ar yr ochr orllewinol i'r ffordd yr eir i Aberdar. Yr oedd yma dri o bersonau o'r enwau Moses Richard, Jenkin Rosser, a Thomas Jones. Yr oedd y blaenaf yn perthyn i'r Bedyddwyr, yr ail i'r Wesleyaid, a'r trydydd i'r Annibynwyr; ond unent a'u gilydd i gynal cyfarfodydd gweddi yn y lle pan na byddai yn gyfleus iddynt fyned i'w gwahanol gapeli yn Merthyr. Cychwynwyd yma Ysgol Sabbothol, yr hon a gynhelid yn nhy un John Davies, a chyn hir dechreuwyd cynal cyfeillachau yn yr un lle. Annibynwyr oedd y rhan fwyaf o'r aelodau oedd yn byw yma, ac yn perthyn i eglwys Bethesda. Meddyliwyd am adeiladu yma gapel bychan, a chafwyd tir i hyny gan Mr. Evan Evans, Six Bells, am yr ardreth o swllt y flwyddyn. Costiodd yr adeilad 120p., ac yr oedd yn barod erbyn mis Mehefin, 1840. Cyn hir ar ol cael capel blinodd yr aelodau fyned i lawr i Bethesda, a ffurfiwyd hwy yn eglwys yma, ond mewn cysylltiad gweinidogaethol a Bethesda. Erbyn y flwyddyn 1854, yr oedd y capel wedi myned yn rhy gyfyng, heblaw ei fod mewn lle anghyfleus, a llwyddwyd i gael tir mewn man ar ochr yr heol fawr am yr ardreth o ddeg swllt y flwyddyn. Costiodd y capel newydd 368p. 8s. 7c., ac agorwyd ef Mai 26ain a'r 27ain, 1856. Yr oedd y lle dan ofal gweinidog Bethesda o'r dechreu, ond oblegid nas gallasai roddi iddynt gymaint o'i wasanaeth ag a ddymunent, rhoddodd Mr. Rhys Gwesyn Jones y gofal i fyny cyn hir wedi ei sefydliad yn Bethesda. Cawsant help gweinidogion cymydogaethol am dymor ar ol hyny, hyd nes y rhoddasant alwad i Mr. Samuel D. Jones, aelod o Brynseion, gerllaw Castellnewydd, ac urddwyd ef Gorphenaf 23ain, 1861. Bu Mr. S. D. Jones yma hyd y flwyddyn 1869, pryd y symudodd i Saron, Maesteg. Ar ol hyny rhoddwyd galwad i Mr. Daniel Jones, pregethwr cynorthwyol perthynol i Hen Gapel, Llanybri, ac urddwyd ef Mawrth 29ain, 1869. Nid arosodd yma ond ychydig gyda blwyddyn, canys symudodd yn ol i Lanybri, lle yr oedd ei deulu yn aros. Yn fuan wedi ei ymadawiad rhoddwyd galwad i Mr. Isaac J. Evans, myfyriwr o athrofa y Bala, ac urddwyd ef Ebrill 10fed, 1871, ac y mae yn parhau i lafurio yma.

Codwyd yma un pregethwr, sef Thomas C. Griffiths, sydd yn awr yn weinidog yn Pontlotyn. Yr oedd y lle yma gynt yn gyrchfa i luaws o Ferthyr, yn enwedig ar y Sabbothau, lle y dygid yn mlaen bob math o ddifyrwch pechadurus ac annuwiol, ond y mae yr holl arferion hyny wedi eu dileu o'r ardal. Mae gwedd siriol ar yr achos yma, ond y mae tir lawer i'w feddianu yma yn mysg poblogaeth fawr a chynyddol.

Translation by Gareth Hicks (May 2009)

This place is within a mile and a half of Merthyr, on the west side of the road to Aberdare. There were here three people of the names Moses Richard, Jenkin Rosser, and Thomas Jones. The first was connected to the Baptists, the scond to the Wesleyans, and the third to the Independents; but they joined together to hold prayer meetings in the place when it wasn't convenient to go to their various chapels in Merthyr. They started a Sunday school here, which was held in the house of one John Davies, and before long began to hold fellowship meetings in the same place. Most of the members who lived here were Independents, and were connected to Bethesda church. They thought of building a small chapel here, and obtained land for this from Mr Evan Evans, Six bells, at a rent of a shilling a year. The building cost £120, and it was ready by June 1840. After having the chapel, before long the members tired of going down to Bethesda, and they formed a church here, but under the same ministry as Berthesda. By 1854, the chapel had become too small, besides being in an inconvenient place, and they managed to get some land by the side of the main road for a rent of 10 shillings a year. The new chapel cost £368.8s.7d, and opened on 26/27th May 1856. The place was under the Bethesda minister from the start, but because he wasn't able to give them as much of his time as they wished for, Mr Rhys Gwesyn Jones gave up their care soon after being installed at Bethesda. They were helped by neighbouring ministers for a time after that, until they gave a call to Mr Samuel D Jones, a member from Brynseion, near Neath, and he was ordained on 23rd July 1861. Mr Jones was here until 1869, when he moved to Saron, Maesteg. After that they gave a call to Mr Daniel Jones, an assistant preacher connected to Old Chapel, Llanybri, and he was ordained on March 29th 1869. He stayed here short of a year, for he moved back to Llanybri, where his family had stayed. Soon after he left they gave a call to Mr Isaac J Evans, a student at Bala College, and he was ordained on April 10th 1871, and he continues to labour here.

One preacher was raised here, namely Thomas C griffiths, who is now a minister in Pontlotyn. This place was formerly a rendezvous for the poor from Merthyr, especially on Sundays, a place to carry on all sorts of sinful and ungodly amusements, but all those customs have been eliminated from the area. There is a light hearted complexion to this cause, but there is a lot of ground to cover here amongst a large and growing population.

GELLIDEG, MERTHYR

(Vol 2, p 300)

Dechreuwyd yr achos yma gan eglwys Bethesda. Yn mysg yr aelodau mwyaf gweithgar ar gychwyniad yr achos yma yr oedd John Roger, Thomas Watkins, Edward Hughes, Rees Price, Thomas Morris, a David Jones. Cynhelid yma Ysgol Sabbothol mewn gwahanol dai yn y gymydogaeth, a cheid ambell bregeth achlysurol yn yr awyr agored, gan na chynwysai yr un o'r tai anedd y lluaws a ddeuai yn nghyd. Cafwyd y tir yn rhad at adeiladu capel, yr hwn a fwriedid i wasanaethu fel ysgoldy, gan Robert T. Crawshey, Ysw., a rhoddodd hefyd y ceryg a'r calch am bris isel, a chaniataodd i'w oruchwylwyr arolygu y gwaith yn rhad, ac yn ychwanegol at hyny, rhoddodd 5p. at y draul. Adeiladwyd y capel yn y flwyddyn 1860, a chyn hir corpholwyd yr aelodau oedd yn yr ardal yn eglwys, ac yr oedd y lle dan ofal Mr. R. G. Jones, hyd nes yr ymfudodd i America. Yn 1867, cymerodd Mr. James Evans, Craigyfargod, gynt, ofal yr achos, a chynhaliwyd cyfarfod i'w gydnabod yn weinidog yma yn mis Mai y flwyddyn hono, ac y mae yn parhau etto i lafurio yma

 This cause was started by Bethesda church. Amongst those members most active at the start of the cause were John Roger, Thomas Watkins, Edward Hughes, Rees Price, Thomas Morris, and David Jones. They held here Sunday schools in vairous houses in the neighbourhood, and had the occasional preaching in the open air, as none of the dwelling houses could hold them all. They had the land free to build a chapel from Robert T Crawshey Esq, and this was intended to do service as a school house, and he also gave the stones and lime at a low price, and authorised his manager to supervise the work for nothing, and on top of that he gave £5 towards the cost.  The chapel was built in 1860, and before long the members who were in the area formed a church, and the place was under the care of Mr R G Jones, until he moved to America. In 1867, Mr James Evans, previously of Craigyfargod, took over care of the cause, and the mneeting to introduce him as minister here was held in May of that year, and he continues to labour here

SALEM, MERTHYR

(Vol 2, p 301)

Pan y cymerodd ymraniad le yn nghyfundeb y Wesleyaid, o gylch flwyddyn 1850, ac yr ymadawodd y blaid a elwid y Diwygwyr Wesleyaid ( Wesleyan Reformers), yr oedd nifer o honynt yn Merthyr, y rhai a ymadawsant oddiwrth yr hen gyfundeb, ac a ffurfiasant eu hunain yn Eglwys Ddiwygiadol yn y Temperance Hall. Yr oedd un hen frawd selog yn eu plith, Mr. Walter Watkins, yr hwn oedd mewn amgylchiadau gwell na'r rhan fwyaf o honynt,,ac felly yn gefn mawr i'r achos. Yr oedd yn un o'r dynion mwyaf gweithgar gyda phob achos da, ac yn enwedig gyda'r achos dirwestol yr oedd ei sel yn angherddol. Gelwid of yn aml Father Watkins. Efe a W. John, Rees Chandler, George Williams, a Richard Harris, oeddynt brif gychwynwyr yr achos yma. Wedi bod am amser yn disgwyl i'r rhwyg rhyngddynt a'r hen gyfundeb gael ei gyfanu, ac heb weled gobaith am hyny, adeiladasant gapel iddynt eu hunain yn niwedd y flwyddyn 1856, yr hwn a alwyd Salem. Gweinyddid iddynt yn benaf gan Mr. W. Jones, Tredegar, a chan nifer o bregethwyr perthynol i'w plaid oedd yn yr amgylchoedd o Aberdar i Dredegar, ac weithiau yn niffyg un o'u pregethwyr eu hunain, pregethid iddynt gan rai o bregethwyr yr Annibynwyr. Dewisasant Mr. Thomas Jenkins, Aberaman, pregethwr a ymneillduasai oddiwrth yr hen gyfundeb gyda'r blaid Ddiwygiadol yn weinidog iddynt, ac yn nghyfarfod chwarterol cyfundeb dwyreiniol Morganwg a gynhaliwyd yn Bethesda, Merthyr, Mai 8fed a'r 9fed, rhoddasant eu hunain fel gweinidog ac eglwys drosodd i gyfundeb yr Annibynwyr, a derbyniwyd hwy yn roesawgar. Llafuriodd Mr. Jenkins yma hyd y flwyddyn 1864, pryd yr ymfudodd i America. Wedi hyny rhoddodd yr eglwys alwad i Mr. Ephraim Thomas, pregethwr cynorthwyol yn Pentre-estyll, gerllaw Abertawy, ac urddwyd ef yma Mehefin 26ain a'r 27ain, 1866. Ni bu yma yn hir, canys symudodd i Rhesycae, sir Fflint, cyn diwedd 1868, ac er hyny ni bu un gweinidog sefydlog yn yr eglwys hon.

Codwyd y personau canlynol i bregethu yma:-

• Thomas Jones. Mae yn aelod yn bresenol yn Adulam, ond wedi rhoddi i fyny bregethu.
• Thomas Davies. Mae yn parhau yma yn bregethwr cynorthwyol.
• John Morgan. Mae yntau yma yn bregethwr cynorthwyol.

Rhif yr eglwys yn bresenol ydyw 80, ac y mae yr aelodau yn dangnefeddus yn eu plith eu hunain.

Cyn gadael eglwysi Cymreig Merthyr y mae yn briodol i ni wneyd cyfeiriad pellach at un gwr enwog, yr hwn yr ydym eisioes wedi crybwyll ei enw, a'r hwn na chawn gyfle i wneyd cofnodiad bywgraphyddol o hono yn un man arall, oblegid mai yn Lloegr y treuliodd ei oes.

THOMAS WILLIAM JENKIN, ond a adnabyddir yn well yn Nghymru fel Dr. Jenkyn. Yn nglyn ag eglwys Bethesda yr ydoedd, fel y gwelsom, pan y dechreuodd bregethu; ond ar Zoar yr edrychai trwy ei oes fel ei fam-eglwys, a theimlai bob amser serch cryf ati, fel y teimlai yn wir at holl eglwysi a gweinidogion ei le genedigol. Ganwyd Dr. Jenkyn Medi 1af, 1794, mewn bwthyn bychan, diaddurn, heb fod yn mhell o'r fan y saif capel Ynysgau, yn Merthyr. Yr oedd ei dad, David Jenkyn, yn enedigol o Lanymddyfri, sir Gaerfyrddin, a'i fam, Maria Morris-yn ol ei henw morwynol-yn enedigol o blwyf Llandilofawr, yn yr un sir. .................................................... ( This VERY lengthy section not extracted fully)

When the split occurred in the Wesleyan connection, around 1850, and the sect called the Wesleyan Reformers departed, there were a number of them in Merthyr, those that left the old connection, and formed themselves into a Reformed Church in the Temperance Hall. There was one zealous old brother amongst them, Mr Walter Watkins, who was in better circumstances than most of them, and therefore a big support to the cause. He was one of those very active men that is in all good causes, and especially with a temperate cause his zeal was intense. He was often called Father Watkins. He and W John, Rees Chandler, George Williams and Richard Harris, were the principal founders of this cause. After waiting some time for the rift between them to be healed, and without seeing hope of that, they built their own chapel at the end of 1856, which they called Salem. Officiating mainly with them was Mr W Jones, Tredegar, and  a number of connected preachers in the environs from Aberdare to Tredegar, and failing that, one of their own preachers, preached to them, as did some of the Independent ministers. They selected Mr Thomas Jenkins, Aberaman, a preacher who had seceded from the old connection with the Reformers, and at the quarterly meeting of the connection for east Glamorgan held in Bethesda, Merthyr on May 8/9th, gave himself as a minister of the church over to the Independent connection, and he was accepted. Mr Jenkins laboured here until 1864, when he moved to America. After that the church gave a call to Mr Ephraim Thomas, an assistant preacher at Pentre-estyll, near Swansea, and he was ordained here on June 26/27th 1866. He wasn't here long, for he moved to Rhesycae, Flintshire, before the end of 1868, and since then there hasn't been a settled minister in this church.

The following persons were raised to preach here;

• Thomas Jones. Presently a member at Adulam, but has given up preaching
• Thomas Davies. Continues here as an assistant preacher
• John Morgan. He also is an assistant preacher here

Before leaving the Welsh churches of Merthyr it is appropriate for us to make further reference to one remarkable man, whose name we've already mentioned, we won't have the opportunity to refer to him anywhere else, because he has lived his life in England.

THOMAS WILLIAM JENKIN, but we know him better in Wales as Dr Jenkyn. As we've seen, he was connected to Bethesda when he began to preach; but it was to Zoar that he looked throughout his life as his mother church, and always felt a strong affection for it, as he felt for all the churches and ministers of his place of birth. He was born on Sept 1st 1794, in a small base cottage, without being far from where Ynysgau chapel in Merthyr stands. His father, David Jenkyn, was a native of Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, and his mother, Maria Morris - as per her maiden name - was a native of Llandilofawr parish in the same county ......... ( This VERY lengthy section not extracted fully)