Ystradgynlais & District

Ebenezer Chapel was founded in 1892, having its first service in 1894, and was originally in a joint pastorate with Cwmllynfell Chapel. By 1960, when it celebrated the centenary of the cause (its origins being with Temperance Hall), Ebenezer Chapel had had six ministers, including the then-incumbent who would serve until 1966.
Click on their names to go to their section of the webpage:-

Rev John Rees
Rev Daniel Adams
Rev T J Peregrine
Rev I Wynne Williams
Rev Idris Hopkin
Rev Bleddyn Cynwyn Davies

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Rev John Rees

The Rev. John Rees was the first minister of Ebenezer Chapel, officiating at the opening service in 1894. He held the joint pastorate of Ebenezer and of Cwmllynfell Chapel, and would do so until he retired in 1908.

From the Llais newspaper, 30th December 1960:-

The first service was held in the new chapel on 27 June 1894, the Rev John Rees, Cwmllynfell officiating. He held the joint pastorate of Cwmllynfell Chapel and Ebenezer until his retirement in 1908.

Rev Daniel Adams

The Rev. Daniel Adams was minister of Ebenezer Chapel from 1911, implying that it was without a minister of its own from 1908 to 1911. He had seemingly left by 1915, when it is reported that Ebenezer has decided to appoint a new minister.

From the Llais newspaper, 30th December 1960:-

Mr Daniel Adams, a student from Carmarthen College, was ordained Minister Ebenezer Chapel in 1911

From the South Wales Daily Post newspaper, 21st November 1910:-

Mr Daniel Adams BA of Carmarthen Presbyterian College, has accepted a call from Ebenezer Welsh Congregational Church Cwmtwrch Swansea Valley, to become their pastor.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 15th May 1915:-

MINISTER FOR EBENEZER

The Rev J Rees of Cwmllynfell officiated at Ebenezer on Sunday last, when four new members were received into the church.
It has now been decided to appoint a minister for this large church and about 6 or 7 ministers have been asked to preach “trial” sermons.
The last minister was the Rev D Adams BA BD of Gwernllwyn Dowlais.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 13th December 1919:-

The Rev Daniel Adams BA BD now of Dulais, occupied his former pulpit at Ebenezer on Sunday. Needless to say, many of his old friends were delighted to see him.

Rev T J Peregrine

The Rev. T J Peregrine served as minister of Ebenezer Chapel from 1921. He was married in 1922

From the Llais newspaper, 30th December 1960:-

Mr T J Peregrine, Brecon College, accepted a "call" in 1921.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, 4th February 1922 comes the report on the marriage of the Rev T J Peregrine:-

A PRESENTATION MEETING

A very successful presentation meeting was held at Ebenezer Chapel on Thursday last, to felicitate the Rev T J and Mrs Peregrine on their recent marriage.
The Rev Lewis Thomas carried out the duties of conductor in a pleasing manner. The chapel was full to overflowing, and a very good programme was gone through.
The following contributed to the programme:- Miss Ceinwen Davies ably recited "Eisteddfod y Plant" followed by a fine solo by Mr Willie Thomas, Coedfaldau. Mrs Mary A Thomas recited "Dai" (She won the first prize out of a large number of competitors at GCG recently on this recitation). Solo by Master Emrys Morgan; solo by Miss Mair Thomas, who possesses a wonderful voice. Recitation by Master Phillip R Thomas, Lower Cwmtwrch.

THE PRESENTATION
At this juncture, Mr Griffiths, as the oldest member of the chapel, presented to the Rev T J Peregrine a gold albert and medal, and in a homely manner wished Mr and Mrs Peregrine a happy married future. Mr Peregrine responded in suitable terms.
Mrs Pitman, in the unavoidable absence of Mrs Daniel Gwys, presented Mrs Peregrine with a silver mounted salad bowl. Mr and Mrs Peregrine then thanked the congregation as a whole for their kind thoughts and the valuable presents.
The programme was then continued with a solo by miss Mary A Jones, Cwmllynfell; solo, Miss Alice Jones, Cwmllynfell; recitation by Miss Kitty Jones. This was followed by a violin solo by Master Willie Morris, Rhiwfawr, a promising young violnist. (We are asked to explain that at the close of one of his solos a string broke, and that was the cause of the shortness of the solo). Nevertheless, Master Willie lefft a good impresson on the audience as a player of marked ability. Solo, Mrs Jane Protheroe; recitations by "Eithinferch" in her own inimatable manner. The duties of accompanist were carried out by Mr Arthur Thomas, Cwmllynfell. Then came the addresses of the bards:- Rev E T Evans, B.A., Wern; Dewi Glantwrch; W Owen; Ieuan Twrch; Arthur H Williams; David Owen; penillion singing by Mr W Rees, which were composed for the occasion by Dewi Glantwrch.
The presents were inscribed:- "Presented to the Rev T J Peregrine by the congregation of Ebenezer Chapel, Jan. 26th 1922", "Presented to Mrs Peregrine as a mark of respect by the congregation of Ebenezer Chapel, January 26th 1922".
The meeting terminated with the singing of "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" by Mrs Jane Protheroe, the audience joining in the refrain.

Rev I Wynne Williams

The Rev. I Wynne Williams was minister of Ebenezer Chapel

From the Llais newspaper, 30th December 1960:-

Other ministers were the Rev I Wynne Williams, at present in Bangor, Rev Idris Hopkin Cwmavon, and the present minister Rev Bleddyn Cynwyn Davies who has administered successfully for eight years.

Rev Idris Hopkin

The Rev. Idris Hopking was minister of Ebenezer Chapel

From the Llais newspaper, 30th December 1960:-

Other ministers were the Rev I Wynne Williams, at present in Bangor, Rev Idris Hopkin Cwmavon, and the present minister Rev Bleddyn Cynwyn Davies who has administered successfully for eight years.

Rev Bleddyn Cynwyn Davies

The Rev. Bleddyn Cynwyn Davies served as minister of Ebenezer Chapel for 14 years, from 1952 to 1966. He died in 1968.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 3rd July 1953 comes the news of the death of the wife of the Rev B Cynwyn Davies:-

UPPER CWMTWRCH OBITUARY:

We regret to report the death of Mrs Rev B Cynwyn Davies at her home, Llwyn y Llinos on Tuesday. Mrs Davies returned from Cardiff Hospital a few weeks ago, after undergoing several major operations. She was highly esteemed and her passing at the comparatively early age of 50, has cast a gloom in the village.
She leaves her husband, the Rev B Cynwyn Davies, who was inducted minister at Ebenezer Church 6 months ago and her grown up daughter Margaret.
Interment will take place at Cwmllynfell Cemetery on Saturday.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 10th July 1953 reports on the funeral of the wife of the Rev B Cynwyn Davies:-

MRS ANNE DAVIES

The funeral of Mrs Anne Davies of Llwyn y Llinos Upper Cwmtwrch who died aged 51 on 30th June, took place at Cwmllynfell on 4th July.
Mourners at the funeral were: Rev Cynwyn Davies and Margaret husband and daughter; Colin Jones, Mr and Mrs D J Hughes brother and sister in law; Mr Archie Hughes brother; Mr Morgan Hughes brother; Mrs Mary Jones sister; Mr and Mrs Charlie Evans sister and brother in law; Mr and Mrs David Davies father and mother in law; Gwynne, John, Vilma, Jean, Eunice nieces and nephews.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, 5th February 1954 includes a look-back at the first year of the ministry of the Rev B Cynwyn Davies:-

MINISTER'S FIRST YEAR

During the Sunday evening service, to members of the Diaconate, Messrs Evan Kinsey and Tom H Williams, expressed appreciation on behalf of the Church of the services rendered by the Rev B Cynwyn Davies, who was inducted Minister at Ebenezer Chapel 12 months ago.
During this period he suffered the loss of his wife, who was a good worker for the cause.

From the Llais newspaper, 30th December 1960:-

the present minister Rev Bleddyn Cynwyn Davies who has administered successfully for eight years.

From the Voice newspaper, 16th May 1968 :-

REV B CYNWYN DAVIES

The death occurred on Saturday morning of the Rev Bleddwyn Cynwyn Davies, former minister of Ebenezer Chapel. Cwmtwrch.

Mr Davies died at the home of his son-in-law and daughter, Mr and Mrs Lloyd Davies, Alan Road, Llandeilo.

He held the pastorate at Ebenezer Chapel for 14 years, retiring about two years ago, owing to ill health. After accepting the call to Ebenezer Chapel, Mrs Davies died following a short illness. It was a sad blow to the Rev Cynwyn Davies, but he carried on with courage and conducted a successful ministry and was popular in the village.

During his illness, Mr Davies was well-nursed, receiving tender care and kindness at the home of his son-in-law and daughter at Llandeilo.