History of Y Groeswen Chapel

Description

14/01/1815

A Bible Society was, formed and established in Caerphilly, Monday the 27th of December, at a Meeting, which was, honoured with the presence and services and a great, number of Gentlemen. Clergymen, and Dissenting Ministers of different persuasions, together with various others of the neighbouring inhabitants. The meeting was, opened by the Chairman, Benj. Hall, Esq. M.P. in a very able and appropriate speech, in which described the nature and great benefits derived from Bible Societies. The Rev. G. Hughes, of Groeswen, then addressed the meeting in Welsh, in warm and energetic manner, the value the Holy Scriptures; and lastly, the rules of the Society were settled, the resolutions were written, the names of the Subscribers were received, and the meeting was concluded by a discourse delivered the Rev. Thomas, student in the Baptist academy, in Bristol, which had very great effect, from its impressiveness, and suitableness the occasion.

Y Groeswen, 20/07/1866

On Tuesday evening, the 17th inst., a most interesting lecture was, delivered (in Welsh), at the above place by the Rev. Dr. Rees, of Swansea, subject “The Resources of Wales." The Rev. W. Caledfryn Williams presided. Wales, said the lecturer, was a comparatively small portion of Great Britain, its area, including Monmouthshire, being only 5,102,858 statute acres, but it was incomparably the most important district in the island.

The scenery of the principality was remarkable for grandeur, variety, and beauty. A tour through Wales would be remunerative to anyone with an eye and a heart to admire the wondrous works of the Creator. Its barren mountains, high cliffs, and fertile fields filled the mind with lively and sublime ideas. The rich soil of its sheltered valleys produced luxuriant crops and fed multitudes of cattle. Its steep hills and uncultivated dingles were, adorned by millions of valuable oak and other useful trees.

Higher up on the mountains, where no trees grew, hundreds of beautiful ponies were, bred, and myriads of sheep, which supplied our markets with the delicious Welsh mutton. Its rivers and streams abounded with the finest fish. The salubrity of its air, and the superior quality of its supply of water, were unsurpassed. He mentioned its celebrated medicinal wells, such as Taffs Well, Llanwrtyd, Trefriw, &c., &c. Notwithstanding all the attractions of its scenery, the salubrity of its air and water, together with the variety and value of the productions of its soil, Wales would have remained for ever comparatively unknown had it not been for its boundless store of valuable minerals of every description.

It was not probable that any tract of country in the known world contained such a quantity and variety of minerals as Wales. The coalfield of South Wales was the largest in Europe. It extended from Pontypool in the east to St. Bride's Bay in Pembrokeshire on the west a distance, of about 90 miles. Its average breadth was from 12 to 13 miles. This immense field contained sixty-four seams of coal, varying in thickness from 1 foot to 18 and even 20 feet. The aggregate thickness of all these seams was 190 feet 10 inches.

Mr. Martin, whose paper on the South Wales coalfield was the authority generally referred to, calculated that each square mile would produce 64,000,000 tons; and according to Mr. Martin's estimate, if our home consumption and export trade were, doubled, our ample resources were sufficient to supply our needs for three thousand years. The rocks of Wales contained not only coal, iron, lead, copper, zinc, and silver, but also gold.

Gold mining is Wales, however, was as, yet in its infancy. Wales abounded also with immense beds of the finest building and paving stone in the world exhaustless quantities of fire clay, &c. The last mineral he should mention for which Wales was, celebrated was slate. The mountains of different countries in North Wales abounded with immense beds of the finest slate rocks in the world.

He said a young woman of the name of Elizabeth. Griffith drove a pony which carried the first load for shipment to the port of Bangor in the year 1715, and as late as 1772 the clear profit of the, Penrhyn Quarry was only £40 a year, but at present it yielded to its proprietor the princely income of £120,000 a year.

Next the lecturer mentioned the extensive works in iron, copper, lead, and silver smelting, &c. He pointed out the facilities which the geographical position of Wales furnished for the easy transit of its minerals and all other productions to the market. The present annual value of the mineral productions of Wales might be, estimated at the noble sum of £14,000,000. It could not fail to strike the mind of every thoughtful person that the working men of Wales were. Doomed, to hard, work, while the lighter, and mere remunerative, labour was, monopolized by the skilful artisans and mechanics of England.

A Christian Veteran 23/11/1866.

On Sunday last the 18th inst., the independent church at this place, was, visited by the venerable David Williams, of Troedrhiwdalar, Brecknockshire, who is we believe the oldest minister belonging to the independent denomination in Wales.

This remarkable divine is 88 years of age, was, admitted into church fellowship in the year 1789, commenced preaching in 1799, ordained a settled minister at Troedrhiwdalar and Llanwrtyd in 1803 (the latter place he resigned in 1843). From the year 1803 until very recently he has preached three times every Sunday, besides having the same day to ride fifteen to twenty miles to the different churches. We believe he has been married for about 65 years, having reared a large family of children, and singular to relate not a death has occurred in his house during that long, period.

Notwithstanding his advanced years he preached three sermons last Sunday, twice at Groeswen and once at Nantgarw, and let us remind the reader, that they were not common-place compositions, but were elaborate discourses, full of scriptural illustrations, truly evangelical, in language simple, the delivery lively, flowing, and unimpeded. His allusions to passing events evidently showed that he kept pace with the age, and that he does not stubbornly stand in the way of progress and reform. We were surprised to see with what agility he walked into the chapel without a staff in his hand, stepping up the platform in a manner becoming a man 40 years younger.

Before he took his text (which he read without the help of spectacles) he addressed the audience by referring to the first time he preached at Groeswen sixty-five years ago, when the much respected Griffith Hughes was the minister, and the deep affection they bore towards each other, having in their younger days traversed Cardigan and Pembrokeshire together on a preaching tour.

He said he well recollected three pious members of Groes- wen, namely, Lewis Foster, William Gabriel, and John Salathiel, with a few others, members of the independent body, meeting together, to worship in the long-room of the Crown Inn, Merthyr Tydfil, before any of the present large and commodious chapels were, built. In his company the venerable hero is full of anecdotes relating to persons and places, which fall on our ears like that of a prophet risen from the dead, to declare unto us the wonderful works of God in the days of our forefathers.

Lecture by Dr. Rees 31/05/1884

On Thursday evening an interesting lecture (in Welsh) was, delivered at Groeswen, by the Rev. T. Rees, D.D. (chairman elect of the Congregational Union of England and Wales), on “The late Rev. Griffith Hughes, of Groeswen and his Contemporaries."

Principal Viriamu Jones University College, Cardiff, presided. The venerable gentleman, upon rising, received quite an ovation. He began by giving the history of the formation of the church at Groeswen, which was, founded in 1742. Its first minister was the Rev. W. Edwards, the eminent architect and builder of the old bridge at Pontypridd, or as he was, called, the “builder for both worlds." His fame as an architect and builder attracted such notice that many of the great and highest personages in the laud consulted him on architectural matters. Mr. Edwards was quite as renowned as a Christian minister and was the means of founding several churches throughout South Wales, which are flourishing and prosperous to this day. He was the grandfather of the two eminent medical gentlemen, Drs. Edwards, of Taffs Well and Cardiff.

After giving a vivid history of the church and its wide influence at that period, the lecturer came to the history of the Rev. Griffith Hughes. He was born »t a small village called Caledfwlch, Llandilo, Carmarthenshire, in 1775. He lost his father when very, young. At 14 years of age, he was, apprenticed with one Evan Rhydderch, to learn the trade of a cooper. He soon joined the Congregational Church at Crugybar, which was then under the care of Isaac Price, of Llanwrtyd.

Groeswen. 21/03/1874

Last Sunday was the last for the congregation which attends the above place to worship in the old chapel before steps are, taken preparatory to the alterations. There was, a very, large congregation, and the Rev. W. Nicholson, the talented young preacher delivered a very, interesting sermon on Evangelical Worship. The subject was, treated in an able manner, the illustrations being, pointed and striking, the speaker displaying considerable oratorical powers.

The present chapel was, built in the year 1830; the great Griffith Hughes was the then minister. Very few of those that were members at its opening services are now alive; but the Church is still in a very flourishing condition, the children having filled the places of the parents. The contractor for the alterations is Mr. T. Jones, Cardiff; and the architect is the Rev. T. Thomas, Swansea. The cost will be over £1,000, and the subscriptions already promised to exceed £800.

Groeswen.
24/11/1874

The re-opening services of this chapel were, held on Wednesday evening and on Thursday.

The history of the Independent Church of Groeswen is very interesting, the fir6t lease being dated June 2nd, 1742, but tradition says that prayer meetings, &c., were held in a schoolroom, close by, sometime previously and in the "History of Methodism” we find that in the year 1743 the Church was composed of 63 members, 5 preachers (exhorters), 1 schoolmaster, and 2 deacons and, curiously enough, it is stated "that 48 were justified and the remainder “under the law“ (o dan y ddeddf).

In the year 1745 the church selected Mr. Wm. Edwards, one of its members, to be their pastor. This William Edwards, afterwards became renowned as the architect and builder of the old bridge at Pontypridd, and many bridges besides in South Wales, and was, very appropriately called “the builder for both worlds." It may be new to many of our readers that he was also the great-grandfather of Dr. W. T. Edwards, Cardiff.

The ministrations or Mr. Edwards were, eminently blessed, and hundreds were, converted under his ministry. The chapel was, enlarged during his time. He died in 1789, aged 70 years, and was, buried at Eglwysilan Parish Church, there being at that time no burial place at Groeswen. He was, followed in the ministry by the eminent Griffith Hughes, he was, ordained in 1797, and continued to labour incessantly with wonderful success until his death in 1839. The chapel was, enlarged again during his 'ministry, it is, stated that the ministerial influence of Mr. Hughes extended over 15 parishes and know it is true, as we find members of Groeswen were instrumental in forming churches all over the land. Mr. Hughes was, succeeded by Mr. Moses Rees, a man of undoubted piety, and a faithful minister. During his ministry new churches were, formed at the following branches: Craig Berthlwyd, Ebenezer, Glanteg, and Caerphilly. Mr. Rees died in ?????, and was, succeeded by the eminent preacher, and bard Caledfryn.

Groeswen.
22/05/1897

The picturesque village of Groeswen was Wednesday and Thursday last in a state of great activity. It presented a scene quite unlike its wonted pastoral calm. It may be interesting to add that at Groeswen the first Congregational Chapel was, built in this part of Glamorgan.

The first permanent building was, erected in the year 1742, but since then structures of a more imposing character have been, built. The present building is one well worthy of the noted place. Associated with Groeswen are the names of the Revs. Griffith Hughes, William Williams (Caledfryn), and William Nicholson.

From the early part of the present century to the seventies these giants of the pulpit administered to the spiritual wants of the people of this district. In the graveyard lying at the back of the chapel are costly columns erected to the memory of the departed. Towering above them all may be, seen the one marking the spot where lies the immortal "Ieuan Gwynedd," and bearing the following epitaph composed by Gwilym Hiraethog:

"Y golofn yma gyhoedda haeddiant,
Ieuan Gwynedd, i'w wlad fu'n ogoniant,
Haul oedd i'w genedl, miloedd a gwynant
Ai'n eos golli, tewi nis gallant,
Llanwodd swydd llenydd a sant - sa'i weithiau
Ef i'r ol oesau yn ddirfawr leisiant."
Google trans.
"This column proclaims merit,
Ieuan Gwynedd, to his country he was a glory,
Sun was to his nation, thousands will cry.
Are nightingales lost, silent they cannot,
He filled the office of a writer and a saint - and his works.
He after ages was very vocal."

Welsh Nonconformists Historians.

The Congregationalists and the Rev. Morgan Jones.

“The Bitter Bitten.”

06/11/1897

The “Groeswen," the little chapel which stands in the village of that name, picturesquely situated on the slopes of Eglwysilan, overlooking Caerphilly, has suddenly bounded into notoriety, and promises to be the subject of a prolonged controversy, more or less heated, between the historians of Welsh Congregationalism and those who perform a like function for Welsh Calvinistic Methodism. At present the Groeswen is a Congregational Church, of that there can be no doubt. The point at issue is whether, or not it was so at the time of its establishment in or about 1745.

Welsh Calvinistic Methodists have been wont to think that originally the church consisted of Methodists who had seceded from the Independent Chapel at Watford, on the other side of the hill, where in January, 1742, Howell Harris, Williams Pantycelyn, Daniel Rowlands, Howell Davies, Whitfield, and other founders of Welsh Calvinistic Methodists, held their first sassewn (yours truly).

This is the view which was, taken by the Rev. J. Morgan Jones, of Cardiff, in his “History of the Methodist Fathers” which he published three or four years ago, and up to the present the statements he made there anent remained unchallenged.

A month or so ago, however, the Rev. Tawelfryn Thomas, the present pastor of Groeswen, published in connection with the “History of the Congregationalist Fathers" the life history of the Rev. Griffith Hughes (1775-1839), who ministered many years at Groeswen, and the details which Mr. Thomas supplies are alleged in many instances to be in direct variance with those upon which the Rev. Morgan Jones and the Methodist historians have relied in support of their contention. In the “Tyst” and the Celt, the organs of the Welsh Independents for this week, these discrepancies are, seized upon, and the Rev. Morgan Jones is very, unceremoniously taken to task by an anonymous writer, who signs himself “G. Groeswen."

“When the Rev. J. Morgan Jones," declares the writer in “Y Tadau Methodistaidd,” made a bitter attack upon the character of the late Rev. Dr. Rees, of Swansea, as the historian of Welsh Nonconformity, no one dreamt that the accuser would himself be put on his trial upon a charge similar to that he preferred against Dr. Rees, viz., historical inaccuracy. Mr. John Morgan Jones cannot complain if there were, now applied to him the principle, 'With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” But it is not so, for he who now supplies the facts (the Rev. Tawelfryn Thomas) does not even mention Mr. John Morgan Jones's name, much less accuse him of wilfully misleading the public.

The facts simply stated are to this effect. Our brethren the Methodists have always regarded the Groeswen as having been originally a Methodist Church and supposed that the chapel owned there by the Independents was once their property. “To put it in plain words, the Independents were accused, to all intents and purposes, of having stolen the Groeswen Chapel from the Methodists."

The writer makes copious extracts from Mr. Morgan Jones's book to show the position taken up by the Methodists and the facts they relied upon, and he continues “If no one else except Mr. John Morgan Jones had written the history of the cause at Groeswen, his allegations ought to have been, received as facts. But unfortunately for him, the Rev. C. Tawelfryn Thomas has investigated the matter and published the results," and these results the writer summarises as follows:

1. That Watford Church was an Independent Church, established before the Methodists were, heard of!
2. That the founders of the Groeswen Church came from Watford, but that though some of them may have entertained Calvinistic views they were Independents and remained sturdy Independents.
3. That Groeswen Chapel was, built by Independents for Independents and,
4. That when the church was, incorporated the minister officiating was the Congregational veteran, the Rev. Edmond Jones, “the old prophet” from Pontypool.

The controversy which has but begun is likely to excite very widespread interest.

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