Bethel Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Chapel - Cilfynydd (1904)




Although Mr Evan Roberts was so far exhausted after his labours at Ynysybwl as to be unable to reach Cilfynydd this afternoon, there was an extraordinary meeting in the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel shortly after, two o’clcck. To begin with, however, let me say that the revival has been going on in Cilfynydd all the week, and indeed, for some time previously. Several converts have been added to the local Churches at meetings held every night, and the visit of “the missioners” was expected, not to start, but to give additional impetus to the work. The prayer meeting held in the morning was very largely attended, and some converts were enrolled. But this afternoon, when Miss Annie Davies, Maesteg, and her sister, Miss Maggie Davies, and Miss S. K. Jones, of Nantymoel, entered the chapel, the singing became very powerful, and the gathering became a remarkable one in many senses. The absence of Mr Evan Roberts was not alluded to publicly, but several visitors afterwards privately expressed regret at having been unable to see and hear the man about whom so much has centred in this extraordinary movement. Several of the local ministers were present, and, in so far as anyone took charge of The proceedings at all, the conduct of the meeting was in the hands of the pastor of the Church (the Rev. Michael Williams); but very soon men from the gallery and from various parts of the floor of the chapel burst forth in praise and prayer, in exhortation and recital of Scriptural verses. Three or four prayed simultaneously, others sang, and at times it would be impossible to describe the condition of things except as indescribable confusion. And yet, out of seeming chaos would come order, and a pathetic prayer or a touching hymn would once more unite the whole of the vast congregation in one common object. When the congregation stood it was noticed that several remained seated, and Miss Maggie Davies and Miss Jones promptly left the platform to talk and pray with the unbelievers. Every now and then the striking up of “Diolch Iddo” (“Thanks to Him”) indicated another name enrolled, and when special prayers for individuals were called for there were fervent petitions offered in English and Welsh.

From, 'The Western Mail', 25th November 1904.

Additional Information

I assume it was the Welsh-speaking chapel and not the English speaking CM where the meetings were held.


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