Ystradgynlais & District

Arthur William Griffiths was instrumental in the creation and erection of Capel Newydd, Lower Cwmtwrch and served as its first Treasurer. These excerpts from the South Wales Voice 27th December 1930 inform us that:-

The new chapel is up to date in every respect and was erected by Mr A W Griffiths, Pentwyn, Lower Cwmtwrch, who will present a silver key to Mr Roberts on Thursday. The building will seat 250 persons and is fitted with the latest type heating apparatus. An ante-room is provided beneath the chapel, being fitted with hot and cold water service and is intended for use for social and other gatherings. The exterior walls are of pressed brick with patent stone quoins. Inside the building there are beautiful ceiling panels, which harmonise in the colour scheme with the walls and pews. The baptismal well is situated under the deacons' pew.
No expense has been spared in the construction of the chapel. The membership at the opening will be 110.
The officials are:- Mr A W Griffiths, Pentwyn, Treasurer; Mr D J Lewis, secretary; Mr John Lewis, financial secretary; Mr Rees Powell, precentor; and Mr Gwyn Davies, organist.

He lived at Pentwyn, located behind Bethania Chapel up the road to the farm. He

THE VOICE newspaper of Thursday 25th March 1965 reported on the death of Mrs Magdalene Griffiths, wife of Arthur William Griffiths:-

OCTOGENARIAN DIES IN HOSPITAL

Mrs Magdalene Griffiths aged 83, wife of retired builder and contractor Mr Arthur William Griffiths of Pentwyn Lower Cwmtwrch, has died in Adelaide Patti Hospital where she had been for 14 months. Mr and Mrs Griffith would have celebrated their diamond wedding in June. Mrs Griffiths was a native of Ystalyfera, had lived in the same house for 54 years. She was an active member of Capel Newydd, which was built by a husband and about 30 years ago initiated the Sisterhood there. Mrs Griffiths took part in all local affairs of the village and of the chapel.
Surviving is a widower, two daughters: Mrs William Evans of Aberystwyth and Miss Betty May Griffiths of Lower Cwmtwrch and two sons: Mr H G Griffiths of Godre'rgraig and Mr W A Griffiths of Merthyr Tydfil: four grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. A service at the house on Saturday was followed by interment at Beulah Cemetery.

THE VOICE newspaper of Thursday 1st April 1965 reported on the funeral of Mrs Magdalene Griffiths, wife of Arthur William Griffiths:-

MRS GRIFFITHS LOWER CWMTWRCH

The funeral of Mrs Magdalene Griffiths of Pentwyn Lower Cwmtwrch who died aged 83 took place at Beulah Cemetery.
The mourners at the funeral were Herbert, Bill sons; John grandson; William son-in-law; David brother; Graham, William John, Lewis, Granville, Herbert Evan, Herbert Jack, Cyril, Tudor, Tom, Elwyn, G Williams nephews; Messrs J Morgan, Gwyn Thomas, J E Ellis, A Williams, S Morgan, W Thomas, D Jeffreys, H Abraham, I Jeffreys, W Jones, M Davies, W Lewis cousins.
Mourners at the house were: Arthur husband; Nan, Betty daughters; Saretta, Joyce daughters-in-law; Lynne, Mary, Helen granddaughters; Mary sisters; Rhona, Ceinwen, Margaret, Joyce, Nenni, Audrey, Mary, Florence, Mair nieces; Hannah, Mary, the family, Maggie, Amy cousins.

From THE VOICE Thursday 20th October 1966 came a report on the death of Arthur William Griffiths:-

DEATH: ARTHUR WILLIAM GRIFFITHS

By the death of Mr Arthur William Griffiths Pentwyn Lower Cwmtwrch at Craig y Nos Hospital the locality has lost one of its oldest inhabitants and one of the founders of Capel Newydd.
The funeral which was private, took place on Wednesday for Beulah Cemetery.

From THE VOICE Thursday 27th October 1966 came a report on the funeral of Arthur William Griffiths:-

FUNERAL OF MR ARTHUR W GRIFFITHS

The funeral of Mr Arthur William Griffiths of Pentwyn Lower Cwmtwrch who died aged 85, took place at Beulah Cemetery Lower Cwmtwrch.
Mr Griffiths was one of the oldest natives of Cwmtwrch, a local builder and undertaker; builder and founder of Capel Newydd; treasurer of chapel for over 40 years and senior deacon. Mourners at funeral were: Herbert and Bill son; David brother-in-law; John grandsons; William son-in-law; Elfed grandson in law; Herbert, Herbert Evan, Cyril, William John, Lewis, Glanville, Graham, Matt, Tom, Sidney, Victor, Elwyn, Alun nephews; Gwyn, John Morgan, T Ellis cousins.
Mourners at the house were: Nan, Betty daughters; Saretta, Joyce daughters-in-law; Helen granddaughter; Mary, Rhona, Eda, Ethel from Ganha, Lil, Florence, Gwen, Menni, Audrey, Joyce, Maisie nieces; Amy, Mary cousins.

YEARGROUP Val Treval