Ystradgynlais & District

The Rev D Hubert Davies served Ainon Chapel for 37 years, from 1932 until his retirement in December 1969. He was born in Llanelly in 1905. His parents were Evan Davies born in 1875 and his mother Mary Ann Davies also born in Llanelly in 1876, and they were shop keepers of the Red Lion Store, Felinfoel, Llanelly. He had an elder brother Thomas Harold born 1902 and 3 sisters: Elsie May born 1903, Nancy born 1906 and Margaret born 1910. His brother Thomas Harold Married Nellie Thomas at Llanelly in 1941 but sadly died in 1943.

In November 1934, the Rev D. Hubert Davies oversaw the installation of a new organ at the chapel. On the occasion of his 21st anniversary as minster he was presented with a cheque by the chapel. His retirement was also commemorated in detail in the local Llais newspaper.

From South Wales Voice newspaper, 13th July 1935, came news of the marriage of the Rev D. Hubert Davies:-

YSTRADGYNLAIS PASTOR MARRIED
REV D HUBERT DAVIES AND MISS GWENDOLINE MORGAN

The wedding was solemnized at Capel Gomer Swansea by license on Tuesday of the Rev D Hubert Davies Pastor of Ainon Welsh Baptist Chapel Ystradgynlais and Miss Gwendoline Morgan, youngest daughter of Mrs Morgan and the late Mr T Morgan 46 New Road Llanelly. The bride was given away by her brother in law, Mr Clarence H Ferriday and wore Ecru lace over pink georgette, with hat and shoes to tone. She was attended by Miss Elsie Phillips Llanelly and the best man was Mr T Harold Davies Felinfoel, brother of the bridegroom.
The honeymoon is being spent at Eastbourne and to travel the bride wore a brown ensemble.

Sadly they were only married for five and a half years, before the Rev D Hubert Davies was bereaved, as reported in the South Wales Voice newspaper, 4th January 1941:-

YSTRADGYNLAIS MINISTER BEREAVED

Sympathy is extended to the Rev D Hubert Davies Ainon Ystradgynlais on the death of his wife, Mrs Gwendoline Davies Llys Gwyn Ystradgynlais, who passed away on Monday at the age of 38 years. The deceased lady had not enjoyed good health for sometime but she took an active part in the affairs of Ainon Chapel. She was President of the Sisterhood.
Mr and Mrs Davies were married 5 years ago. A native of Llanelly, Mrs Davies was at one time a nurse at the town’s hospital.
The funeral took place on Thursday, burial being at Adulam Chapelyard Felinfoel.

The South Wales Voice Saturday 11th October 1941 reports on the Rev D Hubert Davies officiating at the wedding of his brother:-

WEDDING:

The Rev D Hubert Davies Ainon, officiated at the wedding at Seion Chapel Llanelly on Saturday of his brother Mr T Harold Davies, elder son of Mrs Davies and the late Mr Evan Davies Felinfoel to Miss Nellie Thomas, daughter of Mrs Thomas and the late Mr Thomas Mount Villa Drefach.

Sadly, the brother of the Rev D Hubert Davies died not quite two years after his marriage, as reported in the South Wales Voice 2nd October 1943:-

OBITUARY: BROTHER OF REV DAVIES

The Rev D Hubert Davies Ainon has been bereaved by the death of his brother Mr Thomas Harold Davies Denham Avenue Llanelly, a member of the staff of the Glangor Foundry Llanelly. He was 42 years of age and is survived by his wife, formerly Miss Nellie Thomas of Capel Seion Drefach, a member of staff at Pantglas Institution of the Carmarthenshire County Council, his mother, 4 sisters and a brother.
The funeral took place at Adulam Felinfoel on Tuesday.

The Rev D. Hubert Davies, having being bereaved in 1941, remarried in 1944, as reported in the South Wales Voice 22nd July 1944:-

YSTRADGYNLAIS PASTOR'S WEDDING

The Rev D Hubert Davies, Minister of Ainon Chapel Ystradgynlais, was married on Monday at the Tabernacle Chapel Llwynhendy to Miss Carodwen Irene Evans, elder daughter of the late Mr Albert J Evans and Mrs Evans Parc y Phil Road Llwynhendy. The bride was attended by Mrs Harold G Evans and was given away by her uncle, Mr Rees Griffiths. Mr Brynley Jenkins Solicitor Llanelly was best man, while Mr Arthur J Lloyd Secretary of the Gorse Galvanizing Co Dafen and Mr Idris Davies Llanelly were groomsmen. Prior to her marriage the bride was on the staff of the Llanelly and District Electric Supply Company and was for a number of years, organist of Tabernacle Chapel Llwynhendy.
The Rev D Hopkin officiated assisted by the Revs W P Thomas Beulah Cwmtwrch and Owen Williams Sardis Ystradgynlais.

The death of the mother of the Rev D Hubert Davies was reported in the South Wales Voice of 21st October 1944:-

BEREAVEMENT: MOTHER OF REV DAVIES

The Rev D Hubert Davies Ainon has suffered bereavement through the death of his mother, Mrs M A Davies, widow of Mr Evan Davies Red Lion Stores Felinfoel Llanelly. Mrs Davies had not enjoyed good health for some years and the death of her youngest son some years ago was a great shock to her.
The funeral took place on Tuesday at Adulam, Felinfoel.

From The Voice newspaper, Friday 25th September 1953 is the article on the minister's 21 years in his position at Ainon:-

CHEQUE PRESENTED TO REVEREND D HUBERT DAVIES
21st Anniversary at Ainon

The Reverend D Hubert Davies was presented at a special service held at Ainon Baptist Chapel, Ystradgynlais, on Sunday on the occasion of his 21st anniversary as minister.
The meeting was presided over by Mr Henry Griffiths. Speakers were Mr John Williams, precentor; Mr W H Thomas, Senior Deacon; Mrs John Davies, Mr T D Roberts, Mr Elwyn Davies, son of the late minister, Revered D J Jones.
Mrs H Rowe read appropriate verses and Mr D M Roderick, secretary, made the presentation of a cheque on behalf of the church.
The Reverend D Hubert Davies is a native of Felinfoel, Llanelli and is a nephew of the late Dr J Gwili Jenkins. He was brought up under the ministry of the late Reverend Benjamin Humphries, Felinfoel, one of the stalwarts of the Baptist denomination during his day. He was educated at Bangor Baptist College and ordained minister at Ainon on 20th September 1932.
The Reverend D Hubert Davies and his good lady are held in high esteem in Ystradgynlais.
Mr Davies' position as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Ystradgynlais and district National Eistedfod speaks highly of the confidence reposed in his administrative capacity.

The Voice newspaper reported the death of the Rev D Hubert Davies' brother-in-law, the brother of his second wife, on 24th Augist 1967:-

DEATH OF BROTHER OF MRS DAVIES

Sympathy is extended Mrs Hubert Davies Ainon Brynawel Road on the sudden death of her brother, Mr Harold Evans of Llwynhendy Llanelly.
Cremation was at Swansea on Monday.

From The Voice newspaper, December 11th 1969 on the occasion of Rev D Hubert Davies' retirement:-

A Cheque for the Rev Hubert Davies and a bouquet for Mrs Davies presented at Monday's public meeting.
Left to Right: the Rev D J Thomas, Sardis; Dr Stephen Williams; Miss Nan Jones; Mr Haydn K Roderick, Secretary and Treasurer of the Public Subscription Fund; the Rev Hubert Davies and Mrs Davies; Rev M Llewellyn Jones, Tabernacl; Councillor T J Davies, Chairman, Ystradgynlais Rural Council.

HE WALKED WITH THE PEOPLE
FAREWELL TO MINISTER

The village of Ystradgynlais acknowledged the long and faithful service of a minister and friend when the Rev D Hubert Davies, who has retired this week after 37 years at Ainon Baptist Chapel, was presented with a cheque for £372 5 Shillings, the result of a public subscription fund and to which local chapels and individuals from as far afield as Los Angeles contributed.
This was in addition to a presentation of £440 7 Shillings 6d made by the officers, members, and friends of Ainon on Sunday. Other money gifts were made by the minister, officers and members of Calfaria Chapel, and the Parish Council.
Bouquets, one from South Africa, have been presented from Mrs Davies and a painting of Ainon Chapel by Mr Joseph Jones, a local artist, was given to Mr and Mrs Davies as a reminder of the riverside chapel where Mr Davies ministered with such good effect over the long years.

HIGH REGARD
Tributes to this minister "who walked with the people" were paid at Monday's presentation meeting by Dr Stephen Williams, Councillor T J Davies, Chairman of Ystradgynlais Rural Council, and ministers of churches in the upper Swansea valley. They all spoke with deep sincerity of the high regard and affectation in which "Davies Ainon" was held by the people of the village and its surrounding district. His friendliness, help, sympathy, and understanding had made him a "minister to all and friend of everyone".
The help and support given by Mrs Davies and the welcome always extended at their home at Brynawel Road, was also subject for commendation and gratitude.

IN SONG
Ystradgynlais Male Voice Choir conducted by Mr Emlyn Morgan, with Madame Myra Jones Davies as accompanist, made contribution to the meeting and added their tribute Rev and Mrs Hubert Davies with some fine singing.
The presence of public representatives and ministers, with such a large assembly of villagers was testimony to the esteem, affection and high regard in which Mr and Mrs Davies are held.
Responding, the Rev Hubert Davies spoke of the happy years he and Mrs Davies had spent at Ystradgynlais and expressed thanks for the many kindnesses received from all sections of village life and the church at Ainon. He thanked all who had been connected with the presentation fund.
Mr and Mrs Davies retire to live in their native town of Llwynhendy, near Llanelli.

From The Voice newspaper, December 18th 1969 [Welsh version]:-

Mrs Gertie Phillips, Vice Chairman, presented Mrs Hubert Davies with a bouquet

From The Voice newspaper, December 26th 1969:-

THE CHAPEL WHERE HE SERVED
Mr Joseph Jones, Station Road, Ystradgynlais, presenting a picture painting by himself of Ainon Chapel to the retiring minister, the Rev Hubert Davies