Ystradgynlais & District

The Reverend D. J. Davies ministered at Ainon Baptist Chapel, Ystradgynlais for 38 years, from 1892 until his death in 1930. David James Davies was born in Merthyr Tydfil on 2nd April 1865, his father at that time being the pastor of Salem Church, Bedlinog. He married Hannah Emily Thomas, who was born in Ystalyfera in 1867, and they had a son Elwyn, born in Ystradgynlais on 1st January 1898.

From the Labour Voice 9th January 1915 we learn news about the Rev D.J. Davies' brother, the Rev Gwilym Davies, M.A.

Many readers will be interested to know that the well known preacher reformer, the Rev Gwilym Davies, M.A., pastor of the English Baptist Church. Carmarthen and younger brother of the Rev D J Davies, pastor of Ainon Baptist Chapel, has been granted three months leave by his Church in order to enable him to study the Belgian refugee problem in Holland and in Great Britain.
Mr Davies, who has been commissioned to carry out this work by an influential organisation, will leave Carmarthen in a week or so.

From the Labour Voice 31st July 1915 came a story recording the presentation ceremony to a stalwart family of the chapel on the occasion of their moving to Port Talbot:-

PRESENTATION AT AINON

An interesting presentation took place at Ainon Baptist Chapel on Sunday evening, when Mrs David Rankin, Mr Albert O Rankin, and the Misses Novella, Rosa, and Tugela Rankin, received tokens of respect from the church on the occasion of their leaving for Port Talbot, where Mr David Rankin already resides. A beautifully bound bible was given to each of the family, and Mr Albert Rankin also received a silver- mounted walking-stick, in appreciation of his services as organist, a position he has held for many years.
The Rev D J Davies, who made the presentation on behalf of the church, spoke of the faithfulness of the family in the church. They had always been ready to do all that lay in their power to assist in the work at Ainon. He wished them every success and happiness in their new home. Their loss would be keenly felt in Ystradgynlais.
A presentation will also be made shortly to Mr Lewis Wathan, Sunday-school superintendent, who is also going to Port Talbot.

The Labour Voice newspaper for 22nd June 1918 reports that the Rev D.J. Davies' son, twenty year old Elwyn Davies, has signed up for His Majesty's Forces:-

Mr Elwyn Davies, son of the Rev and Mrs D J Davies, Ainon, Ystradgynlais, and formerly of the staff of the Cynlais Schools, left the district on Tuesday to join His Majesty's Forces. He has been posted to the 4th Mons and left Brecon on Wednesday for the East Coast. We join in wishing him the best of luck.

From the Labour Voice 26th July 1924 came the story of the wedding of the Rev D J Davies' son:-

WEDDING: DAVIES-WILLIAMS

Much interest was evoked on Wednesday in the wedding at Soar Baptist Chapel Ystalyfera, of Miss Hannah Gladys Williams the youngest daughter of Mr Moses Williams and the late Mrs Williams, Springfield Clare Road Ystalyfera, and Mr Elwyn Davies BA, the son of the Rev and Mrs D J Davies Ainon Ystradgynlais. The officiating ministers were: the Revs D J Davies father of the bridegroom, E D Lewis Caersalem and D W Stephens Jerusalem.
The Wedding March was played by Mrs J James.
The bride carrying a sheaf of lilies, a gift from the bridegroom, was charmingly attired in a dress of ivory broche crepe de chine and wore a bridal veil trimmed with orange blossom. She was given away by her father and was attended by Miss Frances Williams, sister, dressed in mauve crepe de chine and carrying a spray of sweet peas. Miss Sylvia Williams and Peggy James cousins of the bride and Misses Phyllis Richards and Eileen Moate nieces of the bride were all dressed in pastel shades of crepe de chine. The best man was Mr A W M Davies BA, a college friend of the bridegroom.
After the ceremony a reception was held at the bride's home, when a large number of guests were present.
After the ceremony the happy couple departed for London and the South Coast for a honeymoon.

From the South Wales Voice 6th September 1930 came the sad news of the death of Rev D J Davies:-

A SAD BLOW

News of the death of the Rev D J Davies Ainon came as a shock to the entire district. He worked hard for the good of the place during the 38 years he was in the place. During the late years his health was not very good and this prevented him from carrying out much of the work he had in mind.
The sympathy of the entire district is extended to the widow, son Mr Elwyn Davies BA and daughter.

From the South Wales Voice Saturday 13th September 1930 came the reports on the funeral of Rev D J Davies:-

THE LATE REV D J DAVIES
AINON YSTRADGYNLAIS IMPRESSIVE FUNERAL SCENES

Impressive scenes were witnessed at the funeral of the late Rev D J Davies Ainon Ystradgynlais which took place on Monday. The burial took place at the New Cemetery.
The cortege was one of the largest ever seen in the district and was nearly a mile in length. Representatives of all sides of public life are present to pay tribute to one who had spent his life in the service of the public. Ministers formed a large part of the cortege for Mr Davies was regarded as one of the leaders of church life and thought
The funeral service was in charge of his lifelong friend the Rev E D Lewis Caersalem Ystalyfera.
At the house the well-known hymn "Ffarwel gyfeillion Anwyl Iawn" was feelingly sung. The coughing was then borne to Ainon Chapel along Derwen Road and over the Teddy Bear Bridge, for the provision of which deceased had fought for so long. The route was crowded with people who came to show their respect. Ainon Chapel was overcrowded for the service which was conducted by the Rev E D Lewis.
At the church - The service was opened by the reading of a portion of Scripture by the Rev Ivor Jones Soar followed by a prayer by the veteran Rev Ben Lewis Llangyfelach. Wonderful singing was heard when the hymns "Hursley" "Alexander" and "Lead Kindly Light" were rendered. One was deeply touched by it all and there were many weeping men and women in the congregation. The tone of the speakers and the singing made one wonder if Mr Davies had passed away. As one of the speakers said, Mr Davies had not died, his spirit would fill the home, chapel and place for many years to come. All the speakers referred to Mr Davies gentleness - he would never forces opinion on one - his nature was opposed to force, his methods were to ask and his way of asking Jen record want to turn to his way of thinking. Mr Davies was a man of Christ - whatever went wrong he would turn to Him. He place great faith in prayer and this was the biggest thing in his life. Mr Davies's sermons would ring through the years and would recall him to the minds of the people. He was a great councillor and never failed to give anyone the benefit of his experience when his guidance was required.
The cortege then proceeded to the cemetery headed by the Ministers, who were followed by local public representatives and the general public. The service at the graveside was conducted by Rev Miles Griffiths Garnant. The singing of the hymn "Bydd myrdd o rhyfeddodau" by the exceptionally large number in the cemetery was heard a long way off. The old Welsh "Hywel" entered into the singing, the last four lines of the hymn being repeated several times.
MOURNERS: Mrs Davies widow; Mr and Mrs Elwyn Davies son and daughter-in-law; Mr and Mrs Ioan Davies son in law and daughter; Mr T J Thomas brother in law; Masters Vivian and Vincent Davies grandsons; Rev and Mrs R Gimblett Tonyrefail brother-in-law and sister; Mr and Mrs T H Evans Llanelly; Mr and Mrs Dan Gimblett Tonyrefail nephew and nieces; Miss Nancy Gimblett Tonyrefail niece.

From the Labour Voice Saturday 20th September 1930:-

A FITTING TRIBUTE

There was a large congregation at Ainon Chapel on Sunday evening when a memorial service was held to the late Rev D J Davies, for 38 years pastor of the church. The service was opened by the Rev C Pipe Cwmbargoed formerly of Abercrave. The memorial sermon was preached by the Rev E D Lewis Caersalem Ystalyfera, deceased old friend and colleague.
The service was a most impressive one and a fitting tribute to one who was held in warm and widespread regard.

From the South Wales Voice 19th September 1931:-

THE LATE REV D J DAVIES AINON
UNVEILING OF MEMORIAL TABLET

The unveiling of the memorial tablet at Ainon Chapel Ystradgynlais to the late Rev D J Davies, 38 years pastor of that chapel, will take place on Wednesday next at 6 pm.
The chairman will be the Rev E D Lewis Caersalem Ystalyfera, a lifelong friend and fellow student of Mr Davies. The speakers will be the Rev E Edmunds Swansea, Secretary of the Welsh Baptist Union; T Morgan Skewen, ex-president of the Welsh Baptist Union; W Moelfryn Morgan Llandebie, late of Sardis Ystradgynlais; R M Rees Drefach; C J Pipe Cardiff: Benjamin Lewis Llangyfelach, a fellow student of the Rev D J Davies; W S Rowe Calfaria; D J Moses BA Sardis; Isaac Morris BA BD Tabernacle; D M Davies Brynawel; Ivor Jones Soar; Messrs W M Thomas ARSM agent; Councillor Idris Davies JP, Chairman Brecon County Council and W Ernest Rees BSc Headmaster of Maesydderwen County School Ystradgynlais.

Family Details
David James Davies was born in Merthyr in 1865.
He married Hannah Emily Thomas, who was born in Ystalyfera in 1867. She was the daughter of John and Margaret Thomas.
They had one son, Elwyn Davies, born in Ystradgynlais on 1st January 1898, who married Hannah Gladys Williams, born 13th March 1896, at Soar Baptist Chapel, Ystalyfera, 1924.

The wife of Rev D J Davies

Originally the family of Hannah Emily Davies nee Thomas was residing at Wind Road Ystradgynlais and Hannah was working as a milliner with her sister Sarah Ann Thomas (Born 1869) working as a dress maker. She later married Mr Evans and moved to Llanelly.
Margaret Thomas (Born Carmarthenshire 1835), wife of John Thomas and mother of Mrs Hannah Emily Davies died 01/11/1910.
The father of Mrs D J Davies (Born 1835 in Caio Carmarthenshire) was a blacksmith. The family had moved in 1911 to Wharf Cottages Lower Cwmtwrch and as is stated in his obituary, his son Thomas John Thomas (Born at Ystradgynlais 1876) took over the blacksmith business.

The Labour Voice newspaper of 5th December 1914 recorded the death of her father:-

FATHER OF MRS HANNAH EMILY DAVIES
THE DEATH OF MR JOHN THOMAS WELL KNOWN YSTALYFERA MAN

We regret to record the death which took place yesterday, Thursday, at the house of his son in law, Rev D J Davies Ainon Ystradgynlais, of Mr John Thomas retired blacksmith, late of Gurnos Ystalyfera. The deceased, who was at the advanced age of 81, had been critically ill for several days. He was a native of Caio Carmarthenshire but had been in Ystalyfera for about 60 years and was widely known and respected. The deceased was a prominent and faithful member of Caersalem Ystalyfera and had been a deacon over 50 years. He was also deeply interested in Sunday school work.
Mrs Thomas died over 3 years ago but there are three married children - viz: Mrs D T Davies, Mrs Evans Llanelly and Mr Thomas J Thomas who carries on the blacksmith's business.
The funeral takes place on Monday at Caersalem, leaving the house of Rev Davies Ystradgynlais at 3pm.

The Grave of Rev D J Davies

The grave of Reverend D J Davies and his wife Hannah is in Gorof cemetery, Ystradgynlais.

Denominational Obituaries

The denominational obituaries for Reverend David James Davies come from the Welsh Baptist Diary (left below) and the Baptist Handbook (right below), both from the following year, 1931.

Welsh Baptist Diary obituary DAVIES, DAVID JAMES - Ganed ef ym Merthyr, Ebrill 2 1865, mab ydoedd i'r Parch. D J. Davies, Cwmifor a brawd i'r Parch. Gwilym Davies, M.A. Yn Salem, Bedlinog, y bedyddiwyd ef, ac yno y dechreuodd bregethu Addysgwyd ef yng Ngholeg Llangollen, ac yn 1892 ordeiniwyd ef yn Ainon, Ystradgynlais, lle y treuliodd ei oes weinidogaethol. Gwnaeth lawer dros addys yn y cylch, a bu yn Is-gadeirydd yr hen fwrdd-ysgol ac yn ddiwyd i sefydlu cyfleusterau crefyddol i Fedyddwyr drwy'r ardal. Yr oedd yn bregethwr rhagorol, a'i enw yn air teuluaidd drwy'r wlad o gylch. Ehedodd ei ysbryd pur i'r orffwysfa nefol, Medi 3, yn 65 oed. DAVIES, DAVID JAMES - He was born in Merthyr, April 2 1865, the son of the Revd. D J. Davies, Cwmifor and brother to the Revd. Gwilym Davies, M.A. He was baptized at Salem, Bedlinog, where he began to preach at Llangollen College, and in 1892 he was ordained in Ainon, Ystradgynlais, where he spent his ministry. He did much for worship in the area, and was Vice-chairman of the old school board and diligently established religious facilities for Baptists throughout the area. He was an excellent preacher, and his name was a family word throughout the country. His pure spirit flew to the heavenly rest, September 3, aged 65.		1931 Baptist Handbook DAVIES, DAVID JAMES, was born at Merthyr Tydfil on 2nd April 1865, his father at that time being the pastor of Salem Church, Bedlinog. There he and his brother (the Rev Gwilym Davies, M.A., of the League of Nations), inherited the traditions and atmosphere of the manse. He was baptized and called to the ministry at Salem Bedlinog. After preparatory training at Penygraig and Llansawel he entered the Baptist College at Llangollen and afterwards Bangor. At the end of his course he was invited to the pastorate of Ainon Church, Ystradgynlais, and commenced his ministry in September 1892. It was ordained by God that Ainon should be his only charge, for there he remained until 3rd September 1930 when "God took him" and the faithful servant entered into his inheritance. Mr Davies was a man of sterling qualities. His services to the cause of religion in the upper part of the Swansea valley and the district will for all time reflect his missionary zeal and his enthusiasm for Baptist principles. He was instrumental in starting four new churches, thus meeting the growing needs of a district that was developing at a rapid rate. He also established centres for Sunday School work and, though weak in body, in the strength and for the Glory of his Master he mae provision for gathering in the children into the Kingdom. At the time of his death he was President of the West Glamorgan Association. He was a man of vision, and those were priveleged to enjoy his ministry at home and those who heard him preach at the various Association meetings recognised in him one of the most cultured and spirit-enthused preachers of the denomination. He did not limit his services to his Church and Denomination, for he was chairman of the old School Board and one of the founders and governors of the County School. As a recognition of his valuable services, the Brecon County Council elected him as Alderman of the County. Under his ministry three young men devoted themselves to the Baptist ministry, the Revs. M.J. Thomas, M.A., Newport; S.W. Jones, Wimbledon Park; and E. Davies of Taylor, America.Much sympathy is felt for his widow and those of the home-circle who were left to mourn his loss.

Numbered amongst the four churches which his obituary says he was instrumental in starting, would be Bethany English Baptist Church, which originally met in Ainon Vestry.