Ystradgynlais & District

Rev D.L. Williams was inducted Rector in 1930 and remained until his retirement in 1958. He was an Honorary Canon of Brecon Cathedral and Rural Dean of East Gower. During his incumbency the church was enlarged and beautified by the addition of the well appointed clergy and choir vestries, the organ, the Altar and reredos. He was also responsible for the gift of the magnificent Church Hall by Mrs Colonel Gough, Ynyscedwyn.

The South Wales Voice newspaper of 20th May 1955 had an article on his twenty-fifth year of service at Saint Cynog's:-

PRESENTATION TO YSTRAD RECTOR

At the Church Hall a presentation was made to the Rector, the Rev D.L. Williams, Rural Dean, on completing 25 years as rector of the parish of St. Cynog.
After tea, prepared by church ladies and provided by church members, the Rector was given a chiming grandfather clock.
Mrs Williams received a hand bag. Miss Elizabeth Williams received a necklace and ear rings and Miss Morgan (Mrs Williams' sister) an umbrella.
On behalf of the church members, Mr Robins (churchwarden) made the presentation to the Rector; Mrs Tom Williams, Bryn Road, presented Mrs Williams; Miss Jill Griffiths presented Miss Williams, and Mrs Tom Williams, Glantawe (churchwarden) presented Miss Morgan.

PERPETUAL MEMORIAL
The following clergymen attended: Canon J. Ll. Thomas, Rural Dean, Swansea; Rev D.T. Price, Vicar of Cardigan; Rev D.B. Edwards, Vicar of Callwen; Rev G. Lewis, Vicar of Clydach; Rev T.W. Davies, Vicar of Ystalyfera; Rev W.E. Jones, Vicar of Abercrave; Rev J.D. Francis, Vicar of Waunariwydd.
Mr Roger E.L. Thomas, Ystradgynlais and Mr Maynard Evans, Ystradgynlais, were also present.
All spoke highly of the Rector and of the grand work he had done in the parish.
The new organ, the clergy's room and choir robing vestry and, recently, the beautiful oak altar and reredos will remain a perpetual memorial to the good work he has done during his ministry at Ystradgynlais.
The following artists contributed to the evening's function: Miss Christine Boore, Mr Elwyn Watkins and Mr Llew Francis. Accompanist was Madame Carrie Walters-Herbert.
The Rector thanked everyone who contributed to the event.