The War Graves of Ystradgynlais

Ebenezer Chapel in Upper Cwmtwrch was built in 1893, as attested to by both the foundation stone and the head stone in the frontage near the roof.

	Ebenezer Chapel
	Ebenezer Chapel, Upper Cwmtwrch is built on the main road and was constructed in 1893.

	The memorial organ at Ebenezer Chapel
	The memorial organ has several brass plaques inscribed with the names of the fallen old boys of the chapel, from both the First and Second World Wars.

Ebenezer Chapel has a memorial organ, dedicated to the fallen of both world wars, which was constructed in 1947. The plaques above the organ include the Roll of Honour for Ebenezer Chapel, for both world wars, and a dedication. This latter is in Welsh, and can be see below in both the original, and in translation:-

World War One

These articles from the Llais reference Ebenezer Chapel with reference to the fallen from the First World War:-

From the Labour Voice, 23rd November 1918:-

GRAND PIPE ORGAN

The people of Ebenezer Chapel have decided to celebrate peace by erecting a grand pipe organ at an early date. The scheme has been afoot for some time but was held up in consequence of the war.

From the Labour Voice, 7th December 1918:-

The Rev Lewis Thomas will preach a children's sermon at Ebenezer on Sunday morning next, Whilst in the evening, a memorial service to Private William Edwards RAMC will be held.

From the Labour Voice, 2nd August 1919:-

SPECIAL MEMORIAL SERVICE

Twenty young people were received into membership at Ebenezer Chapel Gwys, on Sunday last. Councillor Lewis Thomas was the officiating minister.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE was held on the open space fronting Temperance Hall Gwys, on Sunday afternoon to the memory of the local heroes who had made the supreme sacrifice in the war. There was a large attendance.
A procession, composed of discharged and demobilised men started from the George Bridge at 1.30 to the service, which was addressed by the Rev W D Roderick Rhiwfawr, and Councillor Lewis Thomas [in Welsh] and the Rev W C Wynne [in English]. The "Last Post" was sounded amidst impressive silence by Sergeant W W Morgan, who served for 4 years in India and Egypt.

World World Two

A service was held in Ebenezer Chapel in May 1947 to unveil the memorial tablets, dedicated to the fallen heroes of Cwmtwrch. You can click on any of the names of the fallen to be taken to their individual memorial page.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper, Saturday 17th May 1947 :- CWMTWRCH WAR MEMORIAL UNVEILING OF TABLETS AT EBENEZER CHAPEL A very impressive memorial and unveiling service was held at Ebenezer Chapel, Upper Cwmtwrch, on Sunday afternoon last when memorial tablets were unveiled and dedicated to the memory of the fallen heroes of Cwmtwrch who made the supreme sacrifice in the two world wars. The tablets which are placed on the memorial organ in the Chapel were unveiled by the patron of Cwmtwrch British Legion Branch: Dr. Ll. Davies, Cwmllynfell and dedicated by the chaplain of the branch, the Rev. W. P. Thomas, minister of Beulah Chapel, Lower Cwmtwrch. The service which was in English and Welsh, was conducted by Mr. Thomas, who delivered a very eloquent and impressive sermon, the organist was Mr. Tom W. Davies, Gwys, who played the Dead March, while the congregation stood in silence. The following names are inscribed on the memorial tablets:    Private William Edwards;    Private Willie Evans;    A.B. Albert Jones;    Private Tommy Pitman;    Private Tom Powell;    Sergt. Emlyn Rees;    Private Daniel J. Williams; All of the 1914-1918 war. The inscriptions for the 1939-1945 war are:    Gunner David J. Williams Army:    Telegraphist Walter Powell R.N.;    P.O. Glyn Davies R.N.;    Denzil Davies R.A.F.;    Brian Griffiths R.A.F.    'Their names liveth for evermore' The singing of "O fryniau Caersalem" terminated the service. The Cwmtwrch British Legion Branch wishes to thank No. 4 Platoon, "C" Company, of the Upper Cwmtwrch Home Guard for their donation to the local Legion memorial tablet fund.

	Ebenezer Chapel
	This view of Ebenezer Chapel was taken by Grey Wolf, local author.

Our associated website, Ystradgynlais History, has a webpage dedicated to the history of Ebenezer Chapel, complete with interior views including more of the memorial organ. Click on the screenshot below to visit the page:-