This English text is a translation by Glannant Jones of his Welsh original of 1946. He was minister of the chapel 1931–1973.
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Saron “The Romantic Beginning”
By Rev Glannant Jones
(The colour pictures you will of flowers etc., are from stamp card that
were found in my great aunts bible some of them are stamped with Saron
Chapel)
To be precise Saron Church, Aberaman began much like any other Cause. Each Cause in His name is a kind of continuation. The power experienced on the morning of the Pentecost erupting here and there and finding a home in a society of willing disciples. In tracing the history of any Church through the centuries we are always connected to some other Church, unless we find that Holy Room which is the spring from where the religious life we know started. We also find that this is true of Saron, and we would all like to remember our connection with the Great Christian Movement that existed before Saron, and which will still exist in some form until the end of time.
A good, energetic man came to live in Aberaman and soon found company with like minded people and that is how the Church, which made such a huge impression on the lives of thousands in this area, began. And the history of the Centenary of Saron Aberaman is the history of good and industrious men. Many of them must be mentioned but the hundreds who will not be named will have a glorious place in the story; faithful members, diligent teachers, simple prayers, singers and musicians, officers and friends of the Cause, both members and listeners. Without them there would be no history at all, and however much praise is given to the leaders, they also deserve the same praise:—
“Some of them were such as left their name
behind, so that their praises were sung.
Others had no rememberance, the ones who ended
as if they never were...For these
were merciful men, whose justice will not be forgotten.
With their children good heritage remains;
Their children are also in the covenant.
Their bodies buried in Peace, and their
name lives forever.”
Remembering therefore these two things - the age old connection and background, and the service of the nameless crowd, we will take a glance at some of the events and the characters which have been important elements in establishing and continuing the Cause that was baptised a hundred years ago in Saron, Aberaman.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century the population of Aberdare and the vicinity was small – about 1,486. As the century marched on, and the ironworks opened, the population increased and by the year 1841 the population was 6,741. At this time there were only four or five houses in Aberaman itself. However, the coal and iron works had established themselves, and by 1843, many more works had opened in the area and the population of Aberaman was about 1,200. Between 1841 and 1851 the population of the whole area had reached 14,998. Many important things happened in 1846:- Coal was sent from Llety Siencyn Mine along the canal to Cardiff. This was now the cheap way of sending coal to the nearby port and to take coal and iron to the world markets. In 1846 the first iron was puddled in Aberaman. There was therefore a living to be made and people came to the neighbourhood from every part of the country. All sorts of characters were here and among them some church members and, as there was no centre for them in Aberaman itself these people joined Siloa, Salem and Ebeneser in Trecynon. It is said that some friends from Aberdare would come to Aberaman occasionally to hold Prayer Meetings, but no Cause was started here as such. In 1846 the Rev. Thomas Jones, minister of Adulam, Merthyr, came to live in the area and to run a school. This is the good man referred to at the beginning of this chapter. In light of the events that were to follow his arrival, I almost doubt that he merely came to the area, but rather that he was ‘sent’ here. Soon after he came to live at 242 Cardiff Road he opened his home to a small number of people to worship and he would preach in these services. It is said that he was a slight man physically, but he was definitely a man of strong faith and love. It was in his house therefore that the Cause started in Aberaman. The following note is from the December 1846 edition of ‘Y Diwygiwr’ (The Reformer):—
“A Quarterly Meeting was held of the East Glamorganshire Union, in Ebenezer, Aberdare, on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 3rd and 4th of November.....and Brother Jones, formerly of Adulam, was encouraged to start a new cause and establish a Church in Aberaman, Aberdare......”
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Once again in ‘Y Diwygiwr’, January 1847 the following:—
‘Church Incorporation’
October 12, 1846 a new cause was started by the Congregationalists in Aberaman, about a mile and a half from Aberdare. It started with readings and prayers by members of the neighbouring churches. A Fellowship was held at the end of the meeting. From then on the Rev. T. Jones, lately Minister of Adulam, Merthyr, who has been chosen as the Shepherd for this small church, preached every Sabbath. The Ministers gave their full support in the Quarterly Meeting Conference held in Ebenezer, Aberdare to the incorporation of the church, which occurred on the 9th of November. The occasion was administered by the Reverends W. Edwards, Ebenezer and J. Harrison, Salem, Aberdare. The Ordinance, of the Lord’s Supper, was administered, and T. Jones was chosen as Shepherd for this small church, which has only nine members. But, although small, we hope that this small number becomes a strong nation of thousands. The Congregationalists are usually the last to start their cause but this time they were first, thanks to our dear brother’s great venture in giving himself up to Providence for his livelihood. Although it is a popular place, with growing popularity, its impiety is great. We hope the Lord blesses our brother, and makes him a blessing to many....We see him as a domestic missionary, and wish for ministers and churches of the county, and others, to see him in the same way, by emulating the ministers and churches of Dowlais and Merthyr, who have been very kind to him.....It will be a joy to us to hear that the churches of the county are making a small collection and sending it to him in order to sustain his brave mind so that he can labour as a minister. It will be a joy to the Minister and the church to see ministers and preachers visiting them when they come to the neighbourhood. We wish the Minister and the church success in gaining many souls for the Redeemer. Amen.
J. Harrison
We can see from this extract that the Cause started on October 12th, and the official incorporation was on November 9th. As well as the persons mentioned above there is one other name that needs to be added, that of Mr. Owen, Zoar, Merthyr. There were nine members and it is a great shame that we do not have their names. It is said that two were from Adulam, Merthyr, one from Bethesda, Merthyr, one from Salem, Aberdare and one from Beulah, Brecon, and apparently the other four were from Aberaman itself. I wonder who they were, and where they came from? However here were nine very different people to the nine ungrateful ones mentioned in the New Testament. It is quite possible that the descendants of some of these pioneers are still in Saron today. They quickly came together and Thomas Jones’ house became too small to contain the congregation and they had to look for somewhere bigger. It is obvious that they could not consider building any sort of chapel at the time and they decided to use the ‘Long Room’ in the ‘Lamb and Flag’ on a temporary basis. This proved to be disastrously unsuccessful for the young church. The Banner of the Lamb did not fly in that place then any more than it did later. It caused a rift among the small flock, some went to churches in Aberdare and others back to Mr Jones’ house. They remained there for a while and frequented each other’s homes. During this time Thomas Jones died and his remains were buried in the cemetery at Siloa, Aberdare. No stone or cross of any kind marks where he lies. He was born in Llanwenog, Cardigan and was educated at Neuaddlwyd, and Neuaddlwyd was to send more like him in the years to come.
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During this dark time in 1848, after poor Mrs Jones had also passed away, the small church moved from place to place and as it had no leader it was not very prosperous, and there was some dispute about its circumstances. They put themselves in the care of the Rev. David Price, Siloa and he was a kind patron. Along with the Rev. W. Edwards, Ebenezer, Trecynon he managed to secure two dwelling houses in Davies Street for the church and they were made into one and furnished as a house of worship. The small chapel opened in 1848 with contributions from Mr J. Evans, Craigyfargoed, Mr J. Thomas, Glynnedd, Mr D. Roberts, Dowlais, Mr T. Jones, Cwmbach, Mr W. Edwards and Mr D. Price, Aberdare and Mr G. Jones, Pontypridd. Following the acquisition of a fairly comfortable place the cause flourished and in June 1849 a call was sent to the Rev. Joshua Thomas, Bethlem, Llangadog to be a permanent minister and he started his ministry in October 1849. This was the terrible year of the Cholera and in the fear and terror, many turned to the Gospel for comfort and safety through large parts of Glamorgan and Monmouth. It was a similar story in Aberaman and about 120 members joined the church. By this time the dwelling had become uncomfortably small and, although a gallery was added, there was still not enough room. What a change from today. Yesterday the crowd was large and the chapel small, today on its centenary, this chapel is large and the congregation is small in comparison. This is the change coming but we will come to some of the reasons for this when dealing with the last period.
As a result of this obvious success it was decided to go ahead and build a convenient house of worship so land was bought for this purpose. It was not possible at the time but a legal right was had to build on land nearby. Two of the members arranged it with the landowner. We take it that they were Richard Jenkins and John Jones, one a Mineral Agent and the other a Coalminer. They agreed with Jennet Roberts, Gadlys Ucha and Dr James Lewis Roberts on a lease of 99 years at £4/9/10 per annum on a piece of land on Aber-Gwawr farm. The piece of land measured 74 x 65 feet. It was had on condition that a chapel was to be built to service the ‘Congregation of Calvinistic Independents’ (note the name) and that the chapel would cost at least £500. The deed was signed in June 1849 but it is obvious that the building work had started before this time. It would be years before Saron could secure the Freehold but it was bought in June 1921 for £150. On 31st December 1849 Richard Jenkins and John Jones presented the right to the new ‘Trustees’ of the Cause for a sum of 10/- each to make it legal and this is the Church’s Trust Deed. Here are the names of those who signed on behalf of the church:
On behalf of Saron |
Rev William Williams, Hirwaun |
These are some of the first members of the cause and likely to be the pioneers of the cause with Thomas Jones. In one of the loose pages of the church’s books after 1860 there is a reference to one Cathrin Moris, who was received as a member in 1846 by the Rev. Josuah Thomas in Saron. Given that the date is correct, this must have happened between October and the end of the year and the Rev. Josua Thomas must have been here on a visit. It is likely that only a few knew the content of the Trust Deed and so it is a good idea to refer to a couple of points in it which are of great interest, and give us an idea of the seriousness of the Venture.
1. In each decision regarding the arrangements of the Church there must be a majority of two thirds of the members who have been in full communion with the Church for six months beforehand.
This was very wise in this period of financial adventure when many of those who became members had little comprehension of the great responsibility they would have.
2. That nobody had the right to serve the church as Minister or Shepherd without believing in ‘the total depravity of human nature, the Divinity and Atoning Sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. The absolute necessity of the influence of the Holy Spirit and the Doctrine of the Trinity!’ This shows the solemnity of our forefathers, and it would be fitting for us on this centenary to question once again what we believe, lest we find ourselves believing nothing in the end. We also need to be completely sure of what we represent in what we believe, because this is what gives our Church its own particular character.
The church was faced with many obstacles regarding the building of the chapel. The builder was bankrupted before the work was completed. For a while the building stood without a roof but it was not without shelter. The good brothers who supported the cause were determined to persevere and £400 at 5% was borrowed from one David Evan Williams, a grocer from Hirwaun, which enabled them to complete the work. The building work cost £650. Although the work was not finished the faithful started to worship there on March 31 1850 and it was officially opened the following June.
“On Tuesday and Wednesday, the 6th and 7th August, 1850 a meeting was held to open Saron, Independent House of Worship; Aberaman. At 7 on the first afternoon the service was opened by a prayer and reading by the Rev. W. Williams, Hirwaun, and a sermon was given by the Rev. J. Evans, Cymmer and the Rev. E. Hughes, Penmaen. On Wednesday, at 7 in the morning the service was opened by the Rev. L. Lawrence, Adulam, Merthyr and the sermon was given by the Rev T. Jeffreys, Penycae. At 10, the Rev. W. Morgan, Troedyrhiw opened the proceedings and a sermon was given by the Rev. D. Davies, New Inn and the Rev. J. Davies, Llanelli in English, and the Rev. W. Roberts, Tabor. At 6 the Rev. E. Hughes, Penmaen preached, as well as the old patriarch Lewis Powell, Cardiff. The meetings were joyful, full of the Lord’s blessings. The cause is but in its infancy here but it is promising and comforting.” J. E.
By this time there were 218 members. Another cloud settled over the church. Following the decline of the Cholera, many defected and others were lost, and disputes arose between them. 44 members left to worship elsewhere. Things must have been quite bad, and it would have been interesting to know the real reason for the dispute. It is likely that the immaturity of many of the members conflicted with the experienced wisdom of others, and who knows what disputes there were regarding faith and belief. However, in June 1852, the Rev. Josuah Thomas decided to give up the pastorate and a farewell meeting was held on the 7th August. He then received a calling to Libanus, Craigberthlwyd and walked there from Aberdare on Sundays, and there was much talk of having seen Josuah Thomas’ lantern on the hillside beyond the valley. He did great work there, where he was minister until his death in 1875. His grave is in Libanus cemetery. He came to Saron at a difficult time, and although the chapel that he built soon changed, his influence and his staunch stand for the church’s principles remained, and were a blessing for the period that followed, although it pained him and others. Following Mr Thomas’ departure Saron came under the charge of the Rev. William Edwards, Ebenezer, Aberdare who was also extremely kind to the chapel. Despite this it was a troubling time for the small flock that longed to be led to better days. The population was increasing and this was a chance for the church to do great work for the master and if we could slip into the prayer meetings of that time we would no doubt hear urgent pleas for someone to lead them. The Spirit was already at work and their prayers were answered. At the same time as the cause was starting in 1846 a young man was being ordained to the ministry in Llanelli and he was the Spirit’s choice for the next chapter in the history of Saron, Aberaman. It is not surprising that the church’s “Trust Deeds” include a clause ‘to believe in the absolute necessity of the Holy Spirit’s influence’!
Success and Progress — 1854–1891
Among the men who came to spread the word in this area was the Rev. John Davies, Llanelli, who was already proving to have great ability and talent. On a visit to Saron it was immediately obvious that this was the man for the great challenge of the time, and he received a unanimous call early in 1854. He hesitated for months, but by October he had decided to accept the call and there was much joy in Saron. He started his ministry in November 1854, and for almost nine years his ministry was uncommonly successful. His ministry is truly a brilliant chapter in Saron’s history. With the arrival of the great Revival in 1859, the Rev John Davies welcomed the Spirit which walked so boldly across the country. John Davies made sure that the Spirit had a PLACE as well as a VOICE.
The Rev. John Davies was a slim, handsome man. He was born in ‘Cwrt’ between Llandovery and Llangattock, and was educated at Brecon College. He possessed a boundless energy and doggedness. His horizons were broad and his idea of Kingdom governed his ideas for the chapel. Soon after his arrival the congregation increased and the new members multiplied. His great mental ability demanded respect; his activity demanded admiration and his earnestness urged conviction. Two years after its establishment the chapel became uncomfortably small and it was decided to expand. The cause was needed in Cwmaman and 27 members were released to start a cause there in 1855. The venture was a great success and Moriah Aman Church was established which has been very successful over the years. But despite releasing these members to Moriah, and many listeners with them, Saron was still much too small to contain the congregation and in 1856 it was obvious that the building needed extending. This is when the building was extended to the chapel’s current size in the parish of Aberdare. In order to extend the building it was necessary to purchase two adjoining houses. The ‘Assignment’ dated 12th April 1856 states that the Trustees bought the land from Anthony Longstaff, Coal Agent, Aberdare for £220 and this meant the purchase of three houses. The intention was, not only to extend the chapel but to build a room for the children and to hold special meetings. It is not known how it became known as Saron Hall, but it was obvious that the place had a special meaning for Davies. Each time he referred to Saron he would write “SHARON”. By now Saron Hall has become a really Welsh name and whatever the critics say Saron Hall holds a fond place for all who were taught there. For years, Saron Hall was the centre for everything important in Aberaman. In the years to follow the hall was the location for political meetings, the Co-op’s Quarterly meetings etc. Saron Hall was the meeting place for everything important, until Aberaman Hall was built.
The cost of extending the chapel and buying the land and property was £953 and added to that a debt of £250 was outstanding on the first chapel, so the total debt was £1,200. However; because the chapel was united and thriving and under the leadership of this fine deacon, the debt decreased quickly. The people worked wholeheartedly and there were many generous members among them. Saron Hall cost £300 to build. This was, indeed, quite a burden but, to their credit, the borrowed money and interest were quickly repaid, and in the first twenty years this congregation managed to clear an immense amount of money. Note that during these 20 years the costs of building and extending alone cost around £2,000 and by 1865 the entire sum had been repaid up to £280. Whatever the concerns of the saints at that time and their weariness because of the costs, they kept their faith and we must remember that they were not rich men but simple workers, and ardently religious. We can surely say that their faith sustained them.
In 1858 many left once again on a missionary crusade and started a cause in Abercwmboi, about a mile from Saron. With Davies Bach, Aberaman behind the venture it could not fail and Bethlehem Church has been full of conviction over the years, and it is good to note that these churches were not “splits” and that a lovely affinity exists between them and Saron to this day and they worked together on many things.
I should also refer to the fact that Saron was very supportive to starting an English cause in Aberdare and it is stated that the Rev. John Davies worked hard with the brothers there until they succeeded.
The Rev John Davies was a man of letters and was one of the editors of “Y Beirniad” (The Critic), “Y Gwron” (The Hero) and “Y Gwladgarwr” (The Patriot). He was passionate about his country’s literature and established a Literary Society in Aberaman. This society held Eisteddfodau of a high standard and the young people of Saron and the area were given the opportunity to develop their talents at a time of very few educational and cultural advantages. Among those who benefited from these meetings were Hywel Cynon (Author, Cerddi Hywel Cynon [The Poems of Hywel Cynon]), J. P. Price (America), T. Phillips, D. Harries, Gwynalaw, Gwilym Cynon and others.
In his work with literature Mr Davies endeavoured to show religious ideas, thoughts and experiences in a glorious and exemplary light. We, who have had the honour of succeeding him in this ministry, acknowledge our debt to him for this great work. Since Davies’ days, there has been in Saron a Society to ennoble the mind as well as the soul and it was he who laid this foundation that many have built on since. As with the history of the building of Saron, the life of the church was also one of renewal and extension, but all on that same foundation. The Rev. John Davies was the first to discover the use of “workers” in the faith and it was no surprise to see some of the younger brothers entering the ministry. Their names, along with others, are elsewhere in this history.
We should have mentioned one other fact about Saron: when the chapel was built a piece of land was reserved as a cemetery. Few were buried there, because in 1858 the old burial laws were changed and, under the new law, interment in Saron cemetery was not permitted.
I would like to present more facts about the Rev. John Davies, but I must refrain, because the intention is not to talk of personalities only but of a special Movement, and Saron’s place in the work of that movement is our chief aim. Following nine years of successful work he received a call from a young church in Mount Stuart, Cardiff, and the young there were utterly captivated and so he saw an opportunity to lead another young church. A Farewell Meeting was held on Monday 5th June 1863. Strangely enough, his successor as Saron’s minister was at that very meeting. He received an Address referring to his excellent work, as well as a gold watch and chain and a purse will an impressive sum of gold. The chapel was heaving and the congregation were very emotional. He enjoyed a successful ministry in Mount Stuart until his death in 1874 at the age of 51. “He staggered not, but was strong in faith”. His memoir was published by the Rev. John Thomas, Liverpool.
1863–1891
So far it was only southern and eastern accents heard in the pulpit in Saron, but this changed over the coming years. The tide of the revival of Fifty Nine reached Saron and the chapel was in a beautiful spiritual state. In 1864, Mr R Rowlands, a student from the Seminary in Bala, toured the south to raise money for the college. He was to preach at Moriah, Cwmaman on a Sunday morning at the beginning of the winter of 1864 and at Saron in the evening. While he was in Cwmaman he received word that there would be no opportunity for him to preach or collect at Saron. But, letter or not, he came to Saron. At five o’clock a temperance meeting was held which he attended. He received a lukewarm reception, and there would definitely be no collection. There must have been some opposition to the College which was so far from the south, or lack of interest in it. He was invited to take part in the meeting which he did and he sang “Pwy fel Efe” beautifully. By some strange coincidence the gentleman who was meant to take the evening service had let them down at the last minute and the student had his chance. When he entered the service John Williams stood up and greeted him from the Deacons Seat (set fawr). “Come in, this is God’s servant and the minister of Saron”. The student had a great service and was invited back twice in three weeks and at that Sunday evening service there was great rejoicing and he was invited to become the Minister of the chapel. He was ordained in June 1864. The Rev. M. D. Jones preached on “The Nature of a Chapel”; the Rev. W. Roberts, Liverpool admonished the minister, and the chapel was admonished by the Rev John Davies, Cardiff. The first two years were exceptional due to their religious vitality. Work and religion were doing well, but after two years there came a time of great social confusion which had quite an effect on the Aberaman area. Work was rare and many of Saron’s members left leaving the chapel to face hard times for the next nine years. But the leader was a good man and the officials were hard working and forceful and they managed to overcome these difficult times triumphantly. This period was but the rehearsal for a similar and worse period that Saron and Aberaman would have to endure in the new century. As proof of the minister’s success, at the end of nine years Mr Rowlands was awarded with a watch and gold chain engraved with these words:
“Presented by the congregation and church of Saron Chapel, Aberaman, to the Rev R Rowlands as a mark of esteem for his faithful service” 16th June 1873.
He elevated many young men to the ministry and was a great influence on the lives of the young. It is good to read John Rees and Hywel Cynon’s evidence in his memoir and in song. During Mr Rowlands’ time the chapel was completely renovated at a cost of £1,400. It is said that the floor was lowered and that someone told Mr Rowlands “I see you intend to turn Saron into a cellar”, to which he replied “Yes, and by God we’ll keep the best wine there too”. He was rewarded again and received a testimonial of £200 which friends outside Saron had also contributed towards. A beautiful memoir was written for Mr Rowlands by the Rev Silyn Evans, Aberdare and I suggest all the young members of Saron read it. It is obvious, from the memoir, why Mr Rowlands was so loved by the chapel, the area and the denomination. He is still held dear by those who remember him in his heyday and they all talk of him with fondness and affection. After a long affliction he died on June 3rd 1891. It is said that his funeral was the biggest ever seen in Saron. His remains were buried in the public cemetery at Aberdare. Saron had much to thank him for. As it neared the end of the nineteenth century Saron was a flourishing chapel. His son Mr. J. W. Rowlands and his daughter Mrs Morris are here at the time of this celebration and we would like to greet them in fond memory of their father
Rowlands! A happier man was never had
Or a more honest brother:
The lord will never have a more faithful servant
Than dear Rowlands. (Hwfa Môn)
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 Y Parch. JOHN DAVIES |
 Y Parch. R. ROWLANDS |
 Y Parch. H. P. JENKINS |
 Y Parch. E. CADVAN JONES, B.A., B.D., M.Litt. |
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 Mr. THOMAS EDWARDS |
 Y Parch. GLANNANT JONES |
WARS AND WONDERS
1891 – 1946
Crossing from one century to another, no one could have dreamed in their wildest dreams how great and deep the change would be for the world and the Church. This half century has seen more change in comparison than almost any other part of history. It has had its high spiritual moments and depths of agony and pity. This is the period of the dire wars: three wars, two of them dragging the whole of the world to the fight and leaving behind immeasurable carnage and suffering, and which had a destructive effect on morality and religion. This is the period that saw poverty and need marching through the coal valleys; the worker without work living on meagre charity and a deathly stillness over whole areas. This is the period that saw evil in every world and no home could escape the woe that threatened. This was the period that saw the Night turn to terror, listening to the screams warning of danger and the loud noise of the machines ripping through the peace of the valleys. This period would also have its revivals, indeed revivals in everything, religion, politics, science, art and song. There was war but there were also great wonders, and these completely changed the order and tempo of life. We will trace the history of our chapel through this time and will see it bend under the force of some of the storms, and adapt itself and its talents for the change.
In the year 1893 a call was sent out to the Rev H.P. Jenkins, Bethania, Treorchy, a native of Maenygroes and he was established as the minister of Saron on the 9th October. The meetings heard contributions from the Rev J. Davies, Soar, Aberdare, __ Morris, Pontypridd and Prof. L. Probert. Mr Jenkins was a tall, graceful and dignified man and, like his predecessor, he had a talent for drawing men to him. He liked propriety in all things and insisted on ensuring order and dignity in the service. He is remembered with great fondness and almost everyone remembers his gentle hand reaching out to them when they were children, saying “Good Girl” and “Good Boy” and everyone recalls that no service came to an end without his getting up slowly and announcing “The service is over”. Mr Jenkins’ time was a successful time although things changed before it came to an end. Here are some of the obvious and important incidents. In 1896 he oversaw the building of a convenient schoolhouse for Sunday school and other meetings at the bottom of the village. It was full of life and a good source of members for Saron. It was sold in 1928. In 1904, the year of the revival, a school was built in North View Terrace, and it was a vast, convenient place.
And on the subject of the revival it is obvious that many came under the influence of the religious energy, which was so powerful but all the meetings were well ordered without the midnight meetings that were so characteristic of other places.
In 1911, the Congregationalists’ Union was held in Aberaman and in this Union the Rev Silyn Evans (Siloa Chapel) was elected Chairman of the Union. In the following Union in Liverpool Mr Jenkins gave an address on the subject of Mission.
In 1914 the Great War broke out and 55 of the chapel members were in the forces. Two of them were lost and their names are alongside the members and Sunday school children on the Roll of Honours in the Chapel’s doorway.
Memorial to the fallen Saron Chapel
In 1920 Single Communion crockery was purchased worth £161 and each member paid for them at 7/6 per head. This means putting the wine and bread on their “stands” before the service and in Saron Ordinance was served without anyone walking about.
In 1921 a great expense was incurred. The Hall was repaired and changed. A house was used for the expansion and it was necessary to buy another house in Regent Street for the tenant to live in. Heaters and electric lights were installed. The total cost was £2,659. It took some time to repay this debt but it was finally repaid in 1933. A gift was received by Powell Duffryn Coal Co., and this was a large donation of £800.
Saron also saw internal restoration work in the year 1896 and at the time of repairing the Hall an Organ Chamber was arranged but to date this empty space has not been filled.
In 1921 the Freehold for Saron and Saron Hall were also bought for £150.
In Mr Jenkins’ time a branch of the Christian Endeavour was established and those who were present attested to its great influence on the lives of many young people.
During this time an innovative Drama association was started in Saron at a time when drama was greatly mistrusted. I think that “Dic Sion Dafydd” was performed in 1912, followed by “Ar y Groesffordd” and “Helynt a Heulwen”. The company was triumphant in many places. Ben Stephens was the Director and he was followed by W.J. Phillips and Thomas Evans.
In the Singing world, there were performances of religious cantatas and various others. This was a time of great success in the singing world and Saron had been home of the song and the hymn for years. The Cymanfaoedd Canu were famous and Saron held two each year. In 1904 an Orchestra started at Saron with about 22 members. For about two years Mr W. T. Thomas would come down from Ebenezer Trecynon every Friday night to teach the chapel’s young musicians. When they had finished their learning Mr T. Rees was appointed as their Conductor and Mr J. Rees Davies and Mr W. J. Williams were secretaries. The orchestra worked hard over the years. This orchestra no longer exists but we hope that others will take it up under Mr Rees’ leadership.
Mr Jenkins was interested in the work of the Cyfundeb (Connection) and was Chairman in 1913. His address on “The Religious Hearth” was published as he was unable to be there in person because of illness. He retired from Saron in June 1922 and was given a substantial testimonial. Mrs Jenkins was one of the Lord’s gentlest souls and she is well remembered for her godliness and her experience and her prayers. Mr and Mrs Jenkins went to live with their daughter, Mrs Thomas in Llandeilo and were dearly missed. The Bible that is used for the reading in Saron each Sunday was presented to the chapel by Mr Jenkins.
The Rev H. P. Jenkins – Jenkins Saron – died in 1934 and his remains were buried in Maenygroes and those who were there all felt a whisper after the Apostolic Blessing, “THE SERVICE IS OVER”.
Mr Rowland and Mr Jenkins enjoyed a large congregation. In fact, one had to arrive half an hour before the start to get a seat but things were gradually changing. There were also other strong leaders and it is worth mentioning some of them. Wise and witty men, esteemed by all, able and faithful. Their influence remains and they come back to the congregation often. To those who knew them they remain a part of Saron.
1924 – 1927
In 1923 Saron’s debt was £1,427 but the spirit of the original pioneers remained and they prepared to call a minister. They chose Mr. E. Cadvan Jones, B.A., B.D., from Bala Bangor College and Cheshunt College, Cambridge, and he was ordained on June 25 and 26 1924. Contributors to the meetings included the Rev. J. Phillips, Mountain Ash, Morgan Price, Abercwmboi, Headmaster Thomas Rees, Silyn Evans, Sulgwyn Davies, Trecynon, Wern Williams, Hirwaun, W. T. Gruffudd, Dowlais, and H. Parry Jenkins.
Before the arrival of Mr Jones the Chapel purchased a house in Brynheulog Terrace for £450 and adapted it for the minister. Despite the great debt and only 326 members the faith was still strong. Mr Jones brought scholarliness to the chapel and the area. He also steered the chapel through the hard times of the strikes. He was passionate about the language and culture and it was lovely to see the elders acknowledging their indebtedness to him.
In 1924 a meeting was held to show appreciation and admiration for the long serving Secretary Mr J. H. Powell who was given a painting as a gift. His portrait still remains on the wall in Saron, facing each congregation and, although we do not know him in the flesh, we know him in spirit.
The cause was doing well despite the period of unemployment. The services were full and Mr Jones also held a number of classes for young people. Despite being very active in the chapel he still managed to acquire an M.Litt Degree. In 1927 he received a calling from Libanus, Ebbw Vale and although his time here was short he left his legacy and made the area consider seriously the matter of the Welsh language at home and in schools.
1927 – 1933
During this time Saron worked hard to reduce its debt, which was now a burden. Note that 1928 was one of the worst years of the depression, but despite this the members worked hard on this task. In 1927 Northview School House was sold for £130, and in 1928, having served its purpose, Cardiff Road School House was sold to the Salvation Army for £688/10/8. Also the house at Regent Street was sold in 1926 for £100. A concert by the Francis Brothers made a profit of £66. The debt was reduced to £660. The hard work of collecting and saving continued from year to year and by September 1933 the debt was cleared and Jubilee Meetings were held. These were hard years and we must pay tribute to the chapel and its leaders for their faith. By the time the next minister arrived, they were free to start again, unburdened by debt.
1933 – 1946
On the 11th and 12th October the Rev Glannant Jones, Soar, Pontygwaith, Rhondda was established as Minister. On the Wednesday evening a prayer meeting was held led by Mr Thomas Edwards, the chapel’s Secretary and contributions to the Establishing meetings were made by the Rev. Morgan Price, John Jenkins, Hirwaun, H. P. Hughes, Cwmbach, T. H. Jenkins, Cwmaman, Glynmor John, Tylertown and the Rev. E. Cadvan Jones, Ebbw Vale.
Times were still hard in the valleys and the political horizon was threatening. Despite this Saron continued to thrive, even though religion was obviously ebbing in general through the country. Meetings were held to encourage young people and some were successful and others were not. This was a particularly sad time as the chapel saw many deaths and lost good members and leaders. Despite this the chapel members were very close and worked together readily. Here are some of the events of the period:
The ‘Small Loft’ was repaired and adapted as a library and a room for the young people and for committees. Many interesting and entertaining evenings were held here.
An Entertainment Club was started, but due to the fact that our young people have been working away or at war, the club has yet to come into its own.
In June 1938 the Glamorganshire Cymanfa came here and much enthusiasm and joy was enjoyed preparing for it.
In 1939 the world was shattered and our young men and women were thrown into the eye of the storm. A Comforts Committee was established to help them. The Sisters met every Tuesday night to knit and make tea for the treasury. At the end of the war a sum of £283 was collected and distributed. Those who went were given a welcoming Social and parcels and money were sent regularly. Many of the Sisters knitted 410 gloves and socks etc. 11 members of the chapel were in the forces, and 64 were somehow connected to the Sunday School and the chapel. Despite prison and peril, not one of them was lost. But one, R. Howells, died in hospital after release.
The Blackout stopped many from going to services but they were still held. We were determined that things should carry on as they were before the war.
The children and supporters staged beautiful cantatas conducted by T. Aeron Edwards. Special efforts were made for the Mission and for the fund for Reorganisation and Rebuilding.
In September 1940 Saron celebrated its Jubilee and a week of meetings was held. Four ministers who were former youngsters of the Chapel joined us – the Rev. Thomas Jones, Erwood, John Davies, Coventry, T. Perkins, Llanelli and Phillip Jones, Swansea.
At 11.35 on the morning of the 10th September 1944, we had the honour of broadcasting from Saron. It was strange to hear by letter that the young people of Saron were listening on the battlefield. The singing was highly praised and this was thanks to the congregation and the conductor Mr J. D. Harris who has been at the helm for over forty years.
The terrible war came to an end without the loss of one of our children, but the chapel suffered a different fate. During the war years over 50 of its most dedicated members died and this has left a huge gap. We remember them very fondly. I must, however, refer to one great loss during this year, namely the death of Mr Thomas Edwards, the chapel Secretary for over 25 years and its oldest officer. He was also a child of Neuaddlwyd and worthy of being mentioned alongside the names associated with the place and to follow in the footsteps of Thomas Jones, who came from that very place to start the Cause in Saron. Mr Edwards was a wise leader, especially during the period when the chapel had no minister. He came from a tradition of strong men who were Saron’s secretaries. He knew Saron’s history, was proud of it and worked hard on the chapel’s behalf. We are sorry to lose him, especially as we are on the verge of a celebration which he had looked forward to and helped to organise. Like others who have been here, he has become a part of Saron, and in the words of Dewi Aeron:
“He can never be confined
In the dark prison of the grave,
He will come to each service as ever
He will come in his NEW FORM”.
In April his son T. Aeron Edwards was elected Secretary and Deacon.
As we remember the cause’s benefactors we must thank the brothers and sisters who worked at Saron Hall. This is where most of the work was done from Sunday to Sunday and during the week. Who can ever measure their value and influence? Each generation in Saron must acknowledge its debt to the inspectors and teachers at Saron Hall.
The story is drawing to a close – and what a romantic tale it is – but it is, nevertheless, only half the story. The saints’ acts in Saron have been recorded by another chronicler and the final story to be read one day will be much more glorious than anything written here. The story started a long time ago and the world has changed enormously since then. Aberaman itself has changed, ways of life, language and expression, circumstances and atmospheres are all different to what they once were. Due to the inventions and discoveries the nature of the work has changed and we must find a new way of finding souls for Christ in this age. But despite the great changes one thing remains the same – the battle between good and evil. There have been triumphs in this battle but nothing as yet has been invented or discovered which can take the place of Jesus Christ. Many prophesise that soon there will be no church as we know it. Who knows? But, whatever the medium, it started in the Church, and it will be a Church.
And so, here we stand, looking at the milestone that is a century of Saron’s history and we see that it is all part of God’s purpose. In the silence of remembering we hear the voices of Saron yesterday....the worship of the first nine, with no instrument, or chapel, and in a service someone recites “This cup is the New Testament in My Blood”...then from the small chapel comes a voice...”The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”....then, the stronger voice of Saron’s large congregation... the elation of the fifty-niners...the doubling and tripling of the worship...the Amens and the Thanks Be to God...the voices of the men proclaiming the gospel...the prayers of fathers and mothers...children’s A,B,C, ...G.O.D., God...the heavy notes of the Dead March...the light singing of the children’s Cymanfa,...Anthem and Hymn...O, Nefol Addfwyn Oen...We never never will bow down...the sad singing of a wistful crowd...Mae nghyfeillion adre’n mynd...then the romance of the wondrous instance...I now pronounce them man and wife...I baptize thee...in the name of Jesus Christ...hearty laughter...Drama!...Say the first prayer slower...These are the things, these are the voices that come back from the past. What is their message for us? TO CARRY ON with our Faith in their God, and in our God. But we mustn’t tarry too long, there is work to be done, the committee needs to be called...there is a programme to publish. ONWARDS! ONWARDS! There is a sermon to write, Communion to partake in, ONWARDS! The future is calling and the Christ is ready...no delay...ONWARDS! ONWARDS!
One of three bardic chairs that Dewi Aeron won, were originally at Saron
now at Cynon Valley Museum and Gallery on display.
Teach me to look to the Past
This will kill all my fears
Your goodness and your mercy
Follow me through the world.
Through the tears, the storm and cloud
Smile through them all,
God’s rainbow still proclaims
THERE WILL BE LIGHT IN THE DARK
SARON, ABERAMAN
1846 – 1946
Here were discerning ones who watched
The leaders of the times;
From afar they saw the crowds
Seeking a sanctuary in the valley;
They were the first to discover
The needs of the crowds in the valley
They saw prosperity and its hidden longing
They understood the discontent of a bleak age.
Through unprohibited sacrifice
Here was raised a temple to God
And many a stranger on his unsure feet
Came through the door for sanctuary;
Others it held through long dark nights
To keep the lamp lit within God’s house.
Dewi Aeron
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