Preece Family Tree

Presentation to Mr. Tom John.

There is a certain halo and charm about an old building or institution which rouse within us a desire for its continuance and preservation. More so is it true with regard to a long acquaintanceship, especially if it be saturated with the best of one's life. A connection of over 30 years with the Salem church has made Mr. John almost a necessary part of the church itself, and it had hardly occurred to anyone that Mr. John would ever leave the scenes and faces with which he has had such a long and fruitful association, and when at last it had become apparent that Mr. John's removal of residence to Tonypandy would sooner or later result in his transferring his membership to Ebenezer, it was a subject of painful and unpleasant reflection to all, particularly so to the choir. Five years ago he was pressed to take to the latter, and during that period he had been most active and alert in raising by the best possible means, the standard and calibre of the choir. To do so he has laboured incessantly, always with a means to an end, that of fostering a love for the highest form of musical culture, first by learning the works of the "masters," and secondly by calling in an expert in the person of Mr. Harry Evans, Merthyr, to give an intelligent and discursive interpretation of the sublime and hidden secrets of oratorical music. This has resulted in untold benefit to the choristers, and the evenings spent with Mr. Evans have been redolent of pleasure and cultivation of a kind so sadly neglected, and yet all-essential to a proper understanding and appreciation of the master-works, and to Mr. Evans the choristers are doubly thankful. It was always the earnest desire of Mr. John to obtain the best tuition possible for his "little choir," and in procuring the services of Mr. Evans for the choir he has filled their hearts with gladness and thankfulness. Mr. John was inimitable in the sway he held over the choir, who looked upon him as something more than their conductor. His various talks in the practices, in which the serious and humorous were so well and eloquently blended tended in a large degree to keep the choristers interested in their work, and at the same time cemented the friendship between choir and conductor. His well-known eloquence and enthusiasm always stood him in good stead, and served to quicken the intelligence of the choir. This he employed to advantage on one occasion in particular, and which will long remain green in the memories of the listeners. The choir were in full swing for competition with "Then round about the Starry Throne," and on this occasion, practice took place in the Council Schools, Llwynypia. The rendering of the choir was spiritless, Mr. John came forward, and with a rousing discourse on the meaning of the words and their attributes, infused life and vigour into the choir, and the rendering which followed was marked as being one of the best attempts of the choir on the chorus. In social functions of the choir, Mr. John was thoroughly at home, and contributed largely to their success. Always very liberal and generous in helping any good cause, he has created a void which is not easily filled.

However, it is now the duty of the choir generally to rally round the successor to Mr. John, namely, Mr. Thomas Ayton Jones, and to lend him all possible assistance by being faithful in their attention to the duties of the choir. Let every member feel that this is incumbent upon him, and the future is assured.

A happy outcome to the services which Mr. John had rendered both choir and church was a presentation to him on Monday evening last, and the meeting was graced with a packed vestry. The pastor, the Rev. T. G, Jenkyn, presided, and the following programme, prepared by Mr. Thomas Ayton Jones, was successfully concluded.

Mr. Jenkyn, in a few appropriate words, said they all knew the object for which the meeting was held. They were glad to see Mr. and Mrs. John present. He remembered the first Sunday he (Mr. Jenkyn) came to Salem, and the old faces were imprinted on his memory. During the span of 30 years, time had gathered in his store, and there were few old faces left as a memoir of former days. By the departure of Mr. John from their midst, the church was losing its senior member and deacon, and one who was recognized with the cause at its inception. Mr. John's long association with Salem had been full of earnest labour and usefulness, and they were assembled there that evening to show their appreciation of his services.

Master Tom Phillips was then called upon for a recitation, the title of which transpired to be "George y Gof," [George the Blacksmith] and was admirable for its homely truths, made more apparent by the pleasing and clear style of the reciter.

Mr. Phillip Llewellyn afterwards spoke, and said he was glad to have the opportunity of saying a few words on that occasion. He had known Mr. John for 22 years, and during that time it was his pleasure to state that Mr. John had helped him a good deal. He was educated under him in the old schools. The value of work had been constantly impressed upon them by Mr. John. The members of the choir were used to hearing him say, "Pa beth bynag yr ymafla dy law ynddo, wna a'th holl egni," [Whatever your hand grasps, do it with all your energy] and Mr. John was an example to them in this respect. It behoved them all to emulate the noble precept which he was never tired of reciting, and of which he was so patent and ardent a follower. Mr. John had the very desirable qualities of keeping them interested in the singing school, and could make harmony out of discord. His humour and wit were proverbial, and he had splendid powers of organisation. A pleasing feature in Mr John was, that he would admit and thence apologise when he had made a mistake. He was a man of great ideas, and drawing out work, and following it up. His five years connection with the choir was a positive proof of this, and had wrought them lasting good. They could not but feel sorry to lose a man of such distinct ability as Mr. John, and they hoped he would be as homely and comfortable in Ebenezer as he had been in Salem.

A pianoforte solo was then given by Master Merfyn Jenkyn for which he was deservedly applauded.

Miss Lily Morgan's elocution in 'Domestic asides, or truth in parenthesis' received signal and hearty recognition.

Mr. Thos. R. Davies said there was one thing in particular which he had learnt from Mr. John, and that was the value of time. It was characteristic of him to be always in time at the services and choir practices. He had brought the choir to a position of excellence, and had inculcated in the choristers a desire for superior music. Mr. John had taught them widely in sol-fa. He was always very faithful in the practices, and had a keen and observant eye in finding out who were absent, and would speak to the offending members at the first chance. Mr. John had sacrificed a good deal to attend to the duties of the choir. He was full of the choir, and it may be said with truth that the choir was full of him. Mr. John was not a selfish man, and was always ready to give up the baton to a better man. He had always exerted his power for good, and his influence would remain on the choir.

'King Richard and Bollingbroke' was then effectively rendered by Miss Mary E. Jones, and a quartette of maidens, composed of Misses Hannah James, Gertie Hawke, Mary Ann Samuel and Myfanwy Jones, gave a vocal item, which was appreciated.

Mrs. Mary Williams recited 'The Women of Mumbles Head' in a realistic manner, and evoked the admiration of those present by her dramatic rendering.

Mr. Thomas Ayton Jones said he could claim 27 years of friendship with Mr. John, and indeed he might say that he looked upon him in the light of a father. He was a pupil of Mr. John's in daily school, and he was his teacher in Sunday School 27 years years ago in the vestry. He remembered the advice he, (Mr. John) used to give them time and again, which was that of doing something in connection with the church. The smallest thing they could do, he used to say, was desirable, rather than do nothing. His pleadings to them not to touch alcoholic drinks, were present to him that evening, and he was happy to say that the three members of his class had acted upon his advice, and had grown up abstainers. Mr. John would always go for the best in everything. He had left a deep impression on both choir and church. People used to say good-humouredly that he resembled Mr. John both in size and build, and in the colour of his hair, and especially now that he had stepped into Mr. John's shoes as conductor of the choir.

A letter was read from Mr. David Jones, assistant overseer, regretting his inability to be present owing to the election, which detained him at Treorchy. He wished to speak of the homely character and good nature of Mr. Tom John, and trusted they would have a splendid meeting.

The presentation was then made by Mrs. Jane Jones, Inverlieth Terrace, the senior surviving member in Salem. The old lady was solely distressed, and her few words were spoken with much emotion. The gift of a gold watch and chain was provided by Mr. J. Kinstley, Jeweller, Tonypandy, and was a beautiful specimen of the watchmaker's skill and art. Inscribed inside the watch were the words "Presented to Mr. Tom John, Llwynypia, by Salem Church and Choir, and other admiring friends, March 1904."

On rising, Mr. John was given a hearty welcome. His opening sentences betrayed the feelings under which he was labouring, and said that Mrs. Jones had almost upset him, but he had endeavoured to restrain himself. He thanked them for the valuable gift, it was but natural to do so. Everyone in a like position would feel glad. Speaking of Salem they had surmounted a lot of difficulties. The work he had done in Salem had brought him his reward in the doing. There was always a reward in the work itself. He counselled them not to expect to be honoured for their work, they would have to labour a good deal without any thanks even, but they would find their pleasure by the way. Always be doing something, that was the maxim to follow. There were people who would do nothing unless they were remunerated. They had applications now and again from young men seeking positions as reporters on the "Leader," and the first thing they asked was, what would they get for they work. These young men would find that they would have to labour much before they deserve anything. Do all the work you take in hand on Christian principles and with willingness, and you will have your payment in doing it. He started with the choir five years ago. In taking to "Jeptha" they extended their knowledge of Sol-fa considerably. They were nine months in learning it. Its performance in the Hall was a source of great pleasure to them, and was the capping stone to their industry and perseverance. The singing school had been to him a religious meeting. There are great possibilities in young people if they only knew it. They had proved in Salem that by persistence they were able to do a large amount of work, and the fruits could now be seen in the many calls that were for the members of the choir by other choirs, and all because they could read music. Before helping others, however, let them be satisfied that they were not neglecting the work at home, as it was the home that had the first call, and they should see that they were right in this respect as regards Salem before assisting others. He could not tell them too often to be up and doing. There was a saying brimful of truth that, to prevent us being sluggards in life to "start the morning with determination, and you will rest with satisfaction." It was the duty of the Church to do all they could for the young people of their flock, and to provide them with work at once interesting and instructive. With functions of this kind, the young people would remain steadfast and true to the cause. This was a question that was all-important in these days.

The Chairman then read the following verses:-

Ei werth a welir uwch pob peth
Yn traethu a dysgyblu,
A thynu allan yr holl stôr
Oedd yn y Côr i ganu.

Perfformiwyd gweithiau pena'r byd
Yn hyfryd niewn cydgordiad;
Bydd sôn am John a'r côr yn hir
Trwy gampwaith gwir ddatganiad.

Mae'r oriawr hon yn nod o barch
A chyfarch eich cyfeillion,
Am i chwi eto lawer blwydd
O lwyddiant a chysuron.

[Its value is seen above all things
Commenting and disciplining,
And take out all the store
He was in the Choir to sing.

Top of the world works were performed
Beautifully in harmony;
John and the choir will be mentioned long
Through the masterpiece of a true statement.

This watch is a mark of respect
And greet your friends,
For you again many years
Of success and comforts.]

Mr. Thomas Davies, chandler, followed, and made some brief remarks appreciative of Mr. John, and proceeded with some lines of poetry as under:-

Yn Salem heno'n unol cyflwynwn watch i chwi
I gadw'n fyw adgofion o'r amser melus fu;
Pan oedd y gwaith yn llwyddo, a chrefydd dan ei pharch,
Yn gysur da i'r brodyr, bu'ch ysgwydd dan yr arch,
Mae cwmwl mawr o dystion o hyny wedi mynd,
Ychydig iawn sy'n aros fel Mrs. Jones yn ffrynd
I gadw enw'r Ceidwad yn hir o flaen y byd;
Er codi cwmwl eto o seintiau pur ynghyd.
Nis gallhwn lai na chofla am Mrs John a'r plant,
A'r anwyl un o honynt sydd yn y nef yn sant.
Nid rhanol ydyw'r Eglwys niewn dau wahanol le,
Un i amddiffyn iawnder trwy'r ddaear lawr a'r Ne';
Ewch rhagoch mewn daioni, mae galw am eich gwaith,
Os canu wnewch, cewclh ganu i dragwyddoldeb maith.

[In Salem tonight we will present you with a watch
To keep alive memories of the sweet past;
When the work was successful, and religion respected,
Good comfort to the brothers, your shoulder has been buried under the coffin,
A large cloud of witnesses from that is gone,
Few remain as Mrs. Jones was furious
To keep the name of the Keeper long before the world;
Though again a cloud of pure saints was lifted.
I can't remember Mrs John and the children,
And the beloved one of them who is in heaven is a saint.
The Church is not partial in two different places,
One to defend justice through the earth down and the South;
Proceed in goodness, your work is in demand,
If you sing, let it sing for a long time.]

His spontaneous effort at the close of the above was

Dyma watch sydd yn matcho - heddyw just
Fel oedd John yn gweithio,
Rhwydd ei fawl - ffwrdd a fo,
Neis hapns - yna stoppo.

[Dyma watch sydd yn matcho - heddyw just
Fel oedd John yn gweithio,
Rhwydd ei fawl - ffwrdd a fo,
Neis hapns - yna stoppo.]

Mae William Lewis (deacon) said he had known Mr. John for 40 years. He remembered him a lad. They as deacons had always worked amicably with Mr. John, and had found him a peaceful and agreeable person. It was a sad reflection to him (Mr Lewis) that now Mr. John had left, he was the senior deacon in Salem. They were all aware of the influence which Mr John exercised in their church, and indeed in Wales. He would doubtless be honoured next week with the Vice-presidency of the National Union of Teachers, and the fact that he had been nominated for this position served as an additional of the high esteem in which he was held. He hoped he would be spared to continue his good work.

Mr. John Morris (deacon) said Mr. John had laboured hard amongst them, and they were sorry to lose him. He was glad that Mr. John had commenced his sphere of usefulness in Ebenezer with the Sunday School. It could be said of Mr. John that he was the father of most of them, as he had taught nearly all of them when in school, and he (Mr. John) looked upon them, therefore, as his children. Mr. Morris made an amusing reference, bearing on the foregoing remarks, to a doctor in the village in which he (Mr. Morris) was brought up. The speaker, in conclusion, said that Mr. John had been an example to them in many respects, and the good work he had done was a splendid testimonial to his worth.

Mr. William Howells (deacon) remembered Mr. John when he was 10 years old. Mr. John's father, Mr. David John, used to walk a few miles to Llwydcoed, Aberdare, to teach them to sing. He taught them the hymn, "Dan dy fendith wrth ymadael," ["Under your blessing on leaving"] and he (Mr. Howells) had never forgotten it. Mr. John's influence would always remain a potent factor with them, especially with the choir, and he trusted Mr. John would get health and strength to continue the work which had left such an impression in Salem.

Mr. John Jones said it gave him much pleasure to speak of his personal indebtedness to Mr. John, with whom he could claim a very long friendship. He owed him a deep debt of gratitude for cultivating a taste within him in his young days for good books, which had been such a source of pleasure and inspiration to him during his life. Mr. John used to lend them books of the highest class, and he thanked him for the help and benefit which he had derived by this act of kind thoughtfulness on the part of Mr. John. He was of the opinion that never was a presentation mere deserving than in this case.

Mr. Jenkyn in closing the meeting said that encouragement was needed to everyone in their work. Many a good man had been spoilt for want of it. It was only proper and just that they should encourage anyone employed in doing good by a kind word or a cheer to spur them on, and to show them that, others realised the good work they were doing. He thanked Mr. John for coming to his aid at a critical time in the history of the church many years ago, when at his (Mr. Jenkyn's) request, he took over the congregational singing, consequent on differences between two conductors. When Mr. John was leading the congregation, it was apparent that his spiritual nature was more than the hymn book he held in his hand.

The meeting which was in every way a happy and enjoyable one under the circumstances, terminated with the singing of "Dan Dy fendith wrth ymadael." ["Under your blessing on leaving"]

A word of thanks is due to those who were entrusted with the promotion and carrying out of the presentation, and also to the collectors for their very necessary portion of the work.