Preece Family Tree

Aberdare Cymrodorion Society.
WHAT WE OWE TO THE MONKS.

The fortnightly meeting of the Aberdare Cymrodorion Society was held on Friday evening at the Higher Standard School, Gadlys, Mr. D. M. Richards (Myfyr Dar) in the chair.

Mr. T. Williams, Park Inspector, read a ten minutes' paper on "The Late Mr. David John, shoemaker, Trecynon," for many years the singing conductor at Ebenezer Congregational Church, Mill-street. Mr. John was born at Kilgerran (Pembrokeshire) in 1823. He removed with his parents when young to Merthyr, and in 1849 to Aberdare. The reader delineated his character since advent to Aberdare as a choir master and a conductor, and pointed out that he led his choir to victory three times at one Eisteddfod. An alleged gross act of injustice on the part of an Eisteddfod adjudicator, however, so disgusted him that he never afterwards competed at an Eisteddfod. Mr. Williams then gave a graphic picture of him as a singing conductor at Ebenezer, and especially his power of bringing out the spiritual meaning of the hymn and the tune in congregational singing. His devotional spirit was also dealt with, and a reference made to the fact that Mr. Tom John. M.A., of Llwynypia, ex-president of the National Union of Teachers, was his son. Mr. John was buried on January 9th, 1894.

The Rev. C. A. H. Green, M.A., Vicar of Aberdare, then delivered a very interesting address on "The Monks." He by drawing out very clearly the difference between the hermits and the monks. The hermits, he said, dwelt apart in solitude, while the monks dwelt, together under the rules of their respective orders. After a reference to various theories as to the origin of monasticism in the Christian Church, he said it arose out of the natural aspirations of the human heart for a closer walk with God. It was Christ Himself who nurtured the seed in urging the disciples to seek for perfection, and His example, without family, without home, led others to follow and seek for Christian perfection in that direction. The hermits existed during the early Christian persecution, but the monks arose later in the third century. The father of the monks, though not himsslf a monk, was St. Anthony, of whom the Vicar drew a graphic picture, although he pointed out that his pulpit rather than his cell was the centre of attraction in his case. He then traced the growth of monasticism in the Eastern Church, and its introduction into Great Britain, coming here as Christianity did in various waves. He also dealt with the difference between the Norman monasteries and the old Celtic ones, pointing out the result of this on tha monastic life in the Principality. The Normans introduced into Wales the Benedictine, their rule being based on silence, humility, and obedience. They arose at midnight for devotion, and then spent the remainder of the night in prayer and study, again greeting the dawn with a service of devotion to Almighty God. They ate very little meat, confining themselves almost entirely to vegetables, eggs, and fish. At six in the evening, the labour of the day being over, they retired to sleep. They had no monastery in the Diocese of Llandaff, but had one for women at Usk, and many small cells and chapels dependent on foreign monasteries. Other orders in Wales were described as the Cluniae Monks, the Cistercians, the Dominicans, the Franciscans, the Carmelites, and other orders. The monks were the great preachers and teachers of the Middle Ages. Mr. Green dealt also with some causes of their failure, and the indebtedness of Wales to monasticism in keeping alive its literature.

At the close of the address, the Chairman expressed a hope that on a future occasion the Vicar might be induced to give another address dealing specially with the aspect referred to by him in his closing sentence of the indebtedness of Wales to the monks. Mr. J. Griffiths, Park School, referred to some of the traces of monasteries, and the roads the monks passed over in that district. Rev. J. R. Dewi Williams, the vice-president of the Cymrodorion Society, also spoke of recent visits he had paid with the Cardiganshire Antiquarian Society to Stata Florida and Talley Abbey, and the part these institutions took in the history of the Principality. Our danger, he said, was to judge monasticism by what it had become at the time of the Protestant Reformation. The monasteries were not merely religious houses; they were also, in a sense, cities of refuge. Here, too, the poor and the needy ever found succour and help. It was said that at Llantwit Major 100 priests, 100 soldiers, 100 workmen, 100 travellers, and 100 widows were fed daily. Mr. George Powell, Mr. David Davies, Mr. John Davies, Mr. David Richards, and Mr, W. E. Thomas also spoke. Thanks were accorded to both speakers.

Death of an Old Aberdarian.

A WELL-KNOWN MUSICIAN.

We deeply regret to announce the death of Mr. David John, of Harriet-street, Trecynon, which took place on Friday morning. Deceased was one of the pioneers of music in the Aberdare Valley, and had done much to popularise the art of music ere most of present generation were born. A native of Cardiganshire, after a short residence at Merthyr, he removed to Aberdare in September, 1849. Being a Congregationalist, he at once identified himself with Ebenezer Congregational Chapel, where the late Rev. W. Edwards, then a young man, was pastor. Mr. John at once took active steps to promote the musical organisation in the church, and was successful in forming an excellent choir there, of which he himself was the leader. In this connection it may be interesting to add that that choir in 1862 performed almost all the choral music in Handel's "Messiah". The choir also performed most of the music of "Judas Maccabæus," followed by Mozart's "Twelfth Mass," when the choir was accompanied in the orchestration by Caradog's String Band, who were then appearing in Wales as the pioneers of orchestral music in the Principality. In some of the other concerts given about that time by Mr. John's choir they were accompanied by Mr. Lawrence, then organist of St. David's, Merthyr, the only capable accompanist in that time probably in the whole district. The deceased had also a great leaning towards glees, most of Bishop's and Mendelssohn's being learnt by his choir, as well as a large number of Owen Alaw's, Tanymarian's, and other Welsh composer's anthems. Mr. John also figured at one time prominently as a musical conductor in competitive meetings at the various eisteddfodau in the district, although this was only a secondary part of his musical programme. When the Welsh Choir went to London to compete at the Crystal Palace in 1871 and 1872, Caradog and his choir found no more ardent supporter throughout the whole of Wales than the deceased. During all these years he also acted as singing conductor at Ebenezer Church, a position which he only resigned a few years ago. It migh tbe here interesting to add that the Ebenezer Choir is still one of the, if not the best, choirs from a single congregation in the district, and that it purposes to give next week a performance of "Judas Maccabæus" with full orchestration in the Temperance Hall. Mr. John, since his resignation of the office of conductor, took a great interest in the work of the choir, and only a few weeks ago expressed the hope that he might live to see an orchestra introduced into the choir for use at the services on Sundays. He was present on Christmas Day at the performanec of "Elijah" at the Temperance Hall. He has twice been the recipient of handsome testimonials, presented him by the church and musical friends. It is also a remarkable fact that in addition to being himself a musical educator, the whole of his children are elementary teachers, viz. Mr. Tom John, of Llwynypia, the well-known educationalist, a member of the council of the N.U.T., and the editor of the Glamorgan Free Press; Mr. John W. John, of the Ynyshir Board School; Miss John, of the Cymmer Board School; and Miss Margaret John, of the Bodringallt Board School.

On Tuesday, at 2 30 p.m., the funeral took place, and was attended by a very large and representative gathering. The deceased's body, placed in a polished Welsh oak coffin, with massive brass panel mountings, the breast place bearing the following inscription: "David John, died January 5th, 1894, aged 71 years," and covered with magnificent wreaths, was borne to the chapel, his deacons at Ebenezer acting as bearers. The coffin was followed by the following mourners :- Mrs. David John (widow), Mr. and Mrs. Tom John, Llwynypia; Mr. and Mrs. J. W. John, Ynyshir; Miss Mary John, Cymmer; Miss Margaret John, Bodringallt; Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Dowlais; Mr. Evan Lewis, Swansea; Mrs. Lewis, Walters-road, Swansea; Mr. John Jones, Llwynypia, Mr. Scott, Rhondda; Mrs. Thomas, Pontypridd; Miss Roberts, Dowlais, and Mrs. Morgan, Merthyr. Among the ministers and leading laymen present we noticed the Revs. J. Grawys, Cymdare; W. S. Davies, Llwydcoed; J. D. Rees, Salem; J. Sulawyn Davies, Siloh; J. Davies, Soar; W. Harries (B), Mill-street; H. T. Stephens (C.M.), Bryn Seion, Aberdare; G. Griffiths (Penar), Pentru Estyll; T. Edmunds, Hirwain; D. Thomas, Cymmer; W. J. Morris, Pontypridd; E. C. Davies, Ynyshir; T. G. Jenkyn, Llwynypia; D. H. Wigley, Brecon; Messrs. Alderman Thomas Williams, J.P., Merthyr; Gomer Jones, B.A., Merthyr; S. Hopkins, Ysguborwen; Rees Evans, Aberdare; Dl Griffiths, Aberdare; W. Charles and Owen Harries, Trecynon; John Rees, Tyrheol; John Morgan, Clive House; R. Wigley, D. Lewis Edmunds, Morgan Williams, Jacob Treharne (Tiberog), M. O. Jones, Treherbert; W. Jeffreys, Treherbert; Wm. Clarke, Higher Grade School, Pentre; D Evans, Treorky; J. Evans, Havod; Uriel Edwards, Ystrad; J. W. Jones, Penygraig; D. S. Thomas, Bazaar, Pentre; Rees Davies, Abernant; T. Thomas, Tynywern, &c. At the chapel the Rev. D. Griffiths, Cwmdare, read and prayed.

The Rev. J. Grawys Jones then said that letters of apology and regret for their inability to be present had been received from Mr. John Rees, H.M. Inspector of schools, Swansea; Mr. Griffiths R. Jones, Cardiff; and others. He then feelingly referred to the long connection of the deceased with that church. He had been a model deacon for over 33 years, and longer still the leader of the congregational singing.

The Rev. W. J. MORRIS, Pontypridd, said he could say a good deal of the deceased. It was 45 years last September that he (the speaker) came to live under Mr. John's roof, and he lived in the house for over four years, and no one knew a man better than an inmate of his own household. It was there a man generally showed his real character. They said of old Edwards, Groeswen, that he was a builder for both worlds, and he might say of the deceased that he was a worker for both worlds. He would not attempt to say how much he was indebted to the deceased for the help he had given him for the four years he had been under his roof. He looked back with great pleasure to that time. The deceased was a born leader, but had no wind or conceit in him. He did not know whether he left much property to his children, but he was sure he could tell them on his death-bed that there was not a dirty shilling among them. He (the speaker) appealed to the children of the deceased, and those whom he might call his musical children, to carry on the old banner, and not let it touch the ground. Let them carry it unsoiled as the deacon had.

The choir then sang the anthem, "Dyddiau dyn sydd fel gaswelltyn," very effectively.

Rev. T. G. Jenkyn, Llwynypia, said he knew little of Mr. John in the house except from the influence he left on some of his children whom he knew, but he thought that was a good criterion to judge a man by. He did not let his temporary work hinder him from his spiritual duties. They had met to bury a good man - one who had lived so that death had no terror.

Mr. M. O. JONES, Treherbert, said he found it very hard at times to speak in a funeral, but it was easy there. He had enough to say of the deceased. His paths had been strewn with the flowers of virtue. He knew deceased 30 years ago, and had found in him a friend, always ready to render a helping hand to any religious cause. He would never forget an occasion upon which the Ebenezer Choir, led by the deceased, came over the mountain to Carmel, Treherbert, when that church was in its infancy, to give a concert in its aid, walking back over the mountain the same night. He always looked upon the deceased as a model leader, who had left behind him a name unstained.

Rev. D. THOMAS, Cymmer, also spoke of his long and familiar aquaintance with deceased.

After a hymn had been sung, the procession reformed for the cemetery, where the Rev. Griffith Griffiths (Penar), Pentre Estyll, spoke a few words. Deceased was so full of music that he believed that one of the first characters in the celestial region whom he would look out for would be David and his harp, and the next would be the late Ambrose Lloyd, the composer of the hymn-book he had used so long.

The Rev. J. DAVIES, Zoar, then effectively prayed and the choir having again sung, the vast crowd slowly turned their backs upon all that was mortal of one to whom the words of the Saviour were especially applicable, "Behold an Israelite indeed in whom there is no guile."

The funeral arrangements were enstrusted to Mr. W. T. Harries, of Mill-street, and were admirably carried out.

We append a list of those who placed wreaths upon the coffin :- Mrs. David John, four children of the deceased, Ebenezer Choir, Mrs. Evans, Brynbach, Brynaman; Major Sloper, J.P., Cardiff; Mrs. J. W. Jones, Park lane, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Evans, solicitor, Swansea; Mr. and Mrs. Chalke, Pentre; the teachers of the Bodringallt Schools; Mr. David John, Cardiff; Mr. J. Preece, Porth.

EBENEZER CHORAL SOCIETY
1849 - 1999

150th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONCERT
Saturday 9th October 1999

HISTORY OF EBENEZER CHOIR

The formation of Ebenezer Choir dates back to 1849 when choral singing in the chapels was unaccompanied and without hymn books. The precentor or "codwr canu" was responsible for pitching the congregational singing. In the year 1849, Rosser Beynon of Merthyr compiled a book of hymns and their tunes entitled "Telyn Seion" and one of his pupils, a young man named Dafydd John, came to Ebenezer to distribute books. The minister at the time, the Reverend William Edwards, soon realised his worth as a musician and invited him to stay as conductor. He felt quite at home in Ebenezer and gladly accepted the invitation. The precentor at the time was Phillip Phillips who continued as precentor whilst Dafydd John formed his choir. Soon afterwards Mr Phillips moved to Aberaman with his family, leaving Dafydd John in sole charge of the chapel's musical activities.

Initially, the choir was about twelve in number and at that time the tenors sang the melody or the "top part" and the ladies, the tenor part. However, Dafydd John changed this to the present formation of S.A.T.B. - not without a great deal of opposition from the older people!

The first concert performed by the "new" choir and conductor was at Christmas time in 1849. A tea party was held in the afternoon - the first of its kind in Ebenezer - much against the wishes of the older generation. But the young people had the support of the minister, Mr Edwards, and they won the day and made a profit of £20 for the chapel funds. The tea party was followed by the concert in the evening.

During 1851 it was decided to organise a small eisteddfod and because of its success, one on a much grander scale followed. The test piece was "Lift up your Heads" from Handel's "Messiah" and Dafydd John's choir won first prize!

On Christmas Day 1853 the Choir gave a performance of the "Messiah" in Ebenezer Chapel. According to records, this was the first choir in the area to perform a complete oratorio. There was no organ in the chapel so the Choir was accompanied by a small orchestra from neighbouring Hen-dy-Cwrdd Unitarian Church. One of the violinists in the group was William Williams (Will Llannon) who taught Caradog to play the violin. No professional artistes were engaged by thte solo parts were sung by members of the Choir - three sopranos, three male altos, three tenors and three bass, one of them being the conductor. Of course, by this time the Choir had increased in number.

Dafydd John was a great competitor who enjoyed winning and took his choir to compete in numerous eisteddfodau and festivals in 1854, 1855 and 1856, singing "Worthy is the Lamb" and the "Amen Chorus" from "Messiah". In 1863, the Ebenezer Choir sang in Dafydd John's home territory, Merthyr, and in 1864 he competed in Siloa, Aberdare with the "Hallelujah Chorus" from "Messiah". This was the first time for the Choir to lose to another choir. Bethania Choir was the successful one. He refused to compete again as both he and his choir considered that they had been misjudged and he did not agree with the adjudicators' opinions!

In 1873 Dafydd John and his choir supported Caradog and his South Wales Choral Union at the Crystal Palace Choral Festival in London, where Caradog's "Cor Mawr" won the magnificent trophy which is today displayed at St. Fagan's Folk Museum, Cardiff.

In 1874 he was given a piano for his home. In 1883, a harmonium was purchased for the Choir's use for the princely sum of £16. Eventually, in 1887, the harmonium was transferred to the chapel and this was replaced a year later by a better model. The harmonium remained in Cana Chapel, Penywaum (Ebenezer's daughter chapel) - until Cana closed a few years ago.

By 1887 Dafydd John felt it time to hand over the Choir to a younger man. There were several applicants and Mr W. E. Thomas was appointed as the new conductor of the Choir, but Dafydd John remained the chapel precentor until his death in 1894.

[...]

DAFYDD JOHN (1823-1894)
Conductor and Choir Master of Ebenezer W.I. Chapel, Trecynon for over forty years. A cobbler by trade he was born in Cilgeran and came to Aberdare in 1849 largely due to the influence of Rosser Beynon. He became a member of Ebenezer Chapel and Choir Master and introduced a change in the manner of singing. He was the first to conduct Handel's Messiah in 1853, at Ebenezer. Sang with "Caradog" in the Crystal Palace and introduced Rosser Beynon's Hymn Book - "Telyn Sion". Gymanfa Ganu became very popular with the United Chapels in 1887 at Hirwaun, Cwmdare and Llwydoed. Salem, Robertstown and Ebenezer, Trecynon combined under the baton of Dafydd John for many years.

Bywgraffiad.

DAFYDD JOHN.

Ganwyd y diweddar Dafydd John yn Merthyr Tydfil, Mai 12fed, 1822, a bu farw Ionawr 5ed, 1894. Mab ydoedd i William a Margaret John, y rhai a hanent o Gilgerran, Sir Benfro. Symudodd i Heol-y-felin, Aberdâr, yn Ebrill, 1849. Ymaelododd gyda'r Annibynwyr yn Ebenezer, ac yn fuan wedi ei sefydliad yno dechreuodd lafurio gyda'r canu cynulleidfaol. Cyn hir daeth côr a chanu Ebenezer, dan ei arweiniad, yn enwog tryw y cylchoedd, ac edrychid arno fel yr arweinydd mwyaf deallus a medrus yn Nyffryn Aberdâr. Ffurfiwyd côr undebol yn Aberdâr, er cystadlu mewn Eisteddfod yn Merthyr, ar yr anthem "Par'toweb y ffordd" (Charles Daniel Lewis), ac etholwyd ef yn arweinydd. Bu y côr yn fuddugol; ac yn fuddugol lawer o weithiau wedi hyny. Yr oedd tuedd nat?riol meddwl Dafydd John bob amser at gerddoriaeth glasurol, ac yn ystod y tymhor hir o 45ain mlynedd y bu yn gwasanaethu fel arweinydd, ni chanwyd dim ond darnau da, chwaethus a chlasurol gan y côr, yr hwn oedd bob amser dan berffaith ddysgyblaeth.

Yn 1862 cynhaliodd gyngherdd, yn yr hon y datganwyd y rhan fwyaj o'r "Messiah." Wedi hyny dysgwyd "Judas Maccabæus" a'r "Twelfth Mass" (Mozart), yr hon a ddatganwyd gyda cherddorfa dan arweiniad Caradog.

Tra yr ymhyfrydai yn ngweithiau y prif-feistri, nid esgeulusai weithiau cyfansoddwyr Cymreig. Yr oedd yn hoff iawn o gyfansoddiadau Tanymarian, Ambrose Lloyd, Owain Alaw, &c.

Yr oedd yn ddyn o wybodaeth eang, a chweath bur, o rodiad diargyhoedd, ac o synwyr cyffredin cryf. Yr oedd yn neillduol am ei garedigrwydd, ac yn un a fawr berchid gan bawb a'i hadwaenai.

Yn y flwyddyn 1860 anrhegwyd ef â swm o arian ag harmoneg dda; ac yn 1875 anrhegwyd ef eilwaith â pherdoneg werthfawr, a swm o arian, ac anerchiad hardd, fel arwydd o barch yr eglwys tuag ato. Cafodd angladd anrhydeddus. Nid ydym yn cofio clywed erioed gwell a llawnach canu.

Ychydig amser cyn ei farw, ar ei gais ef, penodwyd Mr. W. E. Thomas, 'Celloist tra galluog, ac aelod o'i gôr, yn gynorthywyr iddo, ac y mae yn sier o wneyd olynydd teilwng i brif arweinydd canu cynulleidfaol Cwm Aberdâr.

Biography.

DAFYDD JOHN.

The late Dafydd John was born in Merthyr Tydfil, May 12th, 1822, and died January 5th, 1894. He was the son of William and Margaret John, both of Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire. He moved to Heol-y-felin, Aberdare, in April 1849. He joined the Congregationalists at Ebenezer, and soon after his establishment there began working on the congregational singing. Ebenezer's choir and singing, under his leadership, soon became famous in the circles, and he was regarded as the most skilled and accomplished conductor in the Aberdare Valley. A union choir was formed in Aberdare, in order to compete in an Eisteddfod in Merthyr, on the anthem "Par'toweb y Ffordd" (Charles Daniel Lewis), and he was elected conductor. The choir was victorious; and victorious many times after that. Dafydd John's natural tendency was always to classical music, and during the long 45 years he served as conductor, the choir sang only good, tasteful and classical pieces, always under perfect discipline.

In 1862 he held a concert, at which most of the "Messiah" was performed. This was followed by the teaching of "Judas Maccabæus" and the "Twelfth Mass" (Mozart), which was performed with an orchestra conducted by Caradog.

While he admired the works of the great masters, he did not neglect Welsh composers either. He particularly liked the compositions of Tanymarian, Ambrose Lloyd, Owain Alaw, & c.

He was a man of wide knowledge, and of a pure taste, of an impassioned gift, and of strong common sense. He was distinguished for his kindness, and was respected by all who knew him.

In 1860 he was presented with a sum of money and a good harmonium; and in 1875 he was again presented with a valuable piano, and a sum of money, and a beautiful address, as a mark of the church's respect for him. He had an honorable funeral. We do not remember ever hearing better and fuller singing.

Shortly before his death, at his request, Mr. W. E. Thomas, a highly accomplished cellist, and a member of his choir, became his assistant, and he is sure to be a worthy successor to the most famous choirmaster of the Aberdare Valley.