Preece Family Tree

FORTY YEARS' MINISTRY.

PRESENTATION TO REV. D. SILYN EVANS.

Wednesday (Mar. 9th) was a red-letter day in the history of Siloa Church, Aberdare. The Rev. D. Silyn Evans has just finished his fortieth year as minister of the church, and the members decided to show their appreciation of the work done by their minister, and also the good feelings that existed between members and their minister, in a tangible form.

In the afternoon at the hall a tea was held, at which congratulatory addresses were given. The ladies of the church had amply provided the tables with luxuries.

The evening meeting was held at the CHurch, and was presided over by Mr. J. H. Powell, J.P., Danygraig. The sacred edifice was full. The adult choir was arranged each side of the organ, and the children's choir occupied the front.

A large number of ministers of every denomination were present. Mr. W. J. Evans, organist and choirmaster of the church, played a selection on the organ.

The meeting was opened with the singing of a hymn by the audience, after which the Rev. Aerwyn Jones, Cwmdare, led in prayer.

The Chairman in his opening remarks, said he considered it a privilege to be present, and felt greatly honoured to preside over such a huge gathering that had come to do honour to the Rev. D. Silyn Evans. When he first heard that the church intended making a presentation to their minister, he said "Well done, Siloa." Silyn deserved a testimonial if anyone did. He had worked hard and conscientiously in religious and other circles. As a rule Welsh congregations did not believe in giving in too great abundance to their ministers. It was pleasing to him and others that Siloa had not confined the fund to themselves, but had made it public. Although the rev. gentleman had been the minister of Siloa for 40 years, he had been of great service to other churches. The Rev. Silyn Evans was too great a man to be confined to one church or one denomination. He belonged to Wales as a whole. This was not only a presentation meeting, but a gathering of friends and sympathisers to encourage the minister and the church as well. Some people remarked that the pastor of Siloa was always "on the go." That was quite true. But he could tell his audience that if they wanted to see his other trait, viz., standing, they must go to his study. Congregations all over the country had felt the effects of his work in his study, and they had been greatly impressed by his discourses.

The Chairman called upon Mr. Ivor John, one of the secretaries of the church, to read letters from friends who were unable to be present. Mr. John said that a large number of letters had been received, among them being messages from Viscountess Rhondda, several M.P.'s, Dr. Hopkin Rees (late missionary in China), Mr. D. R. Llewellyn (High Constable), Mr. W. Jones, Nottingham (an old member of Siloa) and one from the church at Gwernogle where Mr. Evans had been brought up. After this Mr. Robert T. Rosser, financial secretary of the church, gave a report of the amount subscribed to the fund, viz., £862, and cheques were still coming in, and he hoped they could reach the round sum of £1,000 before the fund was definitely closed. He (Mr. Rosser) felt it a pleasing duty to be connected with the presentation.

Rev. G. Windram (Primitive Methodist), on behalf of the English churches of the town, was pleased to be present and to say a few words in praise of the work the Rev. D. Silyn Evans had done for his Master. The church by honouring their pastor was honouring the Master. The name of their pastor was a household word, and he was revered by all Christians.

The Rev J. A. Lewis, B.A., vicar of Aberdare, considered it a great privilege to be present and to add a few words of praise to their friend. He felt glad that the church was honouring one of the servants of God that evening and especially one who had served them for 40 years. The Rev. Silyn Evans was one of the chief among the prophets. He (the Vicar), considered himself one of the minor prophets. He had never been introduced to his friend. They first met at a hospital in the town, and friendship sprang up between them on that occasion. The Apostle Timothy said that one of the things necessary as a qualification to become a bishop was "a good report of them which are without." Well, their friend had passed that test and could be made a bishop. St. Elvan's Church was situated on a beautiful site, and if that church was made a cathedral they could have the Rev. Silyn Evans as a bishop, and stalls for the minor prophets. (Laughter).

Rev. James Griffiths, Calvaria, said that Mr. Evans had been a great help to him during his stay of over 30 years in Aberdare. He (Mr. Evans) was one of the first to welcome him when he came to this town. After being in his company he always felt happy and more energetic for work. The church honoured their pastor because he had honoured the faith by his preaching and doings.

At this stage the children's choir gave a sweet rendering of "Blant bychain," Mr. W. J. Evans accompanying.

Rev. H. M. Hughes, B.A., Cardiff, said that he represented three bodies that evening, the Congregational Union (being the chairman of that body), his own church, and himself. The Rev. Silyn Evans was one of the most honoured men of the Congregational body, and he had passed through the highest offices of the Union, When secretary of the Union, his organising abilities soon came to the front, and when he was honoured as chairman of the Union, his address was considered one of the best ever heard. Their friend was a true prophet; he could read the signs of the times pretty accurately. He was a born journalist, and had been connected with a number of periodicals. He could write for children, and that was a thing every man could not do. He was humorous in the truest sense of the word. He had taken a special interest in young men, and was always ready to give advice. He wished the church and their pastor great prosperity for years to come.

Mrs. Thomas, Little Wind Street, one of the oldest members of the church, was called upon to present Mrs. Silyn Evans with a beautiful brooch and dressing case, which she did in a pleasing manner.

Mr. Wm. Thomas, the oldest deacon, gave a brief review of the work done by their minister during the 40 years.

Mr. W. J. Evans, on behalf of the church choir, presented Mr. Evans with an umbrella. In a few remarks Mr. Evans said that their pastor was always ready to assist the choir, and he personally had always found him a true and faithful adviser, and hoped to see him ministering in that church for many years to come.

The chief element of the evening was now reached. Mrs. D. P. Davies was the chosen person to present the cheque to the Rev. D. Silyn Evans, but she was unable to be present and her place was taken by her daughter, Mrs. Neville Pugh, who in a very neat speech, handed the cheque to Mr. Evans, and hoped that he would be spared for a long time as a minister of Siloa. She said that her father was unable to be present owing to illness, but he wished them all a pleasant evening.

Bardic addresses were given by the Revs. R. H. Davies, Cwmbach, Jno. Phillips, Mountain Ash, and Mr. Afanydd Morgan, Aberdare.

The Rev. D. Silyn Evans in reply, thanked all his fellow-ministers for their presence at the gathering, and also the friends for their presentation. He wished to thank them in a special way for the presentation to his wife, and to the choir for the umbrella. What he had done for members of the choir was very little, and he would feel it a pleasure to be of some help to them in the future. He would take the opportunity some Sunday evening of thanking the members of the church for their good wishes to him and his family.

The Rev. Jacob Jones, on behalf of the District Meeting, added a few remarks.

A pleasant evening was brought to a close by a grand rendering of the "Hallelujah Chorus" by the choir, Mr. W. J. Evans accompanying at the organ.