Preece Family Tree

Death of the Rev. D. Silyn Evans.

FIFTY YEARS' PASTORATE AT ABERDARE

The Rev. D. Silyn Evans, for fifty years minister of Siloa Welsh Congregational Church, Aberdare, died suddenly on Thursday night last in his 80th year.

Born at Gwenogle, he received his training for the ministry at Brecon Congregational Memorial College, and began his ministerial career at Moriah, Rhymney, in 1873. He wrote several Sunday School lesson books, the biography of at least three preachers of the denomination, and had conducted the magazine for the "Young People of Wales" and "The Children's Instructor." Mr Evans was for some time secretary of the Welsh Congregational Union. In 1911 he filled the chair of the union at Liverpool. Upon obtaining his "majority" at Siloa he was presented by the lady members with a gift of 100 guineas, while upon the completion of 40 years as pastor of the church he was the recipient of a representative testimonial approaching in value the sum of £1,000. He leaves a widow and three sons.

"HIS LIFE WAS A SERMON."

HOMAGE TO A GREAT WELSHMAN.

FUNERAL OF THE REV. D. SILYN EVANS.

Prominent Welshmen from every corner of the Principality paid their last tributes to the late Rev. D. Silyn Evans, minister of Siloa Congregational Church, Aberdare, who was buried on Wednesday in the Aberdare Cemetery. The service at the house was conducted by the Revs. W. Morse, B.A., and John Philliips, and Dr Lloyd Morgan and the Rev. J. D. Jones officiated at the graveside.

Thousands of people congregated outside Siloa Chapel long before the service prior to the burial was held there, and the building and vestry were filled to capacity.

Presiding at the chapel service, Dr. H. M. Hughes, M.A., referred to the late Rev. Silyn Evans as a prince of his denomination.

Facets of his character were originality and humour. He was always in touch with the "werin" of Wales. He was a saint who was not afraid to laugh.

The Rev. Canon J. A. Lewis, precentor of Llandaff Cathedral, said that Mr. Evans's life was a sermon to all those who knew him. He detested petty things.

Dr. Peter Price, M.A., said the Rev. Silyn Evans was a prophet whose outlook was wider than that of most people of the present generation.

The Rev. H. Elvet Lewis, M.A., commented upon the value of the Rev. Silyn Evans's contributions to the Welsh prose.

Other speakers were the Rev. J. Griffiths and Mr. Edward Isaac.

FAMILY MOURNERS

The principal mourners were:- Mrs. Evans (widow), Messrs. R. John and Enider Evans (sons), John Evans (brother), Miss Maggie Evans (niece), Mrs. R. J. Evans (daughter-in-law), Mr. B. Evans (Carmarthen), Mr. Steven J. Evans (Cilfyuydd), Mrs. J. B. Evans, Mrs. Evan Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Corp (Tumble), Mrs. L. Jones, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Emerson, and Mrs. Maggie Corp (nephews and nieces).

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. J. Zachariah, Aberdare.

A CELEBRATED MINISTER.

DEATH OF THE REV. D. SILYN EVANS.

FIFTY YEARS' PASTORATE AT ABERDARE.

The Rev. D. Silyn Evans, for fifty years minister of Siloa Welsh Congregational Church, Aberdare, died suddenly on Thursday night at his home, 19, Tanybryn-street, Aberdare. He was in his 80th year.

Two years ago he collapsed from a heart attack in Siloa pulpit and never fully recovered.

Born at Gwernogle, he received his training for the ministry at Brecon Memorial College, and was ordained at Moriah, Rhymney, in 1873.

Although of late years Mr. Evans took little part in public life, he found ample scope for his literary gifts. He wrote at least a dozen Sunday School lesson books, and the biography of at least three preachers of the denomination, including that of his predecessor at Aberdare, the Rev. David Price. He had conducted the magazine for the "Young People of Wales" and "The Children's Instructor."

His contributions under "From Hill to Hill" in "The Tyst," the weekly organ of the denomination, formed one of its most interesting features.

Mr. Evans occupied the chair of the Glamorgan association of the denomination, and was for some time secretary of the Welsh Congregational Union. In 1911 he filled the chair of the union at Liverpool.

Upon obtaining his "majority" at Siloa he was presented by the lady members with a gift of 100 guineas, while upon the completion of 40 years as pastor of the church he was the recipient of a representative testimonial approaching in value the sum of £1,000.

He leaves a widow and three sons.

COFIANT SILYN EVANS AR GOLL

A Eill Rhywun Daflu Golau ar y Dirgelwch?

GAN J. SEYMOUR REES

Daeth cymanfa bregethu'r eglwysi Annibynnol sydd ym Merthyr a'r cylch yn hanner-cant oed ym Mai, 1918. Dathlwyd yr amgylchiad mewn modd teilwng trwy drefnu cyfarfodydd o werth anbennig. Erys yr atgof amdanynt yn fels hyd heddiw. Eithr am y tro ni'm diddorir yn gymaint gan yr ŵyl ei hun â digwyddiad arall a saif yn ei chysgod.

Ar y pryd hwnnw yr oeddwn yn weinidog ar eglwys Ebenezer, Cefncoed-y-Cymer. Un o'r ddau weinidog a wahoddwyd gennyn ni i'r gymanfa oedd y Parch. G. Penar Griffiths, Pentre Estyll.

Ar derfyn oedfa'r plant yn Soar, Merthyr, nos Sadwrn, brysiodd y ddau ohonom i'r llety. Cafwyd swper, ac wedi eistedd yn hamddenol o flaen y tân tynnodd Mr. Griffiths allan gasgliad helaeth o bapurau. Rhwymwyd y cyfan yn ddiogel ac yn weddol ddestlus. Yna, gan ddal y cyfansoddiadau yn ei law, gofynnodd i mi, "Beth yw hwn?"

Dyfelais am dipyn o amser, gan gofio bod y dydd yn agos i ddanfon y cynhyrchion i'r Eisteddfod Genedlaethol am y flwyddyn honno. Gwyddwn hefyd mai pleser iddo ef oedd anturio i'r maes hwnnw yn dra mynych.

Ar sail y syniad hwn mentrais ateb: "Traethawd yw ar gyfer yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol."

"Nage'n wir," oedd ei ateb.

Cofiant i Ddyn Byw

Cymhellodd fi i roi cynnig arall, ond ofer fu pob ymdrech. O'r diwedd, gan drio'r casgliad yn ofalus yn ei law, ychwanegodd: "Dyma gofiant i ddyn sydd heddiw'n fyw."

Disgynnodd y datguddiad hwn yn anhygoel ar fy nghlustiau. Ceisiais olau ar y gyfrinach, a chefais yr esboniad hwn.

Un bore, ddeng mlynedd ar hugain cyn hyn, pan oedd Penar yn weinidog yn Aberfan, daeth gŵr adnabyddus ato i'r tŷ. Hysbysodd ei neges irwy ddweud i ddyn neilltuol ddod ato'n ddiweddar a cheisio canitâd i ysgrifennu cofiant iddo. Dadleuwyd am dipyn na fuasai dim angen o gwbl am gofiant. Eithr diwerth a fu'r drafodaeth honno.

"Penar," ebr y cyfaill, "os bydd galw byth am gofiant ar ôl fy marw, dyma fi yn awr yn gofyn i chwi ei ysgrifennu."

Ystyriwyd y mater yn fanwl nes i Benar addo cyflawni dymuniad ei gyfaill. Aeth ati'n ddiymdroi i gasglu ei nwyddau ac ysgrifennu pennod ar ôl pennod o'r gwaith. "A hwn," meddai, mewn edmygedd diymffrost, "yw'r anrhydedd pennaf a ddaw imi byth!"

"Wel," gofynnais yn awchus, "cofiant i bwy ydyw?" Yr ateb a gefais oedd: "Cofiant i'm cyfaill, y Parch. D. Silyn Evans, Aberdâr."

Y Darlun

Ar gyfrif fy hoffter o'r gwrthrych a'r gofiannydd, deisyfais y fraint o gael gwrando ar rannau o'r cynnyrch. Darllenodd yntau bennod ar ôl pennod yn cynnwys y darluniau mwyaf byw o'r cymeriad amryddawn a hoenus.

Fe'm dotiwyd gan gamera cyflym Penar yn dal Silyn mor naturiol bob tro. Effeithiodd y gwaith gwmaint arnaf nes aros yn eglur hyd y dydd hwn ar fy meddwl.

Digwyddoedd yr amglychiad yma ar nos Sadwrn, Mai 11, 1918. Bu Penar farw yng nghanol ei gynlluniau, Rhagfyr 22, 1918. A safodd Silyn wrth ei arch i dalue ei deyrnged.

Ar Chwefror 20, 1921, daeth i'm rhan i dreulio oriau yng nghwmni'r Parch. Silyn Evans. Soniais yn chwareus am ei gofiant. Eithr, er fy syndod, ni wyddai ef ddim am lafur Penar. Ceisiodd gennyf adrodd yr hyn a wyddwn. Ufuddheais, a diddorol iddo oedd yr holl fanylion.

Coflai am rywun yn ei flino am ganiatâd i ysgrifennu cofiant iddo. Dywedodd am ei ymweliad ag Aberfan a'r addewid. "Ond," meddai, "feddyliais i ddim fod gair ar glawr."

Yr Ymchwil

Yn y diwedd ceisiodd gennyf chwilio am y cyfansoddiad. Atebais innau mai dieithr oeddwn i deulu'r cofiannyd. Yn wir, ychwanegais mai hawdd iddo ef oedd cael y cyfansoddiad. Wn i ddim beth a ddigwyddodd wedi hyn. Eithr ni chredaf iddo ef ymyrryd yn y mater ymellach.

Nos Iau, Medi 12, 1930, bu Mr. Silyn Evans farw i ddilyn ei gofiannydd. Yn fuan wedi hynny bu galw am gofiant iddo o amryw gyfeiriadau.

Bernais innau erbyn hyn mai fy nyletswydd oedd ymweled â Mrs. Penar Griffiths. Dywedais fy stori wrthi, a chefais bob cefnogaeth ganddi hi a'r teulu. Yn wir, rhoddwyd i mi yr hawl i chwilio drwy doreth o lawysgrifau a adawodd y llenor llafurus ar ei ôl. Ni chafwyd gair nac awgrym i gyfeiriad y cofiant.

Llafur 30 Mlynedd

Trwy garedigrwydd Mrs. Griffiths cyflwynwyd amryw o lyfrau gwerthfawr i Lyfrgell Genedalaethol Cymru. Ysgrifennais ar unwait at y llfrgellydd ynglŷn â'r trysor. Atebodd yntau, ar ôl turio'n fanwl, nad oedd y gwaith yno ychwaith.

Yn ddiweddar cyflwynais y mater i sylw Mrs. Silyn Evans. Yr oedd y cyfan yn newydd hollo iddi, a dymnuai arnaf wneuthur fy ngorau i ddarganfod y cofiant coll.

Hwyrach nad yw'r cofiant mor boblogaidd â chynt yn hanes Cymru. Er hynny, y mae angen cadw'r Parch. Silyn Evans y tu fewn i gloriau llyfr ar gyfer y dyfodol.

Ac ni cheir dim yn hafal i lafur Penar am ei ddeng mlynedd ar hugain.

A oes gan rywun belydryn o olau i'r daflu ar y dirgelwch?

SILYN EVANS'S BIOGRAPHY IS MISSING

Can Someone Shed Light On The Mystery?

BY J. SEYMOUR REES

The preaching assembly of the Independent churches in Merthyr and the surrounding area turned fifty years old in May, 1918. The occasion was celebrated in a fitting manner by organizing meetings of exceptional value. The memory of them remains vivid to this day. But for now I'm not so much interested in the festival itself as another event that stands in its shadow.

At that time I was minister at Ebenezer church, Cefncoed-y-Cymer. One of the two ministers we invited to the assembly was Rev. G. Penar Griffiths, Pentre Estyll.

At the end of the children's service in Soar, Merthyr, on Saturday night, we both hurried to the accommodation. Supper was had, and after sitting leisurely in front of the fire Mr. Griffiths brought out an extensive collection of papers. It was all tied securely and fairly neatly. Then, holding the compositions in his hand, he asked me, "What is this?"

I thought for a while, remembering that the day was close to deliver the products to the National Eisteddfod for that year. I also knew that it was a pleasure for him to venture into that area very often.

Based on this idea I ventured to answer: "It is an essay for the National Eisteddfod."

"No indeed," was his answer.

Memoir of a Living Man

He encouraged me to try again, but all efforts were in vain. Finally, trying the collection carefully in his hand, he added: "This is a biography of a man who is alive today."

This revelation fell incredibly on my ears. I sought light on the secret, and I received this explanation.

One morning, thirty years before this, when Penar was minister in Aberfan, a well-known man came to his house. His message informed me that a certain man had recently come to him and sought permission to write a biography for him. It was argued for a while that there would be no need at all for a biography. But that discussion was useless.

"Penar," said the friend, "if there is ever a demand for a biography after my death, I am now asking you to write it."

The matter was considered in detail until Penar promised to fulfill his friend's wish. He immediately set about collecting his supplies and writing chapter after chapter of the work. "And this," he said, in unabashed admiration, "is the greatest honour that will ever come to me!"

"Well," I asked eagerly, "whose biography is it?" The answer I received was: "The biography of my friend, the Rev. D. Silyn Evans, Aberdare."

The Picture

On account of my liking for the subject and the biographer, I requested the privilege of listening to parts of the product. He also read chapter after chapter containing the most vivid illustrations of the versatile and enduring character.

I was impressed by Penar's fast camera capturing Silyn so naturally every time. The work affected me so much that my mind remains clear to this day.

This revelation happened on Saturday night, May 11, 1918. Penar died in the middle of his plans, December 22, 1918. And Silyn stood by his coffin to pay his respects.

On February 20, 1921, Rev. Silyn Evans came to my place to spend hours in my company. I playfully mentioned his biography. Besides, to my surprise, he knew nothing about Penar's labour. He asked me to tell him what I knew. I obeyed, and all the details were interesting to him.

He longed for someone pestering him for permission to write a biography for him. He told about his visit to Aberfan and the promise. "But," he said, "I didn't think there was a word on the cover."

The Research

In the end I tried to search for the biography. I replied that I was a stranger to the biographer's family. In fact, I added that it was easy for him to get the biography. I don't know what happened after this. But I don't think he intervened in the matter further.

Thursday night, September 12, 1930, Mr. Silyn Evans died to follow his biographer. Shortly after that there was a demand for a biography of him from various sources.

I now felt that it was my duty to visit Mrs. Penar Griffiths. I told her my story, and I got every support from her and the family. Indeed, I was given the right to search through the abundance of manuscripts that the laborious writer left behind. There was no word or suggestion as to the direction of the biography.

Labour of 30 Years

Courtesy of Mrs. Griffiths, several valuable books were presented to the National Library of Wales. I wrote at once to the librarian about the treasure. He replied, after drilling in detail, that the work was not there either.

Recently I brought the matter to the attention of Mrs. Silyn Evans. It was all new to her, and she wanted me to do my best to find the lost memoir.

Perhaps the biography is not as popular as before in the history of Wales. However, it is necessary to keep the Rev. Silyn Evans inside book covers for the future.

And there is nothing equal to Penar's labour for his thirty years.

Does anyone have a ray of light to shed on the mystery?

EVANS David Silyn of 19 Tanybryn-street Aberdare Glamorganshire died 11 Septembre 1930 Probate Llandaff 6 November to Ivor James John coal merchant and Robert Thomas Rosser colliery sales manager. Effects £1518 7s. 9d.

The Rev. Silyn Evans.

UNVEILING OF MEMORIAL TABLET IN SILOA.

"Cofeb i'r Parch. D. Silyn Evans, gweinidog i'r eglwys hon o 1880 hyd ei farw yn 1930.

Llenor coetn. Bugall gofalus. Pregethwr byw a Christion gloyw."

This was the inscription on a memorial tablet unveiled at Siloa Welsh Cong. Chapel, Aberdare, last Sunday afternoon. A free translation reads: "Memorial to the Rev. D. Silyn Evans, pastor of this church from 1880 to 1930. A cultured litterateur, faithful shepherd, a live preacher and a pure Christian."

There was a very large congregation. The introductory portion was taken by Mr. J. Afanydd Morgan. The pastor, the Rev. R. Ifor Parry, M.A. (who presided) then called upon the widow, Mrs. Silyn Evans, to unveil the tablet, which she did.

There were four speakers. Mr. Ivor John, the corresponding secretary of the church, gave a very vivid and natural description of Silyn's characteristic, in the course of which he said he felt it a great honour to say a word of their old and revered pastor, Rev. D. Silyn Evans. His simplicity of character, his faithfulness in his work, which was always methodical and punctual. His practical sympathy to those in need was one of the special features of his ministry. Moreover, Silyn Evans was a great consoler of those in sorrow, and unique when officiating at marriages. There were many present at that service, added Mr. John, who would never forget the Rev. Silyn Evans' prayers at a wedding. Like the Apostle Paul, Silyn had fought a good fight, and his ministry at Siloa had been wonderfully harmonious, and it had left behind a fragrance that would last for many years to come.

Mr. Robert T. Rosser, Cardiff, who was financial secretary of the church for 18 years, spoke of his late minister as a preacher. He was glad, said Mr. Rosser, to see so many present to pay tribute to a great preacher. Nowhere had he (the speaker) been received with greater warmth than at Mr. and Mrs. Evans' home. He and Mr. Evans did not always see eye to eye on all questions. He looked at things from the financial standpoint, and Mr. Evans would take the ministerial point of view, but Mrs. Evans would be able to smooth matters out by giving the outlook of the congregation. He heard the Rev. Penry Evans say on one occasion that every sermon and every address delivered by the late Rev. Silyn Evans ought to be taken down in shorthand and preserved. Every word which fell from Mr. Evans' lips was worth storing. It was a source of gratification to him (Mr. Rosser) that Mr. Evans had recevied him into membership and had officiated at his wedding. The late Mr. Evans was an inspired preacher. He would sometimes rise suddenly and deliver a great sermon on the spur of the moment.

MINISTERIAL GARB.

Mr. Rosser caused some amusement by referring to the clothes of ministers. He liked to see them dressed like ministers, with "dog" collars. He apologised to Mr. Parry (who was seated behind him wearing a "wing" collar) for expressing his opinion on that point. He also liked to see deacons dressed like deacons - black coat and vest with striped trousers.

When Mr. Rosser finished speaking, Mr Parry remarked that he did not know what occupation Mr. Rosser followed. He wondered whether he was a tailor. At any rate he (Mr. Parry) believed in wearing collars as they were made to be worn - front to front and back to back.

Furthermore he would like to cite a verse from the Scripture: "Is not the body more than raiment?"

Mr. Jacob Phillips, deacon, said he was one of Silyn's children; he did not remember the Rev. David Price. Silyn Evans understood humanity better than anyone else. He was an ideal minister, and he had infused a good spirit in Siloa, for although he seemed abrupt at times, he was full of the spirit of Jesus Christ. He visited the General Hospital every week, and offered words of consolation and comfort to every patient. In closing, Mr. Phillips said that Silyn was an authority on everything that pertained to the ministry, and he (the speaker) prayed that the spirit of Silyn Evans would remain in the church for ever.

Principal Ivor Leslie Evans, M.A., was the final speaker, and in a fine speech said that Silyn was the last in the line of the prophets. He would like to read to them a chapter very fitting to this occasion. It was not found in our Bible, but would be found in the book of Ecclesiasticus. Mr. Evans then read in a very impressive manner the chapter, which begins with "Let us now praise famous men and the fathers who begat us."

Silyn Evans had been the centre of the life of that chapel for 50 years, and it was fitting that they should remember him in this manner. The late Mr. Evans possessed culture of the country type, was a Welshman and a Democrat to the core. He loved his walk to the Graid, for he was fond of getting into close communion with Nature and Nature's God. He lifted his eyes to the mountains from whence his strength came, like the Psalmist of old. His playfulness, his ready wit, were the direct outcome of his free spirit.

After referring to his boyhood days in Siloa, when he used to come along with his grandmother and grandfather (Mr. and Mrs. Rees Evans) he commented on the task which lay before the new young minister. He wished Mr. Parry and the church every success in the difficult task which lay ahead of them. Let them face the future with resolution and courage, and to God be the praise and glory for ever and ever.

The congregational singing was very hearty, Mr. W. J. Evans presiding at the organ.

The tablet was made and erected by Mr. J. Phillips, sculptor, Cardiff Street, Aberdare.

The Rev. D. Silyn Evans.

Passes Away in his Sleep.

End of a Long and Useful Life.

In a late edition of the Aberdare Leader last week it was reported that the Rev. D. Silyn Evans, 19 Tanybryn Street, Aberdare, passed away suddenly on Thursday evening, Sept. 11th.

Mrs. Evans had been away in Mumbles during the day and Mr. Evans had requested her that morning to go straight to the seiat meeting in Siloa vestry on her return, and that he would meet her there. She did so but her husband was not there and she became rather anxious.

Their son, Mr. Emdar Evans, was the first to discover that his father had expired. On reaching home from Cardiff shortly after 7 p.m. on Thursday he found him lying on the couch, apparently dead. Dr. Martin Jones was sent for and the doctor declared that life was extinct. Friends then went to inform Mrs. Evans and the meeting was brought to an abrupt conclusion.

"Dies in harness - a beautiful death." This is the verdict of his friends. It was a death which he himself had prayed for. A live, active worker throughout his long and useful career, weeks or months of enforced idleness would have been agonising to him. He was a busy man and besides his ministerial duties he contributed voluminously to the Welsh Press.

Silyn, as he was belovedly known, was a familiar figuer not only in the streets of Aberdare but far beyond the confines of this valley. As chairman of induction meetings he had no equal and never had a peer. He was strikingly original, but his witty sayings and quick repartees were always in good taste, and no pastor ever exercised greater tact, a sine qua non of ministerial brethren.

Recently he told a friend: "Only two ministers of the very old school survive. One is the Rev. Ben Davies, Newcastle Emlyn. The other is myself." Strange that both these venerable saints should be transferred from their labour to their reward within two or three weeks of each other. Strange, too, that in the week Silyn died there should appear from his pen a brilliant article in the "Tyst" on the passing of the Rev. Ben Davies.

He had written at least a dozen lesson books for the use of the Sunday School; biographies of noted preachers, including that of the Rev. David Price, his predecessor in Siloa. He edited for many years "Dysgedydd y Plant" ("The Children's Instructor"), and both his matter and style made a wonderful appeal to young readers.

He occupied the chair of the Glamorgan Association of the denomination and was for some time secretary of the Welsh Congregational Union. In 1911-12 he filled the chair of the Union.

Had he lived a few more weeks he would have completed 50 years ministry of Siloa, and the church members were looking forward to celebrating the jubilee in becoming fashion.

Upon obtaining his "majority" at Siloa he was presented by the lady members with a gift, and upon the completion of 40 years as pastor of Siloa a testimonial was organised on his behalf. The late Mr. D. P. Davies, J.P., and Mrs. Davies, Ynyslwyd, were among the generous contributors, and a sum approaching £1,000 was realised.

The rev. gentleman was born 80 years ago in Gwernogle, a village near Carmarthen. Previous to coming to Siloa, Aberdare, 50 years ago, he ministered for 7 years in Rhymney. He leaves a widow and three sons, who are the objects of universal sympathy.

REMINISCENCES OF SILYN.

BY THE REV. W. BRYN THOMAS.

[We have received the following from the Rev. W. Bryn Thomas, B.A., Port Talbot, late of Cwmbach. Mr. Thomas explains in his letter that he was unable to be present at the funeral, because he is attending the ordination of Mr. W. J. Williams, Cwmbach, at Bow Street, Aberystwyth.]

With the passing away of Silyn the Welsh pulpit and Aberdare in particular has sustained a distinct loss. There was but one Silyn. There never can be another.

Ordained at Moriah, Rhymney, in 1873, he was one of the sevel "rebels" of Brecon College, who rebelled against the curriculum and the authorities of that period. As it is the custom at ordination services to have a sermon preached on the Nature of the Church by one of the college staff, we can imagine the predicament in which the seven recalcitrant ordinands found themselves. And yet the seven of them were ordained, and ordained to strong and important pastorates. Silyn is known to have suggested that "The Nature of the Church" be ignored in favour of an evangelical address, but the church at Rhymney was too conventional to omit an item of such importance. Eventually they succeeded - after all the ministers of Monmouthshire had one after the other refused to promise even to be present at the ordination of a "rebel" - with a young minister who had himself only newly been ordained, the late Rev. James Edwards, Neath, then of Ebbw Vale. The ordination ceremoney over, Silyn was kept under observation for some years, and it was on sheer merit, based upon a seven years' experience of him as a neighbour, that a church in Ebbw Vale extended to him a "call," which he accepted. He commenced his ministry at Ebbw Vale in 1880, and the same year preached on a "supply Sunday" at Siloa pulpit, Aberdare, rendered vacant by the decease of the Rev. David Price. Silyn's eloquence and prophetic qualities captured the huge congregation at Siloa with his morning sermon - his first message. By the evening of the same Sunday the multitudes were thronging to the chapel of Siloa preparing to call unto themselves a successor to the late Mr. Price. That night they unanimously decided that the young man from Ebbw Vale was the man for Siloa. They approached him. He acceded to their pressing appeal, and on being asked when it would be convenient for him to commence his duties at Aberdare, "Week after next" was the startling reply.

It transpired later that he had already given notice to his church at Ebbw Vale for some unknown reason, and that notice would expire the following Sunday.

Thus he commenced and finished his ministry at Ebbw Vale in the same year - a feat not unknown in Congregational circles even to-day! And that was 50 years ago this month (1880). Startling as may have been his sudden reply to Siloa 50 years ago, he was quite as "startling" in everything he said and did throughout his long and successful ministry. Nor did the congregations drop. The morning service at Siloa is as good as it used to be in days of yore. And Silyn was at his best - fresh, virile, pointed, and intensely eloquent - always in the morning service.

His very walk was characteristic of the genius in him: he could never keep in step with others. His was a unique step; his furrow apparently a lonely furrow. Yet with due propriety could he say like Addison that he was never less alone than when alone. He was an Independent amongst Independents, but to be a recluse was not Silyn. He played his part - as no one else could - in the many-sided life of the modern age - local, regional, national and international.

My five years' ministry as his neighbour in Cwmbach revealed to me the friend and the genius that was in the man. Many a Saturday afternoon, when the burden of the day would weigh heavily on a minister's spirit, did I meet him on the Abernant Incline. Never did I leave him without being differently "inclined" myself. His gaze was a boon, his company a tonic.

A NOTABLE OCCASION.

Who will forget his address at the ordination service of Principal J. Morgan Jones, M.A., at Tabernacle, Aberdare, when, to the supreme delight of Principal Fairbairn, of Mansfield College, Oxford, Silyn described the people of Gwernogle (his native village in Carmarthenshire) as "coming to chapel dwmp-di-damp in their clogs"? Ever since that day that famous divine used to refer to Silyn all over the world as that "little genius of Aberdare".

His presidential address from the Chair of the Union of Welsh Independents at Liverpool (1912) will always be remembered as the most un-Silyn-like that Silyn ever made. It was one address he read at Liverpool; quite another he published in the Tyst the following week, and still another he gave for the annual report of the meetings a few months afterwards. He could not be formal, conventional, and as other people. His greatness lay not in that direction, but in the spasmodic, often incoherent, utterances that were no less that precious valuables hewn from an original human soul. And a Great Soul at that.

His gift as a preacher and writer I will leave for others more capable than I to describe. Only once did I hear him preach. I wrote to ask him whether he would be home the following Sunday morning, so that I might have the privilege of hearing him preach once in my life-time. I would arrange a substitue in my own pulpit for that privilege. Back came a postcard with these few words jotted together in the top left-hand corner of the card, exactly as if all the words were vieing with one another for the same position in space! This was the reply :-

Dewch a chroeso pawb:
- "i ddywedyd gair" yn fy lle.
Dyna'r unig ffordd amdani:
Yn ol deddf y Mediaid a'r Persiaid.
D.S.E.

That was all, but that was Silyn.

I was purposely late that morning at Siloa lest I should be called upon and compelled to preach instead of listening. It was a great service, and I would not have missed it for anything. He abounded in prophetic touches. But as preacher, editor, and writer I withhold my pen from trying to describe him. I will content myself with mentioning only just one or two more of the touches that were characteristically Silynian.

Inspector Thomas, of the Glamorgan Constabulary, had just returned to Aberdare from Abercynon. He had been promoted to an inspectorate. Silyn at the time was confined to bed with the "flu." But he could not withhold his letter of congratulations to Inspector Thomas. After a few congratulatory sentences, supplemented with the explanation that he was "kept under rags by doctor's orders," here came the closing sentence :-

"Let me assure you that as soon as I step out from here, I shall step in by there."

That again was Silyn.

Sir D. R. Llewellyn was being knighted, and the ministers of the town were being invited amongst others to the knighting ceremony on Aberdare Athletic Grounds. Out of profound respect for Sir D. R. and the Llewellyn family, Silyn was bound to be there. Nothing was too much to do in honour of Sir D. R. that day. And a young football enthusiast, who understood the psychology of the crowd, came round selling badges, sixpence each. Sixpence was neither here nor there when such a personality as Sir D. R. Llewellyn was to be honoured. Silyn bought one, if not two, and stuck them in the lapel of his coat. He was walking quite absent-mindedly through the throng, all eyes fixed on him, when a friend of his pointed out to him that the badges had nothing to do with the ceremony, but were the result of a device on the part of some football enthusiast to help along the Athletic Society. But that portrays Silyn's inner man. Even at the expense of being ridiculed he was true to the last to a friend.

His real genius, perhaps, was best revealed at ordination services and in extempore addresses at funerals. To those who were privileged to sit as his feet as worshippers at Siloa, there were undoubtedly other occasions innumerable that could be cited. But I speak as an outsider who was not privileged to be a worshipper at his church.

A RURAL ALLEGORY.

I shall never forget his opening address at my ordination at Bryn Seion, Cwmbach, when he compared the ordaining of a young man into the Christian ministry to the habit that was prevalent in the farms of Carmarthenshire and rural Wales in his younger days. At eventide, said Silyn, it was customary in those days for the whole family of one farm to pay a visit to a neighbouring farm. The father and the mother, the sons and the daughters, the man-servants and the maid-servants of that other farm would remain home that evening to welcome the guests. Then when the visitors would be going home, the whole family of the farm which they visited would send them to the "turnpike road." Then one would find the father and the mother, the songs and the daughters, the man-servants and the maid-servants, the cats and the dogs, the geese and the turkeys, the pigs and the ducks - all these sending the visitors part of the way until they would reach the "Turnpike Road." "So is an ordination service," concluded Silyn, "the young candidate for the ministry is being sent part of the way by his parents, friends, etc., to the 'Turnpike Road.' But after this (turning to me) you are to go by yourself." There culminated the independence of the man after a most inspiring allegory that could not be but original.

Then at funerals: it was at the funeral of the late beloved Rev. J. Grawys Jones, Ebenezer, Trecynon, a life-long friend of Silyn's, that I heard him last. He was too sorely cut that day to give expression to his feelings, indeed so cut-up that he could not think of going to the graveside. Yet, oft-times, it was funerals that brought out what was characteristically "Silynian." He could link the life of the departed to some topic of the day, sum it up most spendidly in from five to ten minutes, and that in a fashion that was all his own. To those who were at the funeral of the late Rev. John Thomas, Merthyr, the memory is still fresh of the unique way in which Silyn spoke to that departed "divine" in his coffin and concluded:

"Mae pen y bryniau'n llawenhau
Wrth weld yr haul yn agoshau,
A'r nos yn cilio draw."

The people's darkness was all ablaze with radiant hope. And so was Silyn always and ever. I heard him confess at our quarterly meetings at Soar, Mountain Ash, that he could see no difficulties in life, simply because he would not see them.

But now he is departed. Not lost but only gone before. May the God he preached and lived so excellently for so long a period help us to cherish his memory and emulate his life.

THE FUNERAL.

10,000 People Wait in the Rain.

The funeral took place yesterday (Wednesday). After a short service at the house, where the Revs. W. Morse, B.A., Trecynon, and John Phillips, Mountain Ash, officiated, the cortege proceeded to Siloa Chapel, which was full to overflowing.

About 10,000 people lined the streets between the Town Hall and the Cemetery, and as the shops in the town were closed from 2 to 3 o'clock, it was thought the service would be over by the latter hour. Rain fell heavily soon after two o'clock, but still the people waited to pay a tribute to one whom they had learned to esteem. It was 4.15 when the procession re-formed outside the chapel and proceeded to Aberdare Cemetery.

At Siloa Chapel the Rev. H. M. Huges, D.D., O.B.E., Cardiff, had charge of the service. The Rev. J. Sulgwyn Davies read a chapter, and the Rev. Morgan Price offered prayer.

The speakers included the Revs. H. M. Huges, Jas. Griffiths, Calvaria; Canon J. A. Lewis, B.A., Vicar of Aberdare; Mr. Isaac Edwards, J.P., Merthyr; Rev. W. J. Nicholson, Portmadoc; Rev. Peter Price, D.D., Swansea; Rev. H. Elvett Lewis, M.A., London, and Rev. H. T. Jacob, Fishguard.

As the congregation assembled, Mr. W. J. Evans, the church organist, played Chopin's "Funeral March." The choir sang "The Beatitudes" very sweetly. The playing of the "Dead March" from "Saul" closed a memorable and an impressive service.

The mourners were :- Mrs. Silyn Evans, widow; Mr. Rhys John Evans and Mr. Emdar Evans, sons; Mr. John Evans, brother; Miss Maggie Evans, niece; Mrs. Rhys John Evans, daughter-in-law; Mr. Beynon Evans, Carmarthen; Mr. Steve J. Evans, Mrs. T. B. Evans, and Mrs. Evan Williams, Cilfynydd; Mr. and Mrs. Corp, Mrs. Lottie Jones, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Evson and Mrs. Maggie Corp, Tumble, nephews and nieces; Mrs. and Mr. Walter Williams, J.P., Pentre; Mrs. and Rev. Howell Jones, Treorchy; Mr. and Mrs. W. Williams, Rhymney; Miss Evans, Aberdare; Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Rhymney, Mr. Davies, Bargoed; Mr. and Mrs. Gwilym Perkins, Rhymney; Mr. Tom Williams, Rhymney; Mr. Dd. James Williams, Rhymney; Miss Bromham, Cross Bychan; Mrs. M. Timms, Gilfach Goch; Mr. R. S. Timms, Gilfach Goch; Mr. J. W. Evans, Glyn Neath; Mrs. S. Parker, Glanaman; Mrs. Jones, Garnant; Mrs. Scourfield, Garnant; Mrs. Beynon Evans, Miss Annie Evans, and Mr. David Evans, Llanfynydd; Mr. Beynon Davies, Llandilo; Mrs. D. J. Evans, Mrs. Glynarwen Evans, and Mrs. Edith Evans, Aberdare; Mr. and Mrs. Thackeray, Monmouth, friends.

At the graveside, the Revs. J. D. Jones, Llandilo, and D. Lloyd MOrgan, D.D., Pontardulais, officiated, and the hymn, "O Fryniau Caersalem," was fervently sung.

Beautiful floral tributes were recieved from :- Family; Rhys Johna nd family; Mr. T. B. Evans, Cilfynydd; Siloa Chapel Sunday School; Siloa Hall Sunday School; Ysgoldy Siloa; David and Edith; Howell and Polly; Walter and May; Marion and Ned; Mrs. T. Phillips adn son; Miss Evans, Mary Zachariah; Siloa Choir; Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Dowlais; Mrs. and Miss Hughes; John Lewis and Miss Davies; Mrs. Williams; J. Williams's Class; Dan Edwads; Dorcas Society; Mrs. Powell and nieces; Tabernacle Church; Miss Henry; Mrs. Leyshon Jones and family; Siloa Cong. Church; Siloa Deacons; R. T. Rosser and family; D. Rees Jones and family; Mrs. M. Timms; Mrs. Williams; John Owen and Maggie.

The bearers were the deacons of Siloa. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. J. Zachariah, Aberdare. Tea was served for the visitors in Siloa Hall.