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.

DAFYDD JOHN.

Dydd Mawrth, Ionawr 9fed, claddwyd gweddillion marwol Dafydd John yn Nghladdfa Gyhoeddus Aberdar. Daeth tyrfa fawr o wŷr bucheddol yn nghyd o bell ac agos, i dalu iddo y gymwynas olaf o barch. Yr oedd wedi cyrhaedd yr oedran addfed o 71.

Y mae yr enw Dafydd John wedi bod yn adnabyddus iawn yn nghylchoedd Aberdar a Merthyr am haner can' mlynedd. Daeth i amlygrwydd fel cerddor yn bur ieuanc, a pharhoadd felly ar hyd ei oes faith.

Ganwyd Dafydd John yn Merthyr Tydfil, Mai 12fed, 1822. Enwau ei rieni oedd William a Margaret John. Genedigol o Cilgeran, sir Aberteifi, oeddynt hwy eu dau, ond wedi d'od i Merthyr y darfu iddynt briodi.

Pan yn llanc tua phymtheg neu un-ar-bymtheg oed, teimlodd argraffiadau crefyddol dwys, ac aeth at grefydd yn Soar, Merthyr. Meddianwyd Dafydd John ieuanc o'r adeg hon yn mlaen gan lawer o ddifrifoldeb meddwl. Dadblygodd yn fuan mewn defnyddioldeb. Cyn hir cawn ei fod yn faswr o amlygrwydd a sylw yn nghor Rosser Beynon, ac fel cerddor, dysgybl ydoedd i'r gwr enwog hwnw.

Tua'r flwyddyn 1848, yr oedd gweithiau haiarn a glo Aberdar yn cynyddu, a'r lle yn myned rhagddo yn fawr. Penderfynodd Dafydd John symud o Ferthyr i Aberdar. Cymerodd hyny le yn mis Ebrill, 1849, ymaelododd yn Ebenezer, Heolyfelin, o dan weinidogaeth y Parch William Edwards, ac yma y treuliodd weddill ei oes. Bendithiwyd ef a phedwar o blant, sef Mr Tom John, Llwynypia, golygydd y Glamorgan Free Press; Mr J. W. John, ysgolfeistr, Ynyshir; Miss Mary John, ysgolfeistres, Cymer; a Miss Margaret John, ysgolfeistres, Bodringallt. Nis gwyddomam neb a lanwodd yr enw tad yn well na Dafydd John. Ni welsom erioed hefyd fwy o anwyldeb parchus yn bodoli rhwng rhieni a phlant nag oedd yn nodweddu ei deulu ef.

Wedi ymsefydlu yn Aberdar, daeth Dafydd John ar unwaith, i amlygrwydd neillduol fel cerddor o radd uchel. Cymerodd at y gwaith o godi y cor a'r ysgol gân i weithgarwch ac effeithiolrwydd yn Ebenezer. Dygodd i mewn amryw ddiwygiadau pwysig. Cyn hyn arferai y merched ganu tenor, a'r gwrywod ganu yr alaw. Gosododd yntau y merched i ganu soprano, a'r bechgyn i ganu tenor. Yn fuan iawn daeth cor Ebenezer i sylw mawr dan arweiniad Dafydd John. Ffurfiwyd cor undebol yn Aberdar er mwyn cystadlu mewn eisteddfod yn Merthyr. Y darn cystadleuol oedd 'Parotowch y Ffordd' (gwaith Daniel Charles Lewis, y crydd). Priodol iawn y gellir dyweyd fod yr amgylchiad hwn wedi 'parotoi y ffordd' i bethau mwy i ganlyn. Bu enill yn Merthyr y tro hwn yn symbyliad i gymeryd darnau mwy mewn llaw, ac enillasant lawer buddugoliaeth wedi hyny. Gellir edrych ar Dafydd John fel pioneer canu clasurol yn nghylchoedd Aberdar. Dysgodd i'w gor yr oll o'r 'Messiah' (Handel). Y rhan fwyaf o 'Judas Maccabeus.' Perfformiodd y 'Twelfth Mass' (Mozart), a chynorthwyid y perfformiad hwn gan string band Caradog, y cyntaf o'r natur yma yn Aberdar. Yn yr adegau hyn bu rai o brif gerddorion y Deheudir yn canu yn ei gor yn achlysurol, megys Dan Griffiths, Aberdar; Caradog; W. T. Rees (Alaw Ddu), Silas Evans, &c. Yr oedd Dafydd John yn gefnogol iawn i weithiau awdwyr Cymreig, megys Owain Alaw, Tanymarian, Ambrose Lloyd, Ieuan Gwyllt, &c. Trwy ei lafur diflino felly cododd y cor i sylw mawr yn y cylchoedd hyn. Gelwid am ei wasanaeth i gynal cyngerddau er cynorthwyo eglwysi ieuainc a gwan. Bu ef a'r cor o bryd i bryd yn cynal cyngerddau i'r amcan hwn yn Carmel, Treherbert; Ferndale; Ynysgau, Merthyr, &c. Ond yn nghanol llafur dibaid o'r tu allan, ei ofal penaf oedd am waith rheolaidd yr eglwys yn Ebenezer. Yr oedd yn ymgysegredig i achos Duw yn ei holl ranau yn ei eglwys ei hun. Fwy nag unwaith anrhegwyd ef gan eglwys Ebenezer fel arwydd o'i pharch dwfn iddo, yn gystal a'r gwerth dwfn a roddai ar ei ymdrechion parhaus. Yn y flwyddyn 1860, anrhegwyd ef â swm o arian ac harmonium da, a dyma y cyntaf a ddaeth i Gwm Aberdar. Yn Ionawr, 1875, cafodd ei anrhegu drachefn gan yr eglwys â piano rhagorol ac anerchiad hardd, a swm o arian, am ei ddylanwad iachus, a'i egni di-ildio gyda chaniadaeth y cysegr, ac o blaid cerddoriaeth yn gyffredinol. Yn y flwyddyn 1856, dewiswyd ef yn ddiacon. Llanwodd y swydd bwysig hono gyda ffyddlondeb a medr eithriadol am 38 o flynyddau. Yr oedd Dafydd John yn ddyn cyflawn a da yn mhob swydd, ond fel arweinydd canu cynulleidfaol, yr oedd fel Paul yn uwch o'i ysgwyddau i fyny nar lluaws o'i gwmpas. Yr oedd yn meddu ar fedr rhyfeddol hefyd i ganfod yr hyn oedd eisieu ei wneyd yn yr eglwys - yr oedd gofal arno ef am yr achos, ac am bob rhan ohono - yr oedd yu gyfaill trwyadl i'r weinidogaeth.

Yn ei ymddangosiad allanol yr oedd bob amser yn barchus. Yr oedd yn meddu i raddau helaeth ar y peth a elwir Presence. Nid oedd neb, wedi ei weled unwaith, byth yn methu ei adnabod ar ol hyny. Yr oedd Dafydd John o gorff lluniaidd a hardd, yn dalach na'r cyffredin, ei wynebpryd yn hawddgar-ddifrifol, ei holl symudiadau yn sydyn a bywiog, ei besychiad yn fyr ac uchel, ac yn wahanol i bob pesychiad a glywsom erioed. Gellid ei adnabod ganllath, neu fwy, oddiwrtho yn y tywyllwch, oherwydd neillduolrwydd ei besychiad.

Cerddai yn gyflym a gwisgi. Gwelsom ef yn 70 oed yn cerdded i Cwmdar, Hirwaun, Llwydcoed, a Tresalem, i rehearsals y gymanfa ganu, a llawer un ugain mlwydd yn ieuengach yn cael y gwaith mwyaf yn y byd i'w ddilyn. Yr oedd bob amser yn llawn o fyn'd, symudai yn mlaen gyda'i oes, neu yn hytrach o'i blaen. Arosodd yn berffaith ieuanc yn ei ysbryd a'i syniadau hyd y diwedd. Ni phetruswn gredu ei fod yn un o'r dynion duwiol mwyaf progressive yn ei Enwad, a phan fyddai wedi gwneyd ei feddwl i fyny i symud yn mlaen, llwyddai braidd yn ddieithriad, oblegid yr oedd yn llawn o deimlad caredig at rai o farn wahanol iddo ei hun, ac eto yn benderfynol, a dyfalbarhaol. Priodol iawn y dywedodd y Parch W. I. Morris, Pontypridd, yn ei angladd, 'Na ddaliodd neb ymchwiliad erioed yn well nag ef. Pa fanylaf y byddid yn ei chwilio, goreu oll yr ymddangosai efe. Yr oedd yn ddiniwed heb fod yn wasaidd. Yn ddidderbyn-wyneb, heb fod yn dramgwyddus, ac yn arweinydd canu o radd uchel, ac heb fod yn chwyddedig a gellid teimlo yn sicr, gan nad faint adawodd ar ol i'w weddw a'i blant, nad oedd cymaint ag un swllt brwnt yn y cwbl.' Nodweddid ef â'r un didwylledd a ffyddlondeb yn ei lafur gyda'r achos. Gwnaeth lawer yn gyhoeddus ac yn ddirgel i feithrin heddwch, a theimlad da. Medrai argyhoeddi dyn ei fod yn caru ei les. Nid oedd un amser yn dyweyd ei fod yn ddyn plaen, fel y mae arfer rhai, ac eto yr oedd y n hynod o blaen a llym, ond ei fod yn feistr ar y gelfyddyd o gynghori a cheryddu, fel mai anaml iawn y byddai ef yn methu gwneyd lles yn y cyfeiriad hwn. Parchai Dafydd John dy Dduw a'i wasanaeth gydag ysbryd llawn o ddefosiwn. Yr oedd hyd yn nod coed a cheryg ty Dduw yn gysegredig yn ei olwg. Prin yr wyf yn meddwl fod nemawr wydryn wedi ei osod mewn ffenestr o gwmpas y capel a'r ysgoldy, neu gloc wedi ei lanhau, neu ganwyllbren, neu fwrdd, neu sedd, neu gadair wedi ei hadgyweirio, nad oedd ef wedi bod yn gofalu am hyny. Y gwir yw, ni wnaed na bychan na mawr yn nglŷn â'r achos, na fu Dafydd John yn cymeryd rhan flaenllaw ynddo. Nid oedd pall ar ei ffyddlondeb a'i sel grefyddol. Gwelir hyn yn amlwg yn ei waith yn dilyn yr ysgolgan yn gyson hyd y diwedd. Pedair blynedd yn ol rhoddodd ofal yr ysgol gân i fyny, ond parhaodd hyd ei farwolaeth yn arweinydd y canu cynulleidfaol. Wedi i'r eglwys, ar ei gais ddewis W. E. Thomas i ofalu am yr ysgol gân yn ei le, y cynorthwywr mwyaf ffyddlon a didwyll a gafodd yr arweinydd newydd o hyny hyd yn awr oedd yr hen arweinydd enwog. Er dim ni chollai ysgol gân, gofalai fod yno yn siriol ei ysbryd i galonogi yr arweinydd a'r ysgol gân, ac yr oedd ei bresenoldeb yn llawnder gwerthfawr. Credwn mai addurn penaf ei gymeriad godidog oedd ei ysbryd rhagorol. Dyma yr elfen a beraroglodd ei fywyd crefyddol maith a llwyddianus, ac fe erys dylanwad hwn yn hir iawn, a bydd cofio Dafydd John yn help i fyw yn dduwiol yn Nhrecynon a'r cylch.

DAFYDD JOHN.

Tuesday, January 9th, the mortal remains of Dafydd John were buried at Aberdare Public Cemetery. A great crowd of living men came together from far and wide, to pay him their last respects. He had reached the age of 71.

The name of Dafydd John has been well known in the Aberdare and Merthyr districts for half a century. He came to prominence as a very young musician, and so continued throughout his long life.

Dafydd John was born in Merthyr Tydfil, May 12th, 1822. His parents were William and Margaret John. They were both natives of Cilgeran, Cardiganshire, but married after coming to Merthyr.

When he was a boy about fifteen or sixteen years of age, he felt intense religious impressions, and came to faith in Soar, Merthyr. Dafydd John, though young, went forward from this point with much seriousness of mind. It soon developed in usefulness. We soon discover that he was a bass singer of prominence and attention in Rosser Beynon's choir, and as a musician he was a pupil of that famous man.

About 1848, Aberdare's iron and coal works were increasing, and the place was much advanced. Dafydd John decided to move from Merthyr to Aberdare. This took place in April, 1849, when he became a member of Ebenezer, Heolyfelin, under the ministry of the Rev. William Edwards, and here he spent the rest of his life. He was blessed with four children, Mr Tom John, Llwynypia, editor of the Glamorgan Free Press; Mr J. W. John, schoolmaster, Ynyshir; Miss Mary John, schoolmistress, Cymmer; and Miss Margaret John, schoolmistress, Bodringallt. No one knows the name of the father better than Dafydd John. We also never saw more respectful affection existing between parents and children than was typical of his family.

After settling in Aberdare, Dafydd John immediately came to prominence as a musician of high caliber. He took to the task of raising the choir and song school to activity and efficiency at Ebenezer. He brought in various important reforms. Previously the women sang tenor, and the males sang the melody. He set the girls to sing soprano, and the boys to sing tenor. Ebenezer's choir soon came to prominence under the leadership of Dafydd John. A union choir was formed in Aberdare to compete in an eisteddfod in Merthyr. The competitive piece was 'Parotowch y Ffordd' ['Prepare Ye the Way'] (the work of Daniel Charles Lewis, the shoemaker). This circumstance may well be said to have 'paved the way' for larger things to follow. Winning in Merthyr this time was a catalyst for taking bigger pieces in hand, and they subsequently won many victories. Dafydd John can be regarded as a pioneer of classical singing in the Aberdare circles[1]. He taught them all over the 'Messiah' (Handel). Most of 'Judas Maccabeus.' He performed the 'Twelfth Mass' (Mozart), and this performance was assisted by the Caradog string band[2], the first of its kind here in Aberdare. On these occasions some of the leading Southern musicians occasionally sang in his choir, such as Dan Griffiths, Aberdare; Caradog; W. T. Rees (Alaw Ddu), Silas Evans, & c. Dafydd John was very supportive of the works of Welsh authors, such as Owain Alaw, Tanymarian, Ambrose Lloyd, Ieuan Gwyllt, & c. Through his tireless labour the choir thus rose to great attention in these circles. He was called for his services to hold concerts to assist young and weak churches. He and the choir occasionally held concerts for this purpose in Carmel, Treherbert; Ferndale; Ynysgau, Merthyr, & c. But in the midst of countless outside labour, his primary concern was the regular work of the church in Ebenezer. He was dedicated to the cause of God in all his parts of his own church. On more than one occasion he was rewarded monetarily by Ebenezer chapel as a mark of their ongoing deep respect and the value placed on his continued efforts. In 1860, he was gifted with a good sum of money and a harmonium - the first to come to the Aberdare Valley. In January, 1875, he was again presented by the church with an excellent piano and a beautiful address, and a sum of money, for his wholesome influence, and his unwavering energy with the sanctuary, and for music in general. In the year 1856, he was elected Deacon. He filled that important job with exceptional loyalty and skill for 38 years. Dafydd John was a good and good man in every job, but as a congregational singing conductor, he was like Paul, head and shoulders above all around him[3]. He also possessed a remarkable ability to ascertain what he wanted to do in the church - for which he cared for the cause, and for all parts of it - he was a thorough friend of the ministry.

In his outward appearance he was always respectable. He was largely in possession of the thing called Presence[4]. No one, having seen him once, could fail to identify him after that. Dafydd John was of a memorable and handsome body, taller than average, his face easy-going, his movements quick and lively, his cough short and loud, and unlike every coughing we have ever heard. He could be known a hundred or more from him in the dark, because of the particularity of his cough.

He walked fast and agilely. We saw him at the age of 70 walking to Cwmdar, Hirwaun, Llwydcoed, and Tresalem, to the rehearsals of the singing festival, and many a good twenty years younger would have had their work cut out to keep up with him.. He was always full of vigour, moving forward with his years, or rather preceding them.. He stayed perfectly young in his spirit and ideas until the end. We do not hesitate to believe that he was one of the most progressive godly men in his Denomination, and when he had made up his mind to move forward, he was almost invariably successful, for he was full of a kind feeling for those with different views to himself, yet determined, and persevering. The Rev. W. I. Morris, Pontypridd, very fittingly said at his funeral, 'No one ever undertook research into new ideas better than him. The more detailed it was searched, the better it seemed. His manner was inoffensive, without giving in. He stood up to his detractors without being offensive and was a leader of high caliber singing, and not proud, and one could certainly feel that, given how much he had left for his widow and children, there was not one shilling dirty at all.' He was characterized by the same sincerity and fidelity in his daily work as in the [chapel] cause. He did much in public and in secret to foster peace and a good feeling. He could convince a man that he loved his welfare. He did not once say that he was a forthright man, as is the practice of some, and yet he was very plain and strict, but he was a master of the art of counseling and correcting, so that he was rarely failing to achieve peaceful resolution in such matters. David John respected the house of God and his service with a spirit of devotion. Even the knots in the wood of the trees and the stones of the house of God were sacred in his appearance. I hardly think that a glass was placed in a chapel or schoolroom, or a clock cleaned, nor a candle, table, seat or chair repaired that he did not have a hand in. The fact is, nothing small or large related to the Cause happened in which Dafydd John did not take a prominent part. His faithfulness and religious zeal were undeniable. This is evident in his work following the students until the end. Four years ago he handed over care for the choir scholars, but remained until his death the leader of congregational singing. The church then, at his request, chose W. E. Thomas to take charge of the choir scholars in his place - the most faithful and sincere assistant that the new leader had from then until now was the famous old leader. He did not then abandon the choir school but made sure to be there cheerfully, to encourage the conductor and his presence of great value. Surely the greatest mark of his excellent character was his open-minded spirit.This is what bears testimony to the authenticity of his long religious life, and this influence will last a very long time. The memory of David John will help those in Trecynon and the surrounding area to live godly lives.

[1] Classical singing could have been quite controversial at the time, as it was seen as quite avant garde for a chapel choir.

[2] "String bands" at the time were mostly made up of harps, which were considered seemly in chapel.

[3] Referring to Paul climbing to the rock of Ares in the Areopagus in Athens. The implication is that he was boldy setting a new standard of faith.

[4] Charismatic, but with his charisma coming from God.

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.

Dafydd John.

I. TREM AR WR DEFOSIYNOL.

Torodd sywn sillau yr enw hwn wawrddydd haf newydd ym myd ein serch a'n profiad, a thywynodd oleuni hyfrydach yn ffurfafen ein ffeithiau; do enynodd hyawdledd yn nhafodiath ein hysgrifbin. Ni fu raid cyrchu drwy Hebron hanes nac hyd at ddyffryn Escol rhyw draddodiad hen er cael y grawnwin dyfai ar gangau pren ei fywyd. Yn nrysny traddodiad a llafar y cadd ein llaw afael ar gryd a bedd ei ragflaenwyr, ond wyneb yn ngwyneb a llaw yn law bu hwn a ni. Bu dadleu am le ei eni, hyd nes daethom o hyd i'r awdurdod sicraf, yn nhystiolaeth un o'r plant, mai yng Nhilgeran, sir Benfro, y ganwyd ef. Pan yn llanc symudodd ei rieni i Ferthyr. Cadd anian gwlad lawn gyfle i ddysgu'r gwron bychan am gyfrinach cerdd a bywyd, a chafodd ategion lu i'w hawgrym yn ei gyfathrach a hen gerddorion Tydfil; ac yng nghyfeiriad y gerdd a'r gân ni fu neb yn fwy o gynyrch si yr awel, cân y ffrwd, swn y daran, a pheroriaeth yr adar. Yn nheml Anian clywodd ef y pedwarau cyntaf yn cynyrchu swn ac yn plethu cynghaneddion cerdd. Rhwng y dolydd a'r gwagle bu ei ddychymyg yn ffurfio defnyddiau ei freuddwydion, ac yn dechreu creu sylweddau i'w ddelfrydau. Pwy ŵyr gymaint cyfoeth yr awgrymiadau, a golud yr argraffiadau, oedd paradwys Cilgeran wedi roi yn etifeddiaeth iddo erbyn iddo ymsymud i Forgannwg?

Prin, os dim, yw seiliau sydd gennym am adgofion y mab o'i rieni, ond mae gennym dir cadarn i'r casgliad eu bod ill dau yn Biwritaniaid i'r gwraidd. Dywedir iddo gael yn ei fam y wraig dduwiolaf yn ardaloedd ei faboed. Cael mam ddoeth rasol i gychwyn bywyd, a chael ei llaw a'i chyngor i ffurfio bywyd, a oes pris i'r fraint ? Diau iddo yfed enw yr Iesu wrth sugno bron ei fam. A faint o ddyferynau dwfr y bywyd suddodd i'w enaid oddiwrth lif ei gweddiau taerddwys ? Un o roddion a ffafrau goraf Duw i'w fyd ydyw y fam, a choll cenedl ydyw colli ei nawdd. Ynddi hi mae moes a chrefydd, addysg a gwareiddiad, yn plannu eu gwreiddiau a'u hanfodion, ac ofer disgwyl am ffurfiau uchaf diwylliant yn y pellter oddiwrthi. Ofnir fod Cymru wedi gwneyd cam a'i safle, a chamwri gwaeth a'i nheges, wrth ddistewi ei llais, mathru ei gwên, a chrino ei llaw.

Ond nid yw hanes Dafydd John yn y wlad, nac ym Merthyr, ond megis hanes baban yn ei gryd o'i gydmaru a'i hanes diweddarach yn Aberdâr. Onid yn Aberdâr dadblygodd rhagorolion ei gymeriad, ac onid hen ddylanwadau'r dyffryn dynnodd allan ei alluoedd ddadseiniodd dros gyffiniau plwy a sir? Ie, pan oedd ei fywyd fel yr haul tua chanol dydd, ac yn rhedeg ei yrfa oddiyno yn ei lawn ysblander a'i ogoniant hyd ei fachlud - dyna'r adeg gwelwyd ein gwron i fantais. Ddarllennydd, dacw'r dyn. Cryna'n llaw o barch ato rhag difwyno ei ddarlun. A beth greuloned a thynnu ystaen dros liwiau heirdd ei fywyd? A beth can saled wneir a gŵr brydferthodd Duw na pheidio neu fethu rhoi a haedda ei hanes?

Dyn penfelyn, llathraidd ei gorff, syth ei ystum, byrr a buan ei gam yw. Yr oedd ei gam gan fyrred a cham y dryw, a chan ysgafned a sang y wiwer. Wrth ymheneiddio collodd ei sythder cyntefig, ond heb i'w gerddediad wybod dim wrth arafwch. Ond daeth ryw fân ymsigliadau i reoli ei babell yn lle'r sythedd a'i nodweddai gynt. Er hynny, mwynhad oedd ei weld a'i glywed a'r fore Sul yn cerdded i fyny dros Heol Harriet i'r oedfa, yn pesychu ei grugni i ffwrdd ar gyfer caniadau Seion. A phwy na chofia am dano yn chwareu ei lygaid craff tan ei wydrau, ac ar ambell funud o anghofrwydd yn troi gwyneb myfyriol yn sydyn tua'r nef, ac yn ei erchi drachefn yn union i edrych yn ol at yr hen blaned, gan droi pen i bob cyfeiriad a phwynt, a hynny heb awgrymu iot i ddehongli ei sefyllfa i undyn?

Ymrestrodd, o ran ei alwedigaeth, gyda'r dosbarth sy'n gofalu am sylfaen cymdeithas, oblegid crydd y mynnodd fod hyd ei fedd; ac y mae dweyd nad oedd yn ddim arall yn cynnwys gwers genhadol i'r dilafur a'r pob llafur. Awr felus, llawn sylwedd i mi, fu yr un gafwyd yn ddiweddar yng nghwmni diddan ei olynydd arweinyddol. Mater arfaethol yr ymddiddan oedd Dafydd John. "Beth oedd yr hen wron?" meddwn. "Crydd," meddai ei addolydd yn ddifloesg, "cadw traed gwerin yr ardal ar dir sych oedd ei nod. Yr oedd Dafydd John, syr," meddai "yn artist yn y gelf; ac nid oedd yn ail i neb yn y cyfryw alwedigaeth. Cofus gennyf am y pâr esgidiau diweddaf dderbyniais oddiar ei law. Pan estynnai'r celfyddydwr hwy i mi,­ - 'Dyna,' meddai, gyda winc llygad yn rhagdybio ergyd o gellwair, 'os wyf yn mynd yn hen, nid yw fy llaw wedi colli ei chywreinrwydd.'" Er iddo symud yn fore i Aberdâr, dylifai'r deallus a'r darbodus ato o Ferthyr trwy gydol ei oes i gael eu traed wedi eu harwisgo o'i wneuthuriad ef. Tybiwn hefyd nad oedd ei alwedigaeth namyn dameg yn cyfeirio at ystyr a neges ei fywyd uwch. Cynorthuyo ereill i gerdded ac i ennill buddugoliaethau iechyd a diogelwch ar eu pererindod, fu ei egni mwyaf.

Ym mlynyddoedd olaf ei fywyd aeth ei anadl yn gaeth, a'i besychiadau yn aml a rhwystrol i'w fwynhad a'i ddefnyddioldeb, ac fel un wedi cloddio adnoddau ei fywyd allan gan lafur diorffwys. Golygfa barodd i'r rhai mwyaf prudd eu tymheredd wenu yn ddiniwed weithiau oedd ei weld yn ysgogi pen, trwsio ei got gynffon mor ddiatal o'r tucefn, a'r caethwasiaeth osodai i ran ei gadach porffor - bwrw'r seinfforch erbyn ei benglin, ac yn rhedeg swn disain i fyny ar hyd y raddfa seiniol i gyfeiriad cyweirnod y dôn a naws yr emyn fwriedid ei chanu yn yr addoliad. Gwelsom droion, cyn gorffenai Grawys ddarllen yr emyn i'r addolwyr, yr hen arweinydd penfelyn yn codi ar ei draed, y llyfr hymnau yn y naill law a'r seinfforch yn y llall, i arwyddo i'r gynulleidfa fod y dôn a'r emyn yn ganiadwy. Yna clywid ef yn canu unawd ar air cyntaf yr emyn ac ai ymlaen yn ei ddull ffwdanus fymryn rhag blaen, gan weithredu amseriad y canu yn sigliadau ei freichiau ac ysgydwadau ei ben hyd y diwedd. Yr oedd eithafion y canu angladdol a'r canu gwleddol naill ai yn ei wylltu neu yn ei ddelwi ar amserau. Yn codi yn y cyfeillachau i siarad, ac yn troi y naill law yn nghil y llall, a chan ysgwyddo fel petai ar fin rhynnu; yn cyfarch y brodyr a'r chwiorydd yn yr ail berson yn y rhif lliosog: yn eistedd yng nghanol y sedd fawr mor aniddig a phetai ei eisteddle yn berth ddreiniog odditano - pwy all ei anghofio? Yr oedd y wedd ddifrifol dduwiol oedd yn llinellau a ddarllenid mor hawdd ar ei wyneb, ynghyd a'r dylanwad feddent i suddo can ddyfned i'n hymwybyddiaeth, yn peri i ni gredu y rhaid ei fod yn debyg i'r hen Abel Hughes bortreadir yn "Hunangofiant Rhys Lewis," ond eithrio, feallai, ei ddiwinyddiaeth a'i ddisgyblaeth, ac yn arbennig y ffwdan eglwysig oedd o'i gwmpas. Dyddordeb glân oedd enaid y ffwdan er hynny, ac nid cecraeth gŵr y grefydd fâs ynghylch yr achos.

Cofus gan lawer am dano fel athraw yn arwain ei ddosbarth trwy lyfr Job. Ychydig wyddai am arweddion ac amgylchoedd hanesyddol, a nodweddion llenyddol, yr hen lyfr. Llai fyth feddyliodd am y trwch barddoniaeth guddiasai ei wyneb, ac am feirniadaethau'r bedwaredd ganrif ar bymtheg parthed ei gyfansoddiad. Dan ei gesail cludai esboniad trwchus o rwymiad da; a gwyddwn fod rhagarweiniad beirniadol ysgolheigaidd yn rhagflaenu ei esboniadaeth ynddo. Ond ni fu y gangen honno a digon o swyn i hudo ei sylw i'w ddarllen neu o leiaf i argyhoeddi ei farn uniongred. Pe felly, buasai ganddo safle esboniadol amgenach wrth law o flaen ei ddosbarth. Ond na thybier mai rywsut a dilinell yr oedd yn ymlwybro trwy'r llyfr. Tynnu ei gynnwys allan,­ - trwy ei farddoniaeth, ac heibio i arucheledd ei iaith, - gymaint ag a ganfyddai ef, ac a fedrai wneyd o hono yn ymarferol i'w ddosbarth, dyna wnai Dafydd John. Ni ddychmygai am wasanaeth uwch ac amcan gwell; ac ni honnai ddim yn lletach, os gwyddai am nemawr yn eangach. Buasai rhoi cyfle i'w ddisgyblion i ddysgu ac i adrodd adnodau llyfr Job yn fwy o adeiladaeth, yn ei olwg ef, na'u gadael i benderfynu ei setting hanesyddol. Tybed a ddeallodd mai mater triphlyg yr hen lyfr yw dioddefaint y natur a'r hil ddynol, ac yn arbennig y dyn duwiol, fel y myntumia beirniaid yr ugeinfed ganrif? Ond nid diwinydd yn ystyr gyffredin y gair oedd Dafydd John: a phe dywedasid hynny wrtho, ni fuasai'r cyhoeddiad yn ddigonol i'w dagu gan siom y datguddiad. Ond yr oedd ynddo drysor na fedd diwinyddiaeth ei hun allu i'w chyfrannu, a bu dylanwad y meddiant hwnnw yn fwy o elfen i grefyddoli ei ddosbarth na dim oedd yng ngoreu ei wybodaeth. Dyna ddigon, o bosibl, i ddangos nodwedd arwynebol ei feddwl gyda phwysau, dyfnder, ac ystyron pellaf pethau yn yr ystyr a nodwyd. Ond hen garictor gwreiddiol ac anibynnol hollol fu ar gyfrif ei lendid moesol, tlysni ysbrydol, dyfnder argyhoeddiadau, purdeb amcanion, uniondeb egwyddorion, a ffyddlondeb diwyrni.

II. URDDASOLRWYDD EI DDEFOSIWN.

Yr oedd yn ddefosiynol heb fod yn ddefodol; a chynnyrch y ddeddf foesol yn hytrach na'r seremoniol oedd cynysgaeth ei fuchedd. Yr oedd gwraidd ei ddefosiwn mewn syniadau ac mewn egwyddorion, ac nid mewn ffurfiau neu swp o arferion. Yr oedd hanfod ei ddefosiwn yn y moesol a'r ysbrydol; ac yr oedd graen rhywbeth uwchlaw delw'r dynol yn gerfiol arno. Ni fedrai y diddefosiwn fodoli yn anystyriol, a byw yn anaturiol, yn ymyl Dafydd John. Nid ofni ei lef yn gymaint a'i edrychiad, nac ofni ei drem yn gymaint a'i ddylanwad, wnaent, i beidio pechu yn ei bresenoldeb. Nid ei brotest gweithredol, na'i wrthwynebiad cadarnhaol gostiai iddo ef wywo'r anuwioldeb safai ar ganol ei ffordd ac ar ymylon ei lwybrau, ond y rhinwedd ddeuai allan o'i bersonoliaeth, a'r dylanwad lifai allan o'i fywyd. 'Roedd pob dilledyn, trem, ystum, ac osgo o'i eiddo yn llawn arwyddion defosiwn. Yr oedd ei ymddygiad patriarchaidd a bonheddig, wrth fyned i gysegr Duw, yn ddehongliad ymarferol ar eiriau'r gŵr doeth ynglyn a gwylio'r droed yn y cyntedd ac i allori'r ebyrth yn uniawn. Clywsom aml gyfeiriad o'i enau, ac heb honni ei hun yn esiampl, at yr anweddusder a'r trwstaneiddiwch ddeuai dynion i fewn i'r deml gyda hwy. Cofus gennym i lanhawr y capel alw ei sylw ar un achlysur i fyny i un o gornelau yr oriel at ol bwyta melusion a chnoi myglys, yn gymysg a phlisgion cnau a rhisg eurafalau. Dyma yr unig dro i mi ei weled a'i deimlo agosaf at fod yn erwin. Ond ni aflonyddai hyn ef yn agos gymaint a'r ysgafnder a'r dirmyg y gwyddai daflai rhai o'r aelodau ieuainc ar y cymundeb. Gwelwyd ef hefyd yn codi allan o ganol y sedd fawr mewn dull sydyn ddegau o weithiau i'r cyntedd, ac allan i'r palmant o flaen y capel, i gyhoeddi gosteg er tawelu swn y storm oedd yn aflonyddu'r addoliad gan y diweddariaid. Codai'r sel hon ynddo o'r syniad goleddai am hawliau'r cysegr a gweddeidd-dra proffes grefyddol.

Nid oedd ei ysbryd yn ffieiddio dim can gased na defosiwn gwneyd, rhyw orwneyd ymddangosiad allanol, gyda'r diben o gael ei gyfrif yn sant. Nid oedd ef yn gwybod dim am yr ymdrech gostus a threisiol honno.

"Dwfn ffieiddiai bob ffurfioldeb
Rhith grefyddol yn y tir
Nid oedd gredwr mewn duwioldeb
Ysgwyd pen a gwyneb hir."

III. TREFNUSRWYDD EI GYNLLUNIAU.

Un o garedigion trefn oedd Dafydd John. Sawl gwaith tramwyodd feusydd Cilgeran, gan ddotio ar drefn y Lluniwr mawr, yn nhrefn y ser, y blodeu, y coed a'r glaswellt? Taflodd lygad ar fyd oedd yn gwbl rydd oddiwrth dryblith yno; a bu'r ffurfiau cyntaf ganfyddodd ym machgendod ei fywyd yn safon fyth ar ol hynny i'w efelychiadau trefnyddol. Gwelid olion trefn ar ei ddyn oddiallan. Byddai gwaith tacluso a thrwsio cryn lawer arno cyn myned i'r capel. Byddai weithiau yn ymylu ar orfanylder. Wedi myned trwy arholiad manwl ei briod a'r drych yn y ty, parhai i edrych arno ei hun bob cam o'i gamrau hyd y capel a welai frycheuyn o fater o rywle wedi ei halogi ar y ffordd. Gwelai lwchyn llwyd pluenddu, neu edefyn o unrhyw hyd a lliw, yn union wedi dringo ar hyd-ddo. Gwnai amnaid o anghymeradwyaeth ar y plyg lleiaf ar faes ei frethyn. Deuai galwadau sydyn am dano tra ar ganol ei waith weithiau, ond byddai yn rhaid iddo gael taflu ei gochl hir i guddio'r dillad gwaith, a'r brychau cwyr, ac i fogi arogl y lledr. Nid balchder yn cael ei gynyrchu gan ysbryd ffasiynol yr oes oedd hyn ynddo, ond Cristion o flaen ei ddydd mewn defosiwn sanctaidd oedd, a gweddeidd-dra yn tarddu o barchedigaeth i hawliau pethau.

Deuai y nodwedd hon i'r golwg yn amlycach yng nghysylltiadau yr achos. Flynyddoedd yn ol, pan yn adgyweirio'r capel, gwelid ef unwaith o leiaf y dydd yn cyrchu yn ei gochl i'r lle, er gweled pa fodd y cynyddai y gwaith dan ddwylaw y crefftwyr. Er fod yno ddynion deheuig wedi eu cyflogi at y gorchwyl, nid oedd hynny yn ddigon o reswm iddo ef i aoerthu ei farn a'i chwaeth. Mynnai daflu awgrymiadau a gwthio cyfarwyddiadau arnynt am gynlluniau'r celfyddydwaith. Yr oedd yno un arall yn mynych gyrchu yn go swyddogol i'r capel fel yntau, ac er na anturiai yn agos gymaint i arfer ei ddawn i gynnyg gwelliant ar ddim, er ei fod yn oracl ar y gorchwyl ymhob cysylltiad arall, er hynny yr oedd yn fwy o hyfrydwch gan yr adgyweirwyr weld gwyneb yr hen sant penfelyn oedd bron o'r golwg yn ei gochl, a dywedir na fuasai eu llafur wedi bod mor addurnedig a gorffenedig ar wahan i'w farn ef.

Nid yw dweyd ei fod yn edmygwr trefn yn gyfystyr a mynegi ei fod yn drefnydd (organizer), ond yn oedd i raddau yn medru cynllunio yn wreiddiol a thorri llinellau newyddion i wahanol fudiadau gychwyn ac i weithio ar hyd-ddynt. Efe er enghraifft ydeodd pioneer llyfrgell yr eglwys; ac efe ddarniodd hen drefn y cynfyd cerddorol gan newid safleoedd y cantorion. Nid y tenors oedd gymhwysaf i ganu yr alaw, ac nid y sopranos oedd oreu i ganu y counter part yn ol ei farn ef; oblegid hyn ni chafodd yntau ddianc rhag blas y fflangell. Llawer gair cas a dyrnod drom gafodd oddiar law dynionach ansymudol. Ond boddlonai aros dan y gawod greulonaf os mai hi oedd ei gyfle i amddiffyn trefn, a chadarnhau cynlluniau. Camesboniwyd ei amcanion dan rai amgylchiadau yn dra chwithig, yn arbennig pan ymdrechai berffeithio canaidaeth y cysegr, a phan ymegniai i ddadblygu cerddoriaeth yr addoliad. Os byddai llaw gydag ef mewn dim, byddai ol ei drefnusrwydd ar yr oll; a diau fod dylanwad ei alwedigaeth wedi cyfrannu mesur o fanylder a chywreinrwydd i fewn i'r elfen yma ynddo. Parhaodd yn wr trefnus a chynllunus ymhob cylch, a chyda pob gwaith hyd y diwedd.

Dafydd John.

I. A LOOK AT A DEVOTIONAL MAN.

The mention of this name illuminates our world with love and lived faith, and shone a brighter light on the firmament of our faith; our pen gives witness to the soundness of his life. It has not been necessary to travel through Hebron’s story to the Eschol valley [1] of ancient tradition to find the grapes that grew on the wooden branches of his life. In the treasure trove of tradition and speech our hand grasped the grief and grave of its predecessors, but this was us face to face. There was a dispute about the place of his birth, until we found the safest authority, in the evidence of one of the children, that he was born in Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire. When a young man his parents moved to Merthyr. He had the opportunity to learn the little sacred things of the secret of music and life, and he was given many suggestions through his conversations with the old Tydfil musicians; and as concerns poetry and song no one was more the product of the breeze, the song of the stream, the sound of thunder, and the music of the birds. In Anian's temple he heard the first quartets producing sound and weaving musical cynghanedd. [2] Between the meadows and the void his imagination formed the materials of his dreams, and his dreams began to take form. Who knows how much the wealth of suggestions, and the richness of the impressions, that Cilgerran's paradise had given him as his legacy by the time he moved to Glamorgan?

We have few, if any, grounds for the son's recollections of his parents, but we have a firm basis for concluding that they were both Puritan at heart. He is said to have found his mother to be the godliest woman when he was a child. Can a price be placed on the value of having such a gracious and wise mother at one’s start in life, and benefitting from her advice to shape one’s character. No doubt he drank the name of Jesus while sucking his mother's breast. And how many drops of the living water must have dropped into his soul from the flow of her intense prayers? The mother is one of God's greatest gifts and favours in life, and to lose one’s mother is to lose His sanctuary. With her are found morals and religion, education and civilization, she plants the roots and essential traits, only hoping to nurture the highest forms of culture in the future. It is feared that Wales has done wrong to her position, and a worse error to her message, by silencing her voice, crushing her smile, and withering her hand.

But Dafydd John's story is not in the country, nor in Merthyr, but as a baby in his crib compared to his later history in Aberdare. Was it not Aberdare which developed his character, and did not the old valley influences draw out his capabilities that resonated far beyond the confines of parish and county? Yes, when his life was like the sun at noon, and his career ran on from there in all its splendor and glory until sunset - then was he seen to be a true hero. Reader, behold the man. We shake his hand from respect, lest his picture be defiled. And what cruelty to pick over the beautiful colours of his life? And what a crime it would be against a beautiful man of God to fail to tell of the beauty of his life.

He was a fair-haired man, his body bright, [3] his posture was straight, quick of movement. His step was as short and swift as the wren's step, and as light of tread as the squirrel. With the years he lost his original upright posture, but his gait did not slow. But came some small shaking to his earthly tent in place of his former characteristic posture. Even so, it was a pleasure to see and hear him on a Sunday morning walking up Harriet Street to the service, coughing along the way for the sake of the songs of Zion. And who does not remember his keen eyes behind his glasses, and in an idle absent moment suddenly turning his face to heaven, and then bidding himself again to turn back to the old planet, and looking around him on all sides, as though trying to work out where he was? [4]

He, in his profession, enlisted with the class which cares for the foundations of society, for a shoemaker insisted on the length of his grave; and a saying that is nothing else contains a missionary lesson for the ungodly and all labor. A felicitous hour, full of substance for me, has been the recent one with the amusement of his leading successor. The subject of the conversation was Dafydd John. "What were the old urons?" I said. "A shoemaker," said his worshiper in awe, "his aim was to keep the local folk's feet on dry ground. Dafydd John, sir," he said, was an artist in the art; I remember the last pair of shoes I received from his hand. When the artist extended them to me, - 'That,' he said, with a wink of an eye presuming a shot of joking, 'if I grow old, my hand will have lost its curiosity.'" Although he had moved early to Aberdare, the intelligent and prudent should go to him from Merthyr all his life to have their feet made of his own making. We also assume that his vocation minus a parable did not refer to the meaning and message of his higher life. Helping others walk and gain health and safety victories on their pilgrimage has been his greatest energy.

In the last years of his life his breath became laboured, his coughs often obstructed his enjoyment and usefulness, as though he had used up his life’s resources by constant labour. A scene that caused the most downhearted of temperament to sometimes smile inoffensively was to see him shaking a head, smoothing down the back of his tailcoat, and restoring order to his purple cloak - striking the tuning fork against his knee, and running up the phonetic scale to set the tune and key of the hymn intended to be sung in worship. [5] Often during Lent, when the hymn had been read out to the congregation, we would see the former golden-haired leader rising to his feet, hymn book in one hand and tuning fork in the other, to signal to the congregation the key of the hymn to be sung. [6] He could then be heard singing the first word of the hymn alone and proceeding in his frenzied manner a little ahead [of the congregation], conducting the singing and shaking his head to the end. The funereal or joyful singing alternately distressed him or consumed him. Rising to address the congregation and turning this way and that, and trembling, as if about to fall to the ground; addressing the sisters and brethren in the second person with burning fire: sitting in the middle of the big seat [7] as restless as if his seat was a thorny hedge under him - who can forget it? His serious and godly demeanor that we could read in every line on his face, combined with his influence sank so profoundly deep into our consciousness, led us to believe him to be similar to old Abel Hughes as portrayed in the "Autobiography of Rhys Lewis," [8] except, perhaps, in his theology and discipline, and in particular the ecclesiastical fuss that surrounded him. Much fuss was made of his pure soul, however the man of faith himself did not approve.

Many remember him as a teacher leading his class through the book of Job. He knew little about the historical features and surroundings, and literary features, of the old book. He never thought less about the thickness of poetry that hid its face, and of the nineteenth-century criticisms of its composition. Under his armpit he carried a thick well-bound commentary; and we know that scholarly critical study preceded his exposition of it. But that history did not have enough charm to convince him to read it or at least to alter his orthodox views. If so, he would have an alternative explanatory position to hand to present in front of his class. But do not suppose that he was somehow wandering aimlessly through the book. Aside from its content - through its poetry, and beyond the supremacy of its language - all his knowledge and ability did he lay before his class, that is what Dafydd John did. He did not imagine himself for a higher service and a better objective; and he claimed nothing greater, if he had had wider knowledge. [9] Giving his pupils the opportunity to learn and recite the verses of Job's book would be more useful in his view, than leaving them to determine its historical setting. I wonder if he understood that the triple issue of the old book is the suffering of nature and the human race, and especially of the godly man, as the twentieth-century critics' myntumia? [10] But David John was not a theologian in the ordinary sense of the word: and if we were to say that he was, the announcement would not suffice to stifle the disappointment of the revelation. But he possessed a treasure which theology itself could not provide, and the influence of that possession was a greater influence on the faith of his class than anything the best knowledge could give. That was enough, perhaps, to provide his simple interpretations with weight, depth, and meaning far from the deepest interpretation. But only an old, original and completely independent character would reckon with his moral purity, spiritual compassion, depth of convictions, purity of objectives, integrity of principles, and faithfulness the whole day long.

II. THE DIGNITY OF HIS DEVOTION.

He was devotional without being ritualistic; and he dedicated his life to morals rather than ceremonial law. His devotion was rooted in ideas and principles, not in mere form or custom. The essence of his devotion was in the moral and the spiritual; and the mark of something above the image of man was engraved upon it. Dafydd John’s devotion was neither mindless nor unnatural. His appearance was feared more than his voice, his influence more than his appearance; they did not sin in his presence. He did not counter the wickedness that faced him with active protest, nor with positive opposition, but, rather the virtue of his personality, and the influence that flowed out of his life drove it away. Every item of his clothing, his every look, gesture, and posture was full of devotional signs. His patriarchal and noble conduct, as he entered God’s sanctuary, was a practical interpretation of the wise man's words entering the gates and approaching the altar with correct sacrifices. We heard many references from his mouth, and without asserting himself as an example, about the impropriety and disorder that men brought into the temple with them. We remember the chapel cleaner on one occasion calling his attention up to one of the corners of the gallery where sweets and gum had been eaten, mixed with nut shells and apple cores. This is the only time I saw him come close to severity. But this did not disturb him nearly as much as the lightness and contempt with which he perceived some younger members to approach communion. He was also seen to rise up from the Big Seat suddenly tens of times go the foyer, and out to the pavement in front of the chapel, to bid the storm outside to quieten down [11] as it was disturbing the worship of the chapel. This seal arose from the conception of the rights of the sanctuary and the modesty of a religious profession.

His spirit did not embrace any canon of devotion or self-sacrifice, as an external ordeal, with the purpose of being counted a saint. He knew nothing of that costly and violent effort. [12]

"Deep was his opposition to all outward appearances
Religious illusion in the land
He was not a believer in piety
A long face and shake of the head."

III. THE ORDERLINESS OF HIS PLANS.

One of the friends of order was Dafydd John. How many times did he follow Cilgeran's trails, noting the order of the Great Creator, in the orderliness of stars, flowers, trees and grass? He cast an eye on a world free from turmoil there; and this order that he observed in his boyhood became the subsequent standard for his orderly nature. Signs of his orderliness were clearly visible. There would be a lot of tidying and repair before going to chapel. It would sometimes border on obsession. Having carefully examined his wife and himself in the mirror in the house, he continued to look at himself every step along the way to the chapel lest he see a spot or mark on the way. No black grey smudge or coloured thread escaped his notice. He disapproved of the slightest crease in his clothing. Sometimes he was called upon for some thing while he was in the middle of his daily work, but he would have to throw on his long cloak to hide the work clothes, and specks of wax, and to mask the smell of leather. This was not pride produced by the fashionable spirit of the age, but the actions of a Christian with uncommon holy devotion, and an eternity of reverence for the right way of doing things.

This feature emerged more prominently in the contacts of the case. Many years ago, when he renovated the chapel, he was seen at least once a day strolling to the place, to see how the work progressed under the hands of the craftsmen. Although there were clever men employed for the task, this was not enough reason for him to sacrifice his views and tastes. He wanted to throw suggestions and push directions on the designs of the artwork. There was another frequent official visit to the chapel like himself, and although he did not venture nearly as much to exercise his talent for offering nothing better, though he was an oracle on the task in every other connection, nevertheless It was more pleasing to the restorers to see the face of the old, unicorned saint in his disguise, and it is said that their labor would not have been as elaborate and finished apart from his view.

To say that he was an admirer of systems does not mean that he was an administrator, but to some extent he was able to plan originally and map out new lines for different organizations to start and work along. For example he pioneered the church library; and he altered the previous musical arrangement and changed the positions of the singers. No longer would the tenors sing the melody, and the sopranos should not be singing the counterpart in his opinion; for this he also could not escape the taste of the scourge. [13] Many nasty words and a heavy punch [14] did he receive from the hand of an unmovable man. But he was happy to remain under the cruel shower if it meant that he was defending order, and confirming his plans. His objectives were misconstrued in some circumstances very viciously, especially when he endeavored to perfect the singing in the sanctuary, and when he endeavored to develop the music of worship. Even if he had done nothing, [15] his orderly manner would be on the whole clearly visible; and there is no doubt that the influence of his vocation contributed a degree of precision and creativity to this element of it. He remained an orderly and well-planned man in every endeavour, and in all his work to the end.

[1] Numbers 13:23

[2] A form of metre used in Welsh poetry. It is still considered very erudite to be able to compose Welsh verse in this form.

[3] lit. "glowing" - used in the Bible for Moses when his face shone after he met with God, or for Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration.

[4] The implication is that in his idle moments his thoughts turned to wishing to be in heaven, and that he was then disorientated to find himself back on earth and not yet in paradise.

[5] It was common practice in the Welsh chapels, when no accompaniment was available, for the choirmaster to sing the relevant scale to set the key for the congregation. Even after the introduction of organs and harmoniums, this was sometimes still done so that the congregation didn't "get lazy" and to "keep in practice".

[6] Instrumental accompaniment was forbidden during Lent.

[7] A pew at the front of the chapel, either side of the pulpit and facing the congregation, where the elders and deacons would sit.

[8] 1885 Welsh-language novel by Daniel Owen.

[9] ie, he wasn't setting himself up as a minister of the Word.

[10] Possibly meaning "academic thought".

[11] This phrase uses the exact words from the Welsh Bible of Jesus calming the storm.

[12] ie, he undertook his service lightly, without ever considering it a burden.

[13] ie, he was "verbally whipped".

[14] Most likely a figurative punch, but the Welsh could also mean a literal one.

[15] ie, even if he had not made any of these changes personally, his orderly manner would have had an influence all by itself.