Ystradgynlais & District

Ainon Chapel was first constructed in 1848, and was rebuilt in 1888, and in 1899, and remains open for worship in 2019. On this page we will list and try to bring to life some of the ministers who served the chapel in those 160 years.

Ainon Chapel on Heol Giedd, Ystradgynlais

Rev D J Davies

The Rev D J Davies was in place in July 1915, when he presided over a ceremony for a family of chapel stalwarts who were moving from the area.

Rev D Hubert Davies

The Rev D Hubert Davies served Ainon Chapel for 37 years, from 1932 until his retirement in December 1969. In November 1934, he oversaw the installation of a new organ at the chapel. On the occasion of his 21st anniversary as minster he was presented with a cheque by the chapel. His retirement was also commemorated in detail in the local Llais newspaper.

From The Voice newspaper, Friday 25th September 1953 is the article on the minister's 21 years in his position at Ainon:-

CHEQUE PRESENTED TO REVEREND D HUBERT DAVIES
21st Anniversary at Ainon

The Reverend D Hubert Davies was presented at a special service held at Ainon Baptist Chapel, Ystradgynlais, on Sunday on the occasion of his 21st anniversary as minister.
The meeting was presided over by Mr Henry Griffiths. Speakers were Mr John Williams, precentor; Mr W H Thomas, Senior Deacon; Mrs John Davies, Mr T D Roberts, Mr Elwyn Davies, son of the late minister, Revered D J Jones.
Mrs H Rowe read appropriate verses and Mr D M Roderick, secretary, made the presentation of a cheque on behalf of the church.
The Reverend D Hubert Davies is a native of Felinfoel, Llanelli and is a nephew of the late Dr J Gwili Jenkins. He was brought up under the ministry of the late Reverend Benjamin Humphries, Felinfoel, one of the stalwarts of the Baptist denomination during his day. He was educated at Bangor Baptist College and ordained minister at Ainon on 20th September 1932.
The Reverend D Hubert Davies and his good lady are held in high esteem in Ystradgynlais.
Mr Davies' position as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Ystradgynlais and district National Eistedfod speaks highly of the confidence reposed in his administrative capacity.

From The Voice newspaper, December 11th 1969 on the occasion of Rev D Hubert Davies' retirement:-

A Cheque for the Rev Hubert Davies and a bouquet for Mrs Davies presented at Monday's public meeting.
Left to Right: the Rev D J Thomas, Sardis; Dr Stephen Williams; Miss Nan Jones; Mr Haydn K Roderick, Secretary and Treasurer of the Public Subscription Fund; the Rev Hubert Davies and Mrs Davies; Rev M Llewellyn Jones, Tabernacl; Councillor T J Davies, Chairman, Ystradgynlais Rural Council.

HE WALKED WITH THE PEOPLE
FAREWELL TO MINISTER

The village of Ystradgynlais acknowledged the long and faithful service of a minister and friend when the Rev D Hubert Davies, who has retired this week after 37 years at Ainon Baptist Chapel, was presented with a cheque for £372 5 Shillings, the result of a public subscription fund and to which local chapels and individuals from as far afield as Los Angeles contributed.
This was in addition to a presentation of £440 7 Shillings 6d made by the officers, members, and friends of Ainon on Sunday. Other money gifts were made by the minister, officers and members of Calfaria Chapel, and the Parish Council.
Bouquets, one from South Africa, have been presented from Mrs Davies and a painting of Ainon Chapel by Mr Joseph Jones, a local artist, was given to Mr and Mrs Davies as a reminder of the riverside chapel where Mr Davies ministered with such good effect over the long years.

HIGH REGARD
Tributes to this minister "who walked with the people" were paid at Monday's presentation meeting by Dr Stephen Williams, Councillor T J Davies, Chairman of Ystradgynlais Rural Council, and ministers of churches in the upper Swansea valley. They all spoke with deep sincerity of the high regard and affectation in which "Davies Ainon" was held by the people of the village and its surrounding district. His friendliness, help, sympathy, and understanding had made him a "minister to all and friend of everyone".
The help and support given by Mrs Davies and the welcome always extended at their home at Brynawel Road, was also subject for commendation and gratitude.

IN SONG
Ystradgynlais Male Voice Choir conducted by Mr Emlyn Morgan, with Madame Myra Jones Davies as accompanist, made contribution to the meeting and added their tribute Rev and Mrs Hubert Davies with some fine singing.
The presence of public representatives and ministers, with such a large assembly of villagers was testimony to the esteem, affection and high regard in which Mr and Mrs Davies are held.
Responding, the Rev Hubert Davies spoke of the happy years he and Mrs Davies had spent at Ystradgynlais and expressed thanks for the many kindnesses received from all sections of village life and the church at Ainon. He thanked all who had been connected with the presentation fund.
Mr and Mrs Davies retire to live in their native town of Llwynhendy, near Llanelli.

From The Voice newspaper, December 18th 1969 [Welsh version]:-

Mrs Gertie Phillips, Vice Chairman, presented Mrs Hubert Davies with a bouquet

From The Voice newspaper, December 26th 1969:-

THE CHAPEL WHERE HE SERVED
Mr Joseph Jones, Station Road, Ystradgynlais, presenting a picture painting by himself of Ainon Chapel to the retiring minister, the Rev Hubert Davies