Rev. W. Ilar Edwards
William Ilar Edwards (c1871 - 7 Feb 1930)
The South Wales Voice newspaper
Saturday February 8th 1930
RECTOR OF YSTRADGYNLAIS
DEATH OF REV. W. ILAR EDWARDS
We deeply regret to report the death of the Rev. W. Ilar Edwards, rector of Ystradgynlais, which took place on Friday afternoon last after a painful illness.
Deceased had been unwell for some time, and last year was advised by his doctor to take a rest. He did so, and seemed to recover sufficiently to resume duties, though it could be seen that he was not his old self.
A few weeks ago he suffered a relapse, which obliged him to take to his bed, and despite the best of medical care and nursing by his family, his condition became worse, until all hopes of his recovery vanished, and he passed away as stated.
The news of his death came as a great shock to the district, although it was known he was very ill. There is no doubt that his illness had been brought on by overwork and study - he never spared himself and although his spirit was indomitable, his body was too weak to stand the strain. It was very much against his nature to be idle; he was always at work, and was never happy but when he was carrying out his Christian principles of helping others. He would go far out of his way to do s. The loss to Ystradgynlais in this respect is incalculable. His whole life was wrapped up in the work of the church, and it can truly be said of him that he was a faithful servant of the Master, and that he had "run the race, he had kept the faith."
Born at Llanilar, Cardigan, 59 years ago, Mr Edwards was educated at Llandysul and King's College, London. His first curacy after being ordained at St. Asaph's in 1908, was at St. Theodore's, Port Talbot. He subsequently removed to St. Mark's, Swansea, and thence to St. Peter's, Carmarthen. He then became Vicar of Llannon, Cardigan, where he remained until he came to Ystradgynlais in 1924.
As soon as he had settled down, he entered into the life of Ystradgynlais with remarkable ease. He was elected to represent the Yniscedwyn Ward on the Brecon County Council, and was still a member. His personality made itself felt at the County Council meeting, and he always brought the claims of Ystradgynlais very much to the front. His ability as an organiser and keen man of affairs were soon recognised, and he was elected on several committees. Owing to the poor state of his health during the last year or two, he had been unable to attend as he would like. This year he was a member of four important committees - Old Age Pensions, Rules and Standing Orders Committee, Mining Education Committee, and Breconshire Education Committee (Ystradgynlais district). He was keenly interested in education and was a governor of Maesydderwen County School.
Charitable institutions found a strong champion in him, especially hospitals and needy homes. He was a member of the Governing Committee of the Craigynos Hospital. Mr Edwards was actively connected with every local organisation that had worthy objects. He was a member of the Freemasons, prelate of the Ystradgynlais Lodge of the Loyal Order of the Moose, and took part in preliminary proceedings in connection with forming a branch of Toc H at Ystradgynlais. Once he started anything he went all the way to see its fulfillment, and an example of this can be seen in the new church at Glanrhyd. Although a Conservative in politics, he was the best type of Socialist in social affairs.
Rev. William Ilar Edwards from the Llais
Mr and Mrs Edwards worked as hard as anyone with the local soup kitchens during the strike. He gave the committee the use of the Church Institute during that trying period.
Amidst all this work, Mr Edwards still found time to be an Eisteddfod conductor. Here his services were in great demand, for he had a ready and kindly wit. He was an able adjudicator in both music and literature, and was also a poet of no mean ability. Amateur dramatics were also a strong point and he was never happier than when producing a drama. People still talk of the successful presentations of the comedy 'John a Jams' by the church people, conducted by Mr Edwards. It was during that time that his abilities as an actor were revealed, for he took on a role i the comedy at short notice, because of the sudden illness of one of the cast.
harvest festivals and other church services all over the diocese and in other parts of Wales. He was a very fluent speaker in both English and Welsh, and he could keep an audience interested for hours. He had a deep and profound pity for all suffering - and when he learnt of the loss sustained locally through the floods, it was he that convened the public meeting which decided to start a fund for the succour of the victims.
Sport also played a part in his life, although he was denied the joy of participating in games. The young people had a warm place in his heart, and he took an active interest in the Church Young People's Guild, which flourished exceedingly prior to his illness.
Mr Edwards leaves a widow and three daughters, to whom the heartfelt sympathy of the district is extended in their sorrow.
The funeral is reported on another page.
