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Carl Llewellyn's

Adulam Chapel Research

 

Many thanks to Carl Llewellyn for sharing his research with us.

 

Maps of Adulam Chapel

 

1836

 

1851

 

Miscellaneous Maps

 
 
 
 

Adulam Chapel Ministerial Prodigies

 

DAVIES, JOHN OSSIAN (1851-1916), Congregational minister and author; b. at Pendre, Cardigan, 10 Nov. 1851, son of Daniel and Phoebe Davies. Starting life as printer and journalist, he edited Y Fellten at Merthyr Tydfil, and became secretary of the South Wales Temperance Society. He began to preach at Merthyr and entered the Memorial College, Brecon, in 1873. He was invited to succeed William Rees (Gwilym Hiraethog, 1802-1883, q.v.) in Liverpool, but accepted a call to Tabernacle (Welsh), Llanelly, 1876. In 1880 he became minister of Herbert Place (English), Swansea, removing to Tollington Park, London, in 1883, and to Bournemouth in 1888; during his ministry there, Richmond Hill church was built. He returned to London in 1897 as minister of Paddington chapel. He resigned in 1903. Old yet ever new, 1904, and Dayspring from on high, 1907, contain sermons by him. He d. 24 Sept. 1916 at Shortlands, Kent. His brother, Timothy Eynon Davies, is separately noticed

 

REV BENJAMIN WATKINS - No Photograph

 

REV WILLIAM EVANS - No Photograph

 

David Jones D.D.

 
 

Adulam Chapel Ministers

 

Reverend D.C. Harris

No Photograph

   

Reverend D.T. Williams

No Photograph

   

Reverend David Williams

Rees, T. & Thomas, J. Hanes Eglwysi Annibynol Cymru Vol II  (1872) p. 291

 ADULAM, MERTHYR TYDFIL

The cause was started here around 1829, as a result of Mr David Williams, and those who supported him, leaving the Calvinistic Methodists, because of a disagreement. After the split Mr David Williams took a room at the Bush Inn, and it was there that they worshipped until they acquired a piece of land and built Adulam. The ministers of Zoar and Bethesda were quite opposed to David Williams and his people, and this was also the feeling of many ministers outside Merthyr, but some were in favour and would go there to preach, and would also invite him to their pulpit, and eventually in an assembly at Tretower, he and his people were recognised as a regular church. The church was burdened with a large debt and little effort was made to clear it during David Williams’s lifetime. The cause did not increase much. The fact that it was an old Methodist cause meant that Congregationalists who came to the area did not feel drawn towards it, especially in view of the fact that there were Congregational chapels in the area already.  Mr Williams did not live long after joining the Congregationalists. He died June 12th, 1832.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES 

DAVID WILLIAMS. He was born in the parish of Llanwrtyd at the beginning of 1768. His father, Edward Williams, was a member of the old Independent chapel at Llanwrtyd, and was of a warm and fiery nature regarding things spiritual. His mother was a sister to Mr. David Davies, Llangatwg. When he was quite young he moved with his parents to Cilycwm and Rhandirmwyn, where he became involved with the lead works and learnt surveying which stood him in good stead in later years.  At this time he was wild and ungodly, following sin in all its forms, enjoying singing and dancing, and cock fighting, and his swearing was fearsome to listen to. He used to swear so badly that one of the worst swearers in the country said to him- “David, your swearing is so bad that it raises fear in me.” That rebuke, coming from such a person, cut him to the quick; and from that point he removed himself from ungodly company, and never had anything more to do with it. Before long he was accepted by the Methodists at Cilycwm. He used to go to Llangeitho to receive communion, and often he, in the company of many others, would return “walking and jumping and praising God”. He came to Merthyr around 1789, and was one of those prominent in starting the Methodist cause there. For many years he was the mainstay of the cause; ministers lodged with him and he grew with the church. He had won the trust of his masters as a junior overseer in the works, and this gave him influence over others. He began to preach when he was about 38 years of age, was ordained around 1812, and he soon became one of the most important men of the Methodists in their monthly and annual meetings…He was a very headstrong man, and determined to have his own way, and this together with his theories on Atonement…led to the clash between him and the Methodists. This disagreement caused a lot of unpleasantness in the church at Pontmorlais, and amongst the Methodists generally. Missionaries were sent out in the name of the Methodist region to excommunicate the entire church, and members were received back individually as was seen fit, but they refused to take back David Williams or his supporters… Everyone who knew David Williams agrees that he was a man of above average abilities – of ample talents and a minister – fearless and unyielding – and of obvious and unquestioned godliness…He was buried within the walls of Adulam, and the entire town showed him the utmost respect on the day of his funeral.

Births, Deaths, Marriages and Obituaries
North Wales Chronicle (Bangor, Wales), Saturday, June 9, 1855; Issue 1474

In the 28th ult. Aged 89 at Aberaman, Mrs Williams widow of the Late David Williams, minister of Adulam Chapel, Merthyr Tydfil.

   

Abraham Matthews

The Rev Abraham Matthews was born in Llanidloes 7th November 1832, he was the son of John and Matthews and Anne Jones, when he was eight days old he was given to Edward and Ann Lewis a farming family living in Brynddu near Llanidloes, he was baptised in the parish of Llanidloes 15th May 1933.

In 1833 the Lewis family moved to a cottage by the name of “B” in the parish of Cemaes, Maldwyn, taking Abraham with them. When he was older he was apprenticed in a factory owned by Thomas Meredith the grandfather of the well known preacher of that period called Daniel Lewis Meredith who lived in Chicago.

Although he had a religious disposition when he was twelve years old he was up to all sorts of mischief,  kicking the ball, fighting with sticks, fishing at night, stealing apples from orchards.

There I normally went to the medicine of grace and stayed I allowed the real fellowship and had daily school because I couldn’t read welsh and leaned the bible in my memory (hearing)   

At fifteen years of age he started preaching in Dinas Mawddwy, when he was seventeen Abraham was accepted as a member of the church of the Rev John Owen, at Llanwnog, Newtown, he religion was nurtured through the home environment of his adopted parents, his adopted father Edward Lewis was member of the Calvinistic Methodist a godly person.

It became the daily custom in Abraham’s life to kneel and pray and ask for God’s to soothe his soul through the medicine of grace both night and day.

At 22 years of age while working in his home village at Cemaes he became conscious the Holy Spirit had entered his being directing him towards a religious vocation.  

Keeping himself in school until opportunity from school when I was brought up for a majority of the year Mr Joseph H, Maldwyn,

He received his calling when he was 23 years old while working in Cemaes, Dinas Mawddwy, the path on God’s. It started to six months before I was accepted for Bible college Preacher High Morgan Samuel 

September 1856 I entered Bala theological College, in? 1859 the Rev Abraham Matthews was invited by the two newly formed Welsh Congregational Chapel’s Horeb at Llwydcoed and Elim Chapel at Cwmdare to be became their joint minister, he was ordained in Ebenezer Chapel, Heol-y-felin, being the chapel of the renowned Rev William Edwards, this was due to Horeb and Elim still in the process of construction

In 1865 the Rev Abraham Matthews was one of the first group of settlers to colonise the Welsh colony in Patagonia, there he stayed apart from his excursions to Wales in the years between 1873-1874, 1889-1890, & 1893-1894.

Abraham Matthews died 1899

Rev Abraham Matthews’s death Patagonia  

Abraham Matthews was born in Llanidloes in 1832. He studied under Michael D. Jones at Bala Independent College between 1856-9. In 1859, he was ordained to the ministry at Horeb in Llwydcoed, Aberdare. He served a number of other Independent churches before enlisting as a passenger aboard the 'Mimosa' in 1865. He was a prominent and hard working member of the Welsh Settlement. Known as 'the bishop of the Settlement', Matthews officiated in the chapel services throughout the Chubut Valley. He was a member of the Settlement's Council and a Justice of the Peace. He was also editor of 'Y Drafod' newspaper between 1896-9. Matthews died on 1 April 1899 and he was buried in the cemetery adjacent to Moriah Chapel, where he had served for twenty years.

It was originally intended for this monument to be located in the Plaza Independencia at Trelew but the arrangements were changed at the last minute and it was decided that it should be placed in the cemetery of Moriah Chapel. Abraham Matthews was born in Llanidloes in 1832. He studied under Michael D. Jones at Bala Independent College between 1856-9. In 1859, he was ordained to the ministry at Horeb in Llwydcoed, Aberdare. He served a number of other Independent churches before enlisting as a passenger aboard the 'Mimosa' in 1865. He was a prominent and hard working member of the Welsh Settlement. Known as 'the bishop of the Settlement', Matthews officiated in the chapel services throughout the Chubut Valley. He was a member of the Settlement's Council and a Justice of the Peace. He was also editor of 'Y Drafod' newspaper between 1896-9. Matthews died on 1 April 1899 and he was buried in the cemetery adjacent to Moriah Chapel, where he had served for twenty years.

This legal document states that Abraham Matthews, as trustee of Harri Davies, the son of the late Robert and Catherine Davies of Llandrillo, Merionethshire, authorises Michael D. Jones to receive or manage any money or items that may be left to Harri Davies or his heirs. Catherine Davies died, aged 38, on the shores of New Bay on 20 August 1865. She was a member of the group of settlers who had travelled to Patagonia aboard the 'Mimosa' to pioneer the Welsh Settlement. Her husband, Robert, died on 3 May 1868. Their eldest son, William, died aged 15 on 13 September 1872, leaving Henry (Harris) the sole heir.

   

Reverend Evan Thomas Phillips

   

Reverend Frederick Teilo Evans

Born in Llandeilo parish, November 1835. He began preaching in Capel Isaac, was educated in Carmarthen College, and 22 February 1866 ordained at Adulam Merthyr. In 1869 he moved to America to look after Blossburgh and Morris Run churches Pa. In 1882 he moved to Mahonoy City Pa. In 1891 he took charge of the Lansford First Church, where his work ended, March 19, 1915. He was buried in Tamaqua Cemetery.

   

Reverend Kenwyn Davies

   

Reverend Levi Lawrence

No Photograph

   

Reverend T. Sinclair Davies

A native of Llanboidy. He had to start work at an early age. After beginning to preach he went to Watcyn Wyn’s noted school at Gwynfryn, and from there to University College Cardiff. In 1911 he was ordained at Adulam, Merthyr where he laboured energetically and successfully until 1917, when he moved to Penuel, Nelson. He was taken ill with pneumonia before the end of the year and died on 1 February, 1922, aged 43. He was of a genial personality and advanced himself in spite of disadvantages. He received a respectable burial in Cefn Cemetery, Merthyr.

   

Reverend William Morgan

TYST 1904, 27th. July p.9

DEATH OF REVD. W. M. JONES, MERTHYR

The death has occurred of Revd. W. M. Jones, former minister of Adulam, at his home, Alma Street, around eight o’ clock last Friday evening, 22nd. July aged 66. He had been unwell for the past three or four years, and worsened by the day. During the last month he began to suffer from memory loss and became blind and was in a pitiful state.

Mr. Jones was a member in Jerusalem Pembrey when he was called to be minister of Adulam in 1887, and he was inducted on 28th. March of that year. When he arrived the chapel was burdened with a heavy debt, although the previous minister, Caeronwy, had succeeded in reducing it somewhat during his ministry. Mr Jones made strenuous efforts to achieve the same aim through having those who had lent money to take a reduction in interest rates. He succeeded well, and through these means, together with the sale of the houses that belonged to the chapel and the efforts of the members, the debt has now been reduced to less than £200. Much of the praise for this is due to the efforts of Mr. Jones.

He gave up his pastorate in 1898 because of ill health, and he preached very little thereafter.

He married twice and leaves three daughters to mourn.

The funeral took place yesterday (Tuesday).

At the house, Revd. Rhys T. Williams, Ynysgau  read, and Revd. T. J. Pritchard (W) Siloh, prayed. The Revd. J. D. Rees Salem gave out a hymn to sing before leaving the house. Then the procession was formed to proceed to Adulam. On arriving there Revd. E. Walter Thomas, Cefn read and Revd. E. Aubrey (B), Morlais prayed, whilst orations were given by Revd T. J. Edwards (M.C.) Pontmorlais; Jacob Jones, Bethesda; W. A. Jones(B), Seion; and H. A. Davies, Cwmaman. Then the Dead March was played by Mr. Williams, the organist, and Revd. J. Morgan Jones  (M.C.) Hope, prayed. All the arrangements were in the hands of the minister of Adulam, Revd. E. R. Phillips, who stated that the intention was to have had a funeral sermon that morning by Revd. John Thomas, Soar, but that it was impossible for him to arrive home from a commitment on Monday night, therefore Mr. Thomas would be delivering the sermon on a Sunday morning in the future.

Then the procession was re-formed to go to the station to catch the quarter to twelve train to take the body to be buried in Jerusalem Penbrey. Adulam was represented at the funeral by Mr. Phillip, minister, and David Edwards and Thomas Peters, deacons.

In addition to those mentioned the funeral was also attended by Revds. J. D. Jones, Abercanaid; D. Rees, Ioan Davies (M.C.), H. Jenkins (B), and D. G. Evans (M. C.), Merthyr; E. Rosser Evans, Dowlais; and T. B. Mathews, Penydaren; Mr. D. Christmas Thomas. D. Morgans, W. T. Griffiths, J. P. Lewis, David Williams and D. D. Williams, Merthyr and others.

 
 

Adulam Chapel Miscellaneous

 

Centenary Communion:

The above church celebrated its centenary in a fitting and simple manner, the afternoon of Monday, 8`h. June, when a large number of church members and friends of the cause met around the Lord's Table with the minister, Revd G. Kenvyn Davies officiating. He has had the honour of bridging across the centuries early in his ministry; and we venture on the strength of the testimony that is seen to hard work and a spirit of love, together with the solemnity of the spirit of worship in the church, that it augers well for another successful century.

The Revd D. R. Williams, Kenfig Hill, was here on Sunday and Monday preaching the Gospel. And indeed, it is a pleasurable task to be the one who holds the bell rope to "Ring out the old and ring in the new".

A Communion Service is not something to be commented on even a Centenary Communion, as it is still the Holy Communion, whatever its age. However, it is not possible to escape thoughts of the many hands that have broken the bread here over the century and of the men who reverently distributed it from hand to hand. And we felt that the Supper came to us who were present on this occasion in as pure a way as it did on that evening when Jesus' death was remembered here for the very first time.

We thank Mr. Isaac, the secretary, for naming the ministers that have served here from the beginning, and for giving an outline of the beginnings of the cause. Having his report published in the TYST will be of service to the historians of our denomination.

The vivid description by Revd W. R. Davies, Pontsticill (who was secretary for 30 years prior to taking charge of a church) of the old deacons who served here with great zeal was also very interesting.

The first leader of the cause was David Williams - a man of restless spirit and a clever man. He led the troop out of Pontmorlais following some bitter Schism at that time. He crossed swords with the Quarterly Meeting and led his followers through the Castle Hotel and Caedraw until he came eventually to a place called Adulam, because it was a refuge for him from his enemies.

We heard of the resistance of Soar at that time to receiving this flock into the Annibynwyr, and it was at the Tretower Assembly that they came under the wing of the denomination.

Eleven ministers came her during the century: Joshua Thomas, Thomas Jones, Lewis Lawrence, E. Mathias, Fred Evans, D. T. Williams (Tydfilyn), D. C. Harries (Caeronwy), W. M. Jones, E. R. Phillips, T. Sinclair Davies and G. Kenvyn Davies. It was good to see the widow of Revd W. M. Jones present, bearing her eighty four years very lightly. We remember E. R. Phillips, a man whose witty and sincere nature was not affected by college or anything else; and the Revd. T. Sinclair Davies, everybody's friend, God's prophet, and of the loss suffered by the poor of the church and the town when he moved to Nelson; and we are very grateful for the conscientious devotion of our present minister in his care over Adulam and Tabor. He and his wife are very young to be bridging the centuries.

The act of presenting a New Testament to every Sunday School child with the name of the church and the occasion on its cover and that of the minister inside, was a beautiful gesture. This will be a means of keeping the children's love for the cause alive.

Five respected men were raised to the ministry here - D. Jones, B. Watkins, W. Evans, W. R. Davies and J. Ossian Davies. and everyone who has been raised to serve the Gospel here would be willing to acknowledge that Adulam, in raising Ossian, raised a man who raised her, and will raise her, to prominence amongst the princes of Judah. Maybe it would be appropriate here for us to remember what Ossian said to Tabernacl, Llandeilo, on a particular Sunday morning in its history. The day after opening the new chapel in the town, with half the congregation having gone out to the new cause and Tabemacl looking very empty for the first time, with it being a prayer meeting, he said: "You are standing in a difficult gap, with a strong hurricane striking against you through the opening. You will only be safe on your knees. A traveller reached the highest peak in the Alps, and he stood up with a strong wind opposing him. The guide shouted to him: `Kneel man, kneel! You dare not stand here'. Keep on your knees and you will be safe."

Were Ossian to be here with Adulam bridging the centuries in the centenary services, he would call on her to guard against standing up, and to kneel low trusting in the strength that has brought her this far.

 Maybe Merthyr does not instill any strong hope in anyone's heart whilst thinking of the next century; but remember that religion can succeed when commerce is failing and that the poor can be blessed where the Gospel keeps its hold on life. It's time that we relied on souls and not material things for spiritual increase, and to make greater note of godliness than business. It is not an occasion to be downhearted, in fact it presents us with a glorious challenge to see to it that no person who is sinking is unable to receive succour and sympathy within the church to help him bear his load. This will become part of Adulam's work in the new century and we wish her a good new century.

The main parts were taken by Revd. James Davies, Llansamlet (father of the minister),and Mr. Idwal Jones, Cefn Coed; and during the service of celebration by Mr. D. Davies and Stephen Jones who are hard working and faithful lay preachers in the church. Also present were Revs. Jenkyn Lloyd, Penydarren; T. Thomas, Bethesda; W. Gwyrfai Jones, Dowlais; J. T. Rogers, Soar and Mr. Isaac Edwards JP.

May the Lord hold this generation of worshipers true to the paths of their fathers.

 

                                                                                                                                  A FRIEND

 

 
Ladies Choir

 
History of Adulam Chapel

 
'Rise and Fall of a Great Chapel'

 

History of Adulam Chapel up until 1871

The cause was started here around 1829, as a result of Mr David Williams, and those who supported him, leaving the Calvinistic Methodists, because of a disagreement. After the split Mr David Williams took a room at the Bush Inn, and it was there that they worshipped until they acquired a piece of land and built Adulam. The ministers of Zoar and Bethesda were quite opposed to David Williams and his people, and this was also the feeling of many ministers outside Merthyr, but some were in favour and would go there to preach, and would also invite him to their pulpit, and eventually in an assembly at Tretower, he and his people were recognised as a regular church. The church was burdened with a large debt and little effort was made to clear it during David Williams lifetime. The cause did not increase much. The fact that it was an old Methodist cause meant that Congregationalists who came to the area did not feel drawn towards it, especially in view of the fact that there were Congregational chapels in the area already.  Mr Williams did not live long after joining the Congregationalists. He died June 12th., 1832.

After depending on assistance from neighbouring ministers, the church invited Mr Joshua Thomas, a student at the Newtown academy, to be their minister; he was inducted on 12th. April, 1833. On the occasion Mr. D. Lewis, Abergavenny preached on the nature of a church; Mr T.B. Evans, Ynysgau went through the usual questions asked to a minister; Mr. W. Lewis, Dunstanstown (? Tredwstan in Welsh); Mr. W. Jones, Bridgend preached at the request of the minister and Mr. H. Jones, Tredegar at the request of the church. Mr Thomas laboured faithfully here for ten years, and a small amount of the chapel debt was cleared and a number of Congregationalists who came from other areas joined. In 1843 Mr Thomas accepted a call from Bethlehem, Llangadog and moved there. Before the end of the year the  chapel invited Mr Thomas Jones to minister to them. He had been ordained three years previously at Rhiw, Nantglyn, and Llansannan Denbighshire. He was installed on 27th. December, 1843. Mr Jones was here for nearly three years when he moved to Aberaman, where he died. After he left the chapel called Mr Levi Lawrence, Llantrisant, who remained with us until he moved to Newport in 1862.

In 1857 the present chapel was built, measuring 46 feet by 35, and costing £1,200, and although a great effort has been made to pay off the debt, £700 remains. Following that Mr Abraham Mathews was called, and he ministered here in conjunction with Llwydcoed until 1865 when he moved to Patagonia. Before the end of the year Mr. Frederick Evans, a student at the Carmarthen Academy, was called and he was inducted on 22 February, 1866. He remained here until he moved to Blossburg and Morris Run, Pennsylvania in 1869. Early in the following year the church called Mr. Daniel T. Williams, a member and preacher in Zoar and he was inducted July 18th. and 19th. 1870. On the occasion Mr. D. Jones MA, Merthyr preached on the nature of the church; the questions were asked by Mr. J. Morgan, Cwmbach; the installation prayer was read by Mr. P. Howell, Merthyr; Mr. W. Edwards Aberdare preached on behalf of the minister and Mr. W. Williams, Hirwaun on behalf of the church. Mr. Williams continues to work here. The main disadvantage is the heavy debt that is resting on the shoulders of the weak. The cause at Adulam has been labouring under severe disadvantages throughout the years. The circumstances at its inception were not favourable for gaining influence -  the chapel when it was built, and for years afterwards, did not have a good access – and the many changes of ministry have militated against success, and have not always been happy choices – and the burden of debt more than anything else has been, and still is, a problem. There is a good chapel here, and at present it is in as convenient a spot as any, with an entrance from a new road. Many are of the opinion that it would be best to turn the cause over to the English, and that the Welsh who are here should join one of the Welsh chapels that are convenient for them. It is obvious that there should be a wider provision in Merthyr for the swift expansion of the English language and preparation made for a class of people who have until now only had an imperfect provision.

The following have been raised to the ministry from this church-

David Jones. He was educated at the Brecon Academy. He was ordained at Bethlehem, Llangadog, and then moved to Hermon, and is now in Gomer, Ohio.

Benjamin Watkins. He died young.

William Evans. He is now in America.

 BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES

DAVID WILLIAMS. He was born in the parish of Llanwrtyd at the beginning of 1768. His father, Edward Williams, was a member of the old Independent  chapel at Llanwrtyd, and was of a warm and fiery nature regarding things spiritual. His mother was a sister to Mr. David Davies, Llangatwg. When he was quite young he moved with his parents to Cilycwm and Rhandirmwyn, where he became involved with the lead works and learnt surveying which stood him in good stead in later years.  At this time he was wild and ungodly, following sin in all its forms, enjoying singing and dancing, and cock fighting, and his swearing was fearsome to listen to. He used to swear so badly that one of the worst swearers in the country said to him- “David, your swearing is so bad that it raises fear in me.” That rebuke, coming from such a person, cut him to the quick; and from that point he removed himself from ungodly company, and never had anything more to do with it. Before long he was accepted by the Methodists at Cilycwm. He used to go to Llangeitho to receive communion, and often he, in the company of many others, would return “walking and jumping and praising God”. He came to Merthyr around 1789, and was one of those prominent in starting the Methodist cause there. For many years he was the mainstay of the cause; ministers lodged with him and he grew with the church. He had won the trust of his masters as a junior overseer in the works, and this gave him influence over others. He began to preach when he was about 38 years of age, was ordained around 1812, and he soon became one of the most important men of the Methodists in their monthly and annual meetings…He was a very headstrong man, and determined to have his own way, and this together with his theories on Atonement…led to the clash between him and the Methodists. This disagreement caused a lot of unpleasantness in the church at Pontmorlais, and amongst the Methodists generally. Missionaries were sent out in the name of the Methodist region to excommunicate the entire church, and members were received back individually as was seen fit, but they refused to take back David Williams or his supporters… Everyone who knew David Williams agrees that he was a man of above average abilities – of ample talents and a minister – fearless and unyielding – and of obvious and unquestioned godliness…He was buried within the walls of Adulam, and the entire town showed him the utmost respect on the day of his funeral.

Horeb Penydarran was started in 1837 by Mr. Joshua Thomas, Adulam, and some of the church members there who lived in Dowlais.

 
Deacons

 
 

First Adulam Chapel

 
Old Adulam

 
Merthyr Tydfil 1842

 
Mortgage Agreement

Dated 1st June 1831

 Mr Thomas Powell

 With 

Mr Edward Morgan

 Agreement for a mortgage

 

Memorandum of an agreement made and entered into this first day of June 1831 between Thomas Powell of the Parish of Merthyr Tydfil, Saddler, of the one part and Edward Morgan of the same place Grocer of the other part

Whereas the said Thomas Powell by an agreement bearing date of thirty first day of May last part agreed to have a lease of a piece of ground granted to him by William Thomas, Esquire, for the purpose of erecting a dwelling house and meeting house or chapel in place for religious worship for a term of ninety nine years to commence

Twenty ninth day of September next at the yearly rent of two pence, half penny per yard and to contain usual covenants as there. And whereas the said Thomas Powell hath contracted with Richard Bennett, Dowlais in the said Parish of Merthyr Tydfil, Carpenter to erect and build for him the said Thomas Powell on the said piece of ground a meeting house for religious worship and other buildings, and whereas the said Thomas Powell being in want of money to carry on the said building hath applied to the said Edward Morgan to advance from him the sum of One Hundred and Fifty pounds, interest which the said Edward Morgan hath agreed to do upon the joint note of the said Thomas Powell, Richard Bennett, and others  bearing date herewith and the agreement herewith mentioned for the fulfilment of all his estate and interest in the said piece of ground. Now these presents to the said William Thomas doth herby agree to give unto the said Edward Morgan the said piece or parcel of ground and premises agreed to be deemed to him by the said recited agreement together with the said recited agreement and all benefits and advantages there of a building and erections now or at any time after during the period of ninety nine years as afore said which shall be made or set up on the said piece of ground by the ways of security as mortgage to the said Edward Morgan to ensure the repayment of the said sum of one hundred and fifty pounds and interest  and it where by from their agreed that sum of repayment shall be repaid and executed at the expense of the said Thomas Powell and immediately upon demand made to ? for the purpose by the said Edward Morgan and there to when prepared it that shall contain all monies promised and agreements normal in mortgages of that description and in addition there to contains power of sale an default of the payment of the principle money and interest for six years after demand made to him in writing for that purpose with help in hands.

                                                                      Thomas Powell

Witness to the signatory  

Thomas Powell

Richard Bennett

William Davies

 

Memorandum of agreement between Thomas Powell and the said Edward Morgan, the said Edward Morgan having this day lent to the said Thomas Powell upon his note

Of hand the further sum of one hundred pounds at interest the said Thomas Powell doth herby agree that the same shall be secured on a mortgage of the premises mentioned on the other side and that the lease now prepared shall when executed be deposited with Mr Morgan a collateral security for the payment of the payment of the said sum of one hundred pounds and interest as also of the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds and interest already advanced and is also agreed that the said premises shall not be foreclosed and sold or the principal money and interest sued for at law on a equity until after six months notice in writing be mandatory. The payment thereof shall have been given to the said Thomas Powell his executors and administrators by the said Edward Morgan his executors and administrators and default that to made in paying thereof - February 13th 1832    

Thomas Powell

Witnesses

Richard Bennett

Wm. Davies

 
Records:

 
 

Adulam Graves

 

 
 

Many thanks to Carl Llewellyn for sharing his research with us.

 

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