Aberaman Missioner for Patagonia.
09.10.1909
Mr Philip Jones, the youngest son of Mr. William Jones, Hill Street, is an Aberamanite born and bred. He was educated at the Blaengwawr, Higher Standard, and County Schools at Aberdare. Then, in preparation for the ministry, he studied at the Pontypridd Preparatory School, and later at Carmarthen, where he received special tuition at the hands of the Rev. E. Keri Evans, M.A. Mr. Jones will now take up duties as missioner to the churches in the Welsh Colony at Patagonia.
At the recognition meeting held at Saron Cong. Chapel on Wednesday, the Rev. E. Keri Evans preached an edifying sermon after the meeting had been opened by the Rev. J. Derfel Roberts, Hirwain. His chief points were:
1st, The missioner’s for Christ were witnesses to a fact.
2nd, not preachers or Doctor of Divinity, but men of character were required to minister to men.
In the evening, the farewell, consecration meeting was held, at which the Rev. H. Parry Jenkins, pastor of Saron, presided. Other rev. gentlemen present were: Revs. J. Bowen Davies, Abercwmboi; T. Thomas, Godreaman; Derfel Roberts and E. Wern Williams, Hirwain; J. Sulgwyn Davies, Trecynon; R. H. Davies, B.A., Cwmbach; W. D. Morris C.M., Cwmaman; D. Jones, C.M., Mardy; J. T. Rhys, Godreaman; E. Keri Evans, and the following students: Messrs. Jos. Morgan, Old College School, Carmarthen; Thomas John Bevan, Bradford United College, formerly a resident of Aberaman; Tudur Evans, Harley College London; Tom Hughes, H. R. Charles, B.A., and Ben J. Jones, B.A., University College, Cardiff; Albert Evans, Ben Thomas, and Wm. Williams, Carmarthen Presbyterian College: Thomas Jones and J. Rogers, Brecon Memorial College; J. Davies, Collegiate School, Pontypridd; & Benjamin Evans, Cefnpennar.
Letters regretting inability to be present were received from the following Revs. W. C. Rees, Swansea; J. Towyn Jones, Rhys T. Prytherch, B.A., Samuel Williams, Penrhiwceiber; D. Silyn Evans, Aberdare; Messrs. Geo. James, Carmarthen; D. J. Lloyd, B.A., Oxford; Daniel Lloyd, Swansea; J. H. Powell, Danygraig, Aberdare, and Daniel Thomas, Canon Street.
Mr. William Williams, of the Presbyterian College, Carmarthen, opened the meeting. The Rev. H. P. Jenkins delivered an introductory address, after which Mr. David Roberts, Glamorgan Street, spoke. He hoped that Mr. Jones’s venture would be attended with success.
Miss Eluned Morgan, of Patagonia, who is now on a lecturing tour in this country, next addressed the meeting. She related her personal experiences in the Welsh Colony and described in a vivid manner the field of Christian labour in South America. Mr. Jones was assured of a warm welcome there.
Mr. Tudur Evans, of Patagonia, after-wards spoke. He had had opportunities of coming in close contact with Mr. Jones, both as a friend and fellow-student. He felt sure that the mission was undertaken with the proper object in view.
Mr. David Lloyd, Killay, Swansea, said that the poor in the slum districts of Swansea were fond of Mr. Jones, and his humility had been instrumental in winning over many souls during the Revival. The church at Ebenezer, Swansea, had arranged to make a presentation to him as a mark of their esteem.
The Rev. E. Keri Evans then delivered an address which was greatly appreciated. He had a deep personal fondness for Mr. Philip Jones. Their close acquaintanceship during the past three years had brought to his notice many commendable traits in his student. He had undergone, spiritual experience in all its stages, and his connection with mission work, and his familiarity with the pulpit would serve him in good stead. He would be hoping to hear of great results in the mission field, for he had plenty of confidence in the young man that was going forth.
Mr. Philip Jones then spoke. He was determined to make this mission the chief work of his life. He thanked the speakers for their kind expressions towards him. He would always cherish fond remembrances of his old friends and associates. As there was no need for the usual formal questions put at an ordination ceremony, inasmuch as he had been brought up at the church, Mr. Jones simply made a statement as to his aims and work.
Revs. D. Jones, C.M., Mardy; Derfel Roberts, E. Wern Williams, J. B. Davies, W. D. Morris, T. Thomas, and J. T. Rhys also spoke. Mr. Brinley Lewis presided at the organ.
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