The Rhondda Leader

Homecoming of the Rev. R. B. Jones. Remarkable Reception Meeting. [By Ju venue."] The homecoming of the Rev. R. B. Jones, the young Welsh evangelist so prominently used of God during the recent revival both in North and South Wales, was ^celebrated on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week. The services were of a definite religious character, and deeply spiritual in tone. The Rev. W. S. Jones, Llwynypia, presided on both days, and there were present the following ministers, in addition to a large number of prominent lay brethren:-The Revs. W. Morris, D.D., F.R.G.S., Treorchy; Daniel Davies, Ynyshir (late Tonypandy); J. R. Phillips, Pontygwaith; W. Harold Davies, Ynyshir Ed. Thomas, Pencoed J. Davies, Owmparc; D. S. Jones, Bridgend; D. D. Hopkins, Porth; O. J. Owen, Wattstown; James James, Cwm- bach; W. Trevor Jones, Llanelly; Phillips, Cadoxton; and L. Ton Evans, general missionary of the Negro Baptists of America to Hayti, West Indies. After the devotional exercises, led by a number of those present, the Rev. W. Trevor Jones preached on Tuesday even- ing. On Wednesday morning, the sermon was nreached by the Rev. Ed. Thomas (Gwynhefin). The afternoon service on Wednesday was set apart mainly for the reception, when a fine portrait of Mr. R. B. Jones was presented. We understand that an- other of Mrs. Jones is also to be given, but was not ready that day. The Rev. W. S. Jones reminded them at the outset that, while they could not help thinking of their dear brother, R. B., they must keep God uppermost in their thoughts; the servant was nothing apart from the Divine Master. Appropriate portions of Scripture were read and several prayers offered before Mr. Davies, the oldest member of the church, came forward to make the pre- sentation. Mr. Davies spoke of the high esteem in which their beloved pastor was held, and how glad they were all to see him back again among them. The first speaker after the presentation was Dr. W. Morris, Treorchy, who said he had exceptional opportunities of know- ing that the Rev. R. B. Jones' mission had been specially owned of God in America. His son, who is a pastor in Penna, was secretary of the united com- mittee arranging the mission, hence he was kept constantly informed of the pro- gress of the work. He could honestly say that this was the greatest mission and most successful ever conducted by a Welshman from the Principality in the land of the setting sun; but to God be the praise." It was a success from the standpoint of number, and succeeded in raising enough to clear all expenses inci- dent to the mission. But the greatest success, of course, was that from the point of moral and spiritual awakening experienced among members of churches, and the salvation of souls. He thanked Uod that they had to-day in their midst in Wales, and as a denomination, such able and consecrated young men who preached the living and triumphing Uhrist. The older he became the more determined he was in this age of loose thinking and vague and wild speculating, to be definite and outspoken in his teach- ing, and to preach nothing but Christ— and Him crucitied-as the need of this and every age (applause). The Rev. L. Ton Evans, who gave up his church at Edwardsdale, U.S.A., last August, so as to become the general mis- sioner of the Negro Baptists ot the States in the Black Republic and among the devil-worshipping inhabitants of Hayti, also spoke. Mr. Evans, who, by the way, is a native of the Rhondda Valley, and was born in a public-house at Heolfach, and is one of the old stock, said he would not be doing his duty that afternoon to the Penna Baptist Association and their loung People's Baptist Union unless he endorsed all that had been said by their veteran brother and one of their Chris- tian leaders, Dr. Morris. The Rev. R. B. Jones (proceeded the speaker) has been God's gift to America, and that church should feel itself highly honoured of God to be allowed, through its pastor, to help her sister churches in the States. He had been kept well posted of the progress of their brother's missdon from church to church, and had received accounts of some very remarkable workings of the grace of God. He would only quote, however, from one letter recently written him by a sister of the church of which he was pastor. The writer is a school- mistress, born at Llwynypia, and whose father had been for years one of the most active workers in connection with Dr. Morris' church at Treorchy previous to his coming out to America. The letter read as follows —" Dear Friend,—Of course, you are anxious about the Rev. R. B. Jones' work here, and I am sure have prayed much for his success. Well, I cannot explain in a letter nor in words, I'm afraid, the remarkable work of this man of God. What a wonderful life, so beautifully pure, so spiritual, and so gifted with all God's graces. It has been a great privilege to have experienced what I have since his arrival. It has been perfectly wonderful how he has worked here with the people. Oh! Mr. Evans, I have wished so many times to have a good talk with you lately. I can- not tell you what a blessing it has been to me personally. God has revealed Him- self to me in so many new ways. I have been brought down to the dust, been made to feel that there is no good thing in me. I have been broken, bent, yes, been made over entirely. What a new experience! What a different life, after such a hard struggle! During the week Mr. Jones was here, I was intent on having a blessing, and not allowing one thing to interfere with the message God had for me. It was a hard time, a serious time. Of course, I had no immoral habits. I had done my duty in church and service, but oh! my life was not entirely surrendered to His will. That tells all the rest. I actually controlled my own life, had my plans, my likes and dislikes, my choices, &c. But under the influence of God's Holy Spirit, through this messenger (here the reader turned around and pointed to the Rev. R. B. Jones) I was brought to the realisation of my condition, that I was but clay in the hands of the Divine Potter. Oh! what a time followed! I shall never for- get it. Something entirely new in my life was experienced. In all revivals, &c., I always had the feeling of restraint. A veritable slave to myself. On Saturday of the week Mr. Jones was here, I asked him and Katie and Mary (two other young school teachers and Christian workers) down to the house. I had been so completely broken over the sermons the whole week, that I felt I had to come right through, and I knew the girls had, too. Well, if God ever revealed Himself to me, He did so mightily this day, and through the lips of our brother. The guidance, the prayer, &o., everything seemed so sacred. I was brought to a state of complete surrender to God. At first I did not feel the change, but, thank God, He gave me faith, so that I held to Him. Since then I have experienced an entirely new life. Yes, not the (old) life of duty and selfishness, but a life of love, faith and surrender to. Him. Oh! what a joy I now experience I What a new interest in prayer! The Bible has become dearer" (this, said Mr. Ton Evans, is underlined five times) than before. I love to find out now His will through His Word. I have read more since then than in years, together, although I read some every day. Now the Bible has become a new book. It isn't all history. It is real in my experience. It is my guide in living. I love it. I love to spend hours in company with my Father alone. I thank God. Oh, yes, how can I thank Him enough for His mercy toward me, His grace and His loving kindness in bringing me so close to Him? Shall I say it has been as great, if not a much greater, change in me than in coming from the world to Christ? Faith, Love and the Cross were something read from a printed page before, but now these are a Real Experience. His plan is going to be my plan in life, His will is going to control me, His voice is going to lead in guiding my lips, my feet, my heart, my all. It has been indeed a most glorious experi- ence I I have taken the privilege of describing my own experience first, feeling I could better tell you the rest after making this new confession to you. I know you will be interested. What I experienced has also been the experience of scores, very many in our own church, and many in all the churches he has laboured in so far; not only churches, but even communities. Talk about Revival: it wasn't as exciting as in Wales, but the change of life is just as intense and as real, I am sure. had the most wonderful time, perhaps. On Friday the meetings took a different course. The principal thought was that of the un- saved. Saturday afternoon there must must have been two hundred or more present. Again, in the evening, the church was crowded. Mr. Jones said he felt he had been led to suggest their going out in one body into the street and trv and gain drunkards. The most wonderful sight followed. About five hundred people started out at once, with- out any confusion, and marched in the middle of the streets, singing most gloriously. During our short but effec- tive service, three drunkards were picked up and brought back with us to the church. We were here until twenty minutes after ten-and before the meet- ing was over, these three publicly con- fessed Christ. It was a most wonderful sight. Something to remember a lifetime. God has certainly called this man. He is wonderful. People here were enraptured with him, actually lost in him. He is certainly one of the most Christ-like men God has as a servant. God is blessing his mission in all churches. There is a great transformation taking place in the lives of Christians. This epistle is dif- ferent to some I have written; but God has led me to write just this. When you come back, I shall be able to tell you more, and how I can understand you better than before." The reading of the letter, &c., made a deep impression, and all present spon- taneously broke out in a song of praise to God for what He had done through the instrumentality of His servant. The Rev. R. B. Jones, in rising to respond, said that on returning, and the moment he heard of the intention of friends to hold such a meeting, he felt inclined to put a stop to it. However, knowing as he did it was the spontaneous and genuine desire of his friends, not only to meet and show respect to him, but to make the occasion an opportunity to thank God and re-consecrate them- selves to His service, he acquiesced. If he had been used of God to help Chris- tians in America—ministers and mem- bers to live a holier and more Christ-like life-he was amply paid. What struck him most was the wonderful, yea, remark- able manifestations of the power of the grace of God through a very weak and humble instrument like himself. If they wanted evidence of miracles to-day, and miracles in the higher realm, well, they were to be had among the churches of Penna. He was, however, convinced that what he was privileged to witness throughout his American tour would have been impossible but for the large number of brethren on both sides who prayed for the mission. Therefore, he wished to give all the praise to God. After more prayer and praise, the meeting closed. The Rev. W. S. Jones preached at the evening service.

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Presentation to Mr. D. Vaughan, Ponty- gwaith. At Hermon Welsh Baptist Chapel, a very interesting meeting took place last week to present Mr. D. Vaughan with an illuminated address on the occasion of his leaving Pontygwaith for Abergwaun. The chair was occupied by the Rev. J. R. Jfniliips, A.T.S. (pastor). The Chairman, in the course of his opening remarks, referred to the loss they as a church would receive by the depar- ture of Mr. Vaughan from their midst. He regretted very much that an occasion had come to hold a farewell meeting for Mr. Vaughan. He (the speaker) could safely say that they were losing one oi the best members and officers of the church. He had found in Mr. Vaughan a person of the highest type, honest and upright, always endeavouring to do good to others, which should be the motto of every Christian. He would be sadly missed by a large section of the-church. He (the speaker) felt sure that there was no one in the church who would miss Mr. V aughan more than himself, as he had always found him a true friend. Messrs. J. Richards, Jacob Matthews, and W. J. Davies contributed musical items. The Party gave a rendering, under the conductorship of Mr. W. Owen. Poetical verses suitable for the occasion by Mr. Wm. George (Myfyr Dyfed) were read by Mr. Theo. Thomas. Some verses from the pen of Y Dryw were also read by the Chairman. Mrs. Jones (president), on behalf of the local branch of the South Wales Women's Temperance Association (Undeb Dirwestol Merched y De), presented Miss Nellie Vaughan (daughter of Mr. D. Vaughan) with a beautiful Bible. Mrs. Jones remarked that Miss Vaughan had been a very hard-working member and secretary of the local branch since its formation in Pontygwaith. She regretted very much having to part with such a noble young lady, one of the finest young women she had ever come across. She possessed many sterling qualities, and her depar- ture would be greatly felt by the U.D.M.D. Mrs. Jones, in the course of her remarks, urged the women present to join their Temperance Society, naiuely) the U.D.M.D., a Society which was doing grand work in various parts of the country. a Miss Maud Harris presented Miss o- Vaughan with a Bible, on behalf of the Sunday School Class. Mr. Theophilus Thomas (bookseller), on behalf of the Sunday School Class, pre" sented Mr. D. Vaughan with some boo&s- Mr. Thomas said that he felt sorrowiui at the thought of his friend's departure- He (the speaker) had had the privilege ot co-working with Mr. Vaughan as secre- tary and treasurer of the church. For a number of years they had held these offices, and in the transaction of the busi- ness and affairs of the church they had an opportunity of coming into a very close touch with one another, and by so doing they had been able to know one another better, and to find out the hidden qualities of each other. He could nevel speak too highly of Mr. Vaughan. Mr. Evan Edwards (deacon) desired to add a few words to those which had been spoken of his co-officer, Mr. Vaughan. (the speaker) could also bear out the kinjj words spoken. If anyone in the churcxi deserved a, presentation, surely it was Mr. Vaughan. They were doing honoui that evening to whom honour was due. Mr. David Lewis said he could endorse everything that had been said concerning Mr. Vaughan. He was a most faitliiu1' useful, ready and willing worker. never buried his talent, but made use ° it for the good of others. He always studied the interests of those around Ilial- Mr. Evan Rees, Treorchy, said it was a splendid way of treating good men, by presenting them. If anyone deserved a present from any class of people, surely it was the hard-working and faitlitul member. Mr. Vaughan had always been read" with his shoulder to the wheel in every good and noble cause. His light always shined before men, and he lived a good and noble life. Mr. William Evans, the oldest deacon of the church (father of Prof. J. T. Evaii^j M.A., Bangor Baptist College), presenter Mrs. Vaughan with a silver teapot. He (the speaker) desired Mrs. Vaughan to accept the gift as a small token of their respect and admiration of her many sterling qualities. He trusted that she would not look so much at the gift, bu^ at that which went with it—that whicn prompted it-the good feelings and well wishes of their numerous friends. Ij? felt confident that Mr. Vaughan would not be such an excellent man had it not been that he had such a fine partner by his side to urge him on. Much of the success that had followed Mr. Vaughan in his life was due to Mrs. Vaughan, who was a noble Christian woman, one who always held up the good cause, aJl trained her children in the right path f°j; noble service. They as a church had not yet realised the loss they would sustain by the departure of the family from their midst. It was not a case of losing one good member, but a whole family, every one of whom made themselves usefu1 members in various branches of church work. What would be their loss at Hel" mon, Pontygwaith, would be the gain at Hermon, Abergwaun. In concluding, .l^ wished Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan and family God-speed in their new home. The Rev. J. R. Phillips (pastor) then read the address, which was presented to Mr. Vaughan. In doing so, he referred to the very many excellent qualities oi the recipient. Whilst regretting his departure, he wished the family every success and happiness in their new home at Abenrwaun. Mr. Vaughan, in responding, desire" to thank all those present for their extreme kindness. He had not deserve the good gifts showered upon him an his family. He thanked those who ha spoken for their kind words concerning himself and the family. He did no deserve half that which had been Said about him, and would be only too please if he came up to half the standard. When leaving his home in Pembrokeshire .abott eighteen years ago, the advice of Ills father was, Bydd yn fachgen duwiol (" Be a godly man "). He had not for gotten his father's words, and had eJ1" deavoured to the best of his ability to carry them out in his daily life. He quite well that he had failed oftentIs to do what he desired. He knew his shortcomings and failings. He had many sweet memories of the happy times at Pontygwaith, and he would alway look back with pleasure at his friends in the place. The following is a copy of the address- ANEROHIAD Cyflwynedig i Mr. D. Vaughan Sali ddiaconiaid a chyfeillion Herwon, Pontygwaith. Aiiwyi Frawdj—Manteisiwn ar yr jad gylehiad gofidus hwn i amlygu em cynes a'n parch dwfn atoch, trwy I chwi y rhodd fechan hon. Fel aelo > cawsom chwi yn ddidderbyn-wyneb, roddgar, cyson mewn prolfes, gair gweithred, iiyddlon, ir ac aiddgar di burdeb a santeiddrwydd yr eglwys. diacon, ymddygasoch gan ystyried rwydd y swydd, ymlynasoch wrth ddeddl ty Dduw, a'ch ynigais diffuant oedd ca^ yr achos yn mlaen yn weddaidd ac trefn. Fel trysorydd, gwasanaethasoch » eglwys am dros dair blynedd a haiie^ Profasom chwi yn onest, gofalus, a chysV. Nis gall gair egluro eich gweithgarWC > a'oh ymdrech dwys o blaid y fi'ydd j gyda ni. Hefyd, bu eich priod allw,, a'ch merched yn ffyddlon a. gweithgar, yn deilwng o'ch safle fel swyddog. Teimlwn hiraeth dwys ar eich n Cyfiwynwn chwi fel teulu i ofal ac weiniad yr Arglwydd. i, —- Arwyddwyd dros y frawdoliaetfl • Parch. J. R. Phillips, A.T.S., gweinidtw Theophilus Thomas, ysgrifenydd; W"11 g Richards, trysorydd; William Thomas Perrott, W. J. Davies, D** Thomas, Evan Edwards, a Isaac Tho#1 diaconiaid.

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