The Barmouth and County Advertiser and District Weekly News

FAREWELL AND PRESENTATION MEETING of the Rev. W. GLANDWR-MORGAN. The farewell and presentation meet- ing of the Rev. W. Glandwr-Morgan i was held at the English Congregational Church on Tuesday evening last under the presidency of the Rev. Z. Matber. The Rev. W. Glandwr-Morgan closed a pastorate of nine and a half years at a Barmouth, and was leaving to take up the pastorate at Saltley Road, Birming- ham. The Chairman, in the course of his opening remarksi said the meeting that evening vividly recalled to him another meeting, namely, Mr Morgan's induction meeting held in that place nine years before which had vanished like a dream. They were sorry that Mr Morgan was leaving, but they bad to bear in mind that changes,separations and departures chiefly formed our life, and that without them life would be monotonous and hardly worth living. :He said that the Church bad had nine of the best years of Mr Morgan's life, and spoke highly of him as a preacher and worker. It was a mystery to him how, when he worked so hard as a pastor, how be bad been able to prepare so well for the pulpit Sunday after Sunday, and felt confident that he would have a happy andproper- ous time in his new sphere of work, and they had had an excellent worker in Mr Morgan, and he felt sure that her ser- vices would be highly appreciated by Saltley Road Church. The Chairman made a very touching reference to Miss Doris Morgan. He said she was an angel of suffering in the home, that suffering was the highest form of glory ■ and that she as a living Shekinah would continue to inspire and strengthen Mr Morgan for his work. In conclusion, be playfully remarked that the only advise be had to give to Mr Morgan was to re- tain and cultivate his sense of humour, which he would find of great help. The Rev. Gwynoro Davies who re- prespnted the Free Churches of Barmouth said he was not going to start his few remarks that evening without informing them that he bad nothing to say. In fact be had much to say, and his difficulty that night was what to leave out. He was exceedingly glad to be able to attend that meeting, although it was a farewell meeting. Inasmuch as they were doing honour not only to a fellow-worker but also to an intimate friend. He hardly knew where to begin or where to end. He was not going to speak of Mr Mor- gan's success as pastor of Jubilee Road Church. At the same time he could not close his eyes to the fact that Mr Mor- gan most successfully tackled a heavy burden of Chapel debt when be came here, and many a man would have quailed before such a task, and be left the Church in a most flourishing condi- tion. As far as he was aware be bad not been guilty of tresspassing on other property, but bad gone out into the highways and byeways and compelled men to come in." They told, him that all ministers were not honourable in that respect, and that their chief aim was not to convert sinners but to win adherents for other religious bodies. He wished to speak a few words of Mr Morgan in his connection with the min. isters' fraternal and also the Free Church Council. Ever since his (the speaker) advent to Barmouth had their been such a cordial and brotherly feeling among the ministers of the Free Churches resulting in a most cordial feeling, and co-operation among the members of the various churches. Mr Morgan did his part well to foster that feeling. His aim being at all times and under all circumstances to co-operate with them as ministers in every move- ment having for its object the coming of the Kingdom of Christ. In Mr Mor- I gan's departure he felt that he would loose a personal friend, and he should always miss his sunny and cheerful countenance. To his mind much of Mr Morgan's success as pastor arises from the fact that in addition to the usual College course he went through, be also bad graduated in three Universities, namely those of S. W., C. W, and N, W. Perhaps they bad never heard of those universities. Let him explain th n. Mr Morgan started in South Wales, ministered while in Central Wales, n od be bad been perfected in North Wa! S, so he went to Birmingham trebly equipped for the great work that WItS before him. Allow him to add that Mr Morgan bad been nobly assisted in nis work by bis able and talented wife. He could not have been able to accom- plished half the work he bad done]. kd it not been tor Mrs Morgan's help. In addition to the work she took in h -nd in connection with her own Church he threw herself heartily into social nod educational movements in the town. Her work in connection with the Snowdrop Bank was beyond praise, and as a mem- ber of the Visiting Committee of the Barmouth County School she was of estimable help—always present and al- ways faithful. In closing he wished Mr Morgan, Mrs Morgan and their dear Doris God speed. May heaven's bless- ing rest abundantly upon them and may their efforts in Birmingham on behalf of the Kingdom of Christ bare and a rich harvest. The Rev. S. T. Hughes, ChristChurcb, said he was glad to be present because there was a deeper bond between him and Mr Morgan than even the other ministers. They were the two English ministers in the town. Mr Morgan's character was trsnsparent. As min- isters, they loved him. Mr Glandwr Morgan had helped him in many ways. He was glad to visit their home when he came to Barmouth three years ago. Mr and Mrs Morgan bad told him when they were downhearted they went to Doris for comfort and Doris always cheered them. They did not make a Cross of Doris, but she was the Crown of their home. He heartily wished them God- speed in their new sphere. Mr D. C. Davies, town clerk, Llan- drindod Wells Urban Council, in the course of an excellent address, said — I am glad to be present to testify of my high regard for my old friend, the Rev. W. Glandwr-Morgan. And I am speak- ing, not only for myself, but on behalf of his many friends at Rhayader and in the valley of the Wye, where Mr Morgan laboured with much acceptance before coming to Barmouth. His departure from Rhayader was sincerely regretted for his tact, his sound common-sense, his kindness of heart and sympathy, his faithful pastoral work and his inspiring ministry were greatly appreciated, as was also Mrs Morgan's loyal co-opera- tion in all good works. Time has proved that Mr Morgan's removal to Barmouth was a call from the Head of the Church. The splendid work which has been done in the last 9! years, with the blessing of God, by this people under Mr Morgan's leadership, is known and appreciated far beyond the borders of Wales. The Rev. J. Williams-Davies, Arthog, spoke highly of Mr Morgan as a friend and a brother minister. Although he bad never heard him preach, but from what he had learnt from others he was an excellent preacher as well as a good pastor. Mr Morgan had assisted them greatly at Artbog in improving their village library. The Rev. P. H. Lewis said he was there that night not only on his own behalf but also as a representative of the two Welsh Congregational Churches atf Siloam and Cutiau. Mr. Morgan bad always co-operated heartily with his Welsh brethren during his years of labour in Barmouth-at all times ready to help at the various meetings, some- times at a very short notice. He con- veyed to the Church at Jubilee Road the sympathy of Siloam and Cutiau with them in the departure of their pastor. Personally, too, he deeply felt the loss he shall sustain in Mr Morgan's going away. He had always been a true and faithful friend to him (the speaker), eager to help in every way. Many a time he bad attended the morning ser- vice after his own, and found the whole service under the leadership of Mr Mor- gan both interesting and inspiring. He wished Mr Morgan and bis ioii, wife and little Doris God speed. May God I prospect him and his labours in Bir- mingham as he had in Barmoutb. They also pray that the Church be led by the Spirit of God to find a worthy successor to one who worked so well here for over nine years. The Chairman called upon Mr Eilis Evans, the senior deacon, to make the presentation, which consisted of a rug for Doris, a beautiful umbrella for Mrs Morgan, and a purse of gold for Mr Morgan. In a neat little speech Mr Ellis Evans said he felt the parting very much, because Mr Glandwr Morgan and be bad been such friends. They as a Church bad worked so harmoniously, they had been happy together, like a big family. The nine years and a half bad been a time of real and true work. He wished Mr and ikrs Morgan God speed in their new sphere. Mr J. E. Strongman (deacon) spoke on behalf of the Church members, said be came to Barmoutb a little over five years ago, and he could never forget the hearty welcome he had from Mr Morgan He always found Mr Morgan a friend and his interest in the young people was a very beautiful trait. He (Mr Strong- man) found that Mr Morgan had a mis- sionary heart, and was anxious that some of their young people should be- come missionaries, but war bad broken out and his young people had gone to the vyar and tried to speak of Christ to their fellow soldiers. They, as a Church, felt that Mr Glandwr Morgan's preaching had done them good. They felt that the suffering of his dear daughter bad materially helped his ministrations. Perfected through sufferings." Mr Strongman spoke with deep feeling as be tendered to Mr and Mrs Glandwr Morgan the true gratitude of the Church for a trup and faithful pastorate. The Rev. W. Glandwr Morgan, who was deeply moved when receiving the gifts from Mr Ellis Evans (senior deacon) said his heart was full because he knew the gifts meant Love. A man, as Dr. Stalker said, was known to kimself, his friends, his enemies, and his God. He knew himself and his friends knew him, but he felt his friends had spokon too highly of him. However, they could not speak too highly of his wife and daughter He heartily agreed with his dear old friend, Mr Ellis Evans. They bad worked harmoniously for nine years and five months because they desired to do the Master's will. The chairman (Rev. Z. Mather) bad been a great help to his ministry, and he had greatly profited by his advice. Mr Kershaw, secretary of the Church for eleven years, bad given him every possible support. MrKershaw gave of his abilities, and time to the Church ungrudgingly. Long may the Church tetain his services. All the mem- bers were his (Mr Morgan's)friends, and supported him in every effort to extend the cause of the Master, in and out of season. He was glad three who had signed his Call were present, viz.— Miss J. R. Adams, Mr Ellis Evans and Mr Kershaw. The Cause improved year after year, though changes were inevit- able in a place likeBarmout-,b,a,nd though many who bad joined the Church in his pastorate bad removed to other parts of country: he always found the members true and loyal. He wished them the highest and best prosperity in the great work of the Master. Mrs Glandwr Morgan, in a few choice words, said she was deeply sensible of all the love of the Church and town. The gifts spoke volumns, but she ha d always been grateful for the DAILY love and solicitude of the Church which was so dear to her. She was glad to know she bad been of service to the town. The friends bad spoken very kindly of her services to the town-Barmouth was very dear to her, and she could never forget the beautiful place and the many kind friends who gave her so much love. Letters were read from the Revs. D. Morgan Bruner (Towyn), E. J. Parry, E. Vaughan Humphreys, regretting their inability to be present. Mrs WIY. O'Neill presided at the argticu