Imagine London in the 1770s. Some Welsh people gathered in a room. This room was in Cock Lane, Smithfield. They wanted to attend services in their own language. Let’s explore the story of the Jewin Welsh Presbyterian Church.
The services were organized by Edward Jones and Griffith Jones. Jones was an ex-soldier. He was also a rum and brandy merchant. Jones manufactured ginger beer. They were an unlikely pair of founding fathers for the Jewin Welsh Presbyterian Church.
By 1785 the congregation had outgrown its home. It moved to a small chapel in Wilderness Row. This was near St John Street and Clerkenwell Road. Turbulent times followed at Wilderness Row. Edward Jones was a tyrant. He punished wayward chapel members. It took James Hughes to steady the ship.
In 1823 the congregation moved to grander premises. These were in Jewin Crescent. James Hughes led the church until his death in 1844. The Jewin Welsh Presbyterian Church flourished.
Gifted men took charge. They included Dr Owen Thomas and David Charles Davies. J E Davies also led. Membership boomed in the second half of the 19th century. Jewin became known as a powerful church. It was influential in the Calvinistic Methodist domain.
The congregation moved to a more impressive home in 1879. The new chapel was on the corner of Fann Street. It cost £10000. Sadly this building was destroyed in the Blitz in 1940.
The current Jewin Welsh Presbyterian Church opened in 1960. Rev D S Owen had the vision for this ambitious project. He served as minister from 1915 to 1959. Caroe and Partners designed the building. It features a Swedish-inspired modern architecture style. This style is sometimes called the New Humanism.
The Jewin Welsh Presbyterian Church faced challenges. The congregation dramatically fell in numbers. In 2013 BBC News presenter Huw Edwards stepped in. He led a campaign to save the church. He wanted to keep the traditions of the London Welsh community alive. Carwyn Jones also supported the campaign.
Today the Jewin Welsh Presbyterian Church holds two services every Sunday. It also has a Literary Society. The society meets on Tuesday nights from October to March. A prayer meeting takes place monthly.
Services follow a simple format. They begin with singing a short prayer. The preacher announces the first hymn. Then a reading occurs. The second hymn is followed by a prayer. Everyone sings the Lord’s Prayer. An elder announces news. A collection supports the church’s work. The third hymn is followed by a sermon. The service ends with a closing hymn and blessing.
Special services occur monthly. On the first Sunday members lead a themed service. This differs from the usual pattern. It includes short addresses and musical items.
The Jewin Welsh Presbyterian Church also holds special events. These include Cymanfa Ganu. This is a traditional hymn singing festival. Plygain is another event. It features special carols sung a cappella. Christmas services include lessons and carols. There is also a Christmas Communion Service.
The Jewin Welsh Presbyterian Church stands as a testament. It shows the enduring spirit of the London Welsh community. Its history is rich. It reflects faith and perseverance. From Cock Lane to the Barbican, its journey continues.