FEBRUARY 2021 e h t TMONTRHLY PUBLEICATIONA OF THE PSRESBYTEURIAN CHURRCH OF YWALES

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want A PRAYER A shepherd in Biblical times would lay down his life for his Father God we thank you that sheep, protecting them from STILL Jesus is our Good Shepherd danger and death. The and that our needs are shepherd would ensure that the completely taken care of. sheep were safe and well taken Help us to bring our hearts care of. David, the Psalmist, and minds to that place of knew this well having grown up WATERS nourishment. That place of as a shepherd. He would by Revd Bryn Williams quietness where the water is protect his sheep. How much more will God protect us? still and all is peace. Remind us Lord that You He maketh me to lie down in are in the business of green pastures: he leadeth restoring what is broken in us me beside the still waters and that by Your renewing, we are made new. Wherever we are, imagine the green pastures David is Guide us Lord to that place illustrating, imagine the still where we bring everything waters. Let’s allow our hearts to before you and let us know be as peaceful as this image. that we have nothing to fear, Invite Jesus into this space of because You are with us. quietness. Imagine Jesus gently With us in Your protection and placing us down in a good with us in Your leading. place, a place where the water Father as we face all manner is still, a place of peace. of evil, may we know Your all- These two images of green pastures and still waters offer us embracing love in protecting, both nourishment and healing and shielding us from peacefulness. We are led to a harm. safe place, where His gifts are And Lord, draw us closer in good. our hearts and minds to more of that knowledge of Your He restoreth my soul: he goodness and Your mercies leadeth me in the paths of and of Your home as our righteousness for his home. name’s sake We pray all these things in The Psalmist is very clear, that Jesus’ Name. AMEN. the Lord sees our soul, and that He is restoring all that is broken Cwm Lliedi Reservoir in early February in us. In reflecting on this verse This meditation by Revd Bryn we are reminded that in Jesus, Williams is on a similar theme to we are being renewed, made a series of Bible Studies being led on Zoom by Mrs Sarah new. And in leading us to a path and be reminded that we have His oil protects, heals, and Morris and the Women’s of righteousness, His truth nothing to fear, because He is shields us from harm. Our Department. It is their hope that becomes our identity. with us. We are not alone. His needs are met completely. you’ll be able to join their Zoom rod will defend us against all meetings. Yea, though I walk through the manner of attacks and His staff Surely goodness and mercy valley of the shadow of death, will guide and lead us to safety. shall follow me all the days Zoom links or phone number I will fear no evil: for thou of my life: and I will dwell and any other information can art with me; Thou preparest a table before in the house of the LORD be obtained from thy rod and thy staff they me in the presence of mine for ever [email protected] comfort me enemies: thou anointest my Tel: 07554005423 The Psalm closes with the fact head with oil; my cup The beauty here is that no that God’s goodness and mercy The studies will be held at runneth over matter where we find yourself in is with us, accompanying us 1.30pm on Wednesdays, life, even in our lowest of lows, Though enemies can surround home. It is His home that awaits February 17th, March 3rd,17th, we can bring everything to God us, we are safe at God’s table. us. Good news indeed. 31st. This time, the storming of the same door through which he had chapel, we lose something Not the Capitol seemed different. It been carried to be blessed. I special: certainly looked different. The often say that buildings are not images were broadcast across the most important part of our A little aside from the main the world: a confederate flag faith and that is true – after all, road, (anyone for slavery?) being we are discovering, however becalmed in a last-century Sunday paraded through the entrance painful a lesson it may be, during greyness, hall, someone taking the podium lockdown that we can just about there is the chapel, ugly, as a souvenir, police trying to manage without “going to without the appeal hold back the mob. Jake Angeli church” on a Sunday. “We are to the tourist to stop his car Sermon stood apart – wearing a horned the church” etc! And yet, and and visit it. The traffic goes by, helmet and with his painted face, yet… buildings still mean and the river goes by, and this bearded man looked more something, they draw us to quick shadows like Davy Crockett than a 21st- them, symbols of our faith, of clouds, too, and the chapel By Dr Mike Ward century conspiracy theorist. temples of the living flame of the settles Whilst he posed for the camera, Spirit that burns within each one a little deeper into the grass. “I, Joseph Robinette Biden dressed to impress, another of us. So yes, buildings do Junior, do solemnly swear…” My bearded man, Richard Barnett, matter. But here once on an evening one good ear was bent to the took selfies with his feet up on Jesus could not ignore the like this, radio listening to the Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s chair. temple. He had to be there. He in the darkness that was about inauguration of the 46th But of course the star of the said so himself when, as a 12- his hearers, a preacher caught President of the United States. show if you could call it that was year-old, he was found there by fire Well, it only happens every four the Capitol itself, a temple of his absent-minded parents three and burned steadily before years and for too many reasons democracy. A temple desecrated days after leaving Jerusalem for them to list, the last presidential live on television. the Passover. (Well, David with a strange light, so that inauguration was one I just had There was another temple Cameron left behind his 8-year- they saw to avoid, not that I was invited. once. It was in Jerusalem and it old daughter Nancy in a pub the splendour of the barren And as the words of the oath of too symbolised everything to the once. Easily done, like forgetting mountains office floated over a cold and people of the nation Israel. It was your smartphone.) But what did it about them and sang their socially distanced Capitol Hill in the citadel, the home of their stand for? Either at the amens Washington, it was a far cry from religion. True, it was not the beginning of his ministry or at its fiercely, narrow but saved the events we witnessed on same temple that Solomon had end – we cannot be sure of the in a way that men are not now. television at the beginning of built, but it was good enough. It timing – Jesus will indeed storm A young man entering a January. Actually, it was not so was more than simply good the temple, overturn the tables of Liverpool church asking to be much a far cry away as a gentle enough. It was a holy place. It the moneylenders, and attack married there was challenged by spoken word away – the only was a temple that people came the merchants doing their the priest. The priest knew the tuneless cry came from Lady from afar to worship in, to touch business. Perhaps the temple young man was not a Gaga belting out The Star- its stones. And there was had changed since Simeon’s day churchgoer. But the young man Spangled Banner , overdressed another bearded man here too, and the place that Jesus pointed to the walls and said: like Miss Piggy at the Oscars. old Simeon. But nobody noticed remembered as a teenager? Or “Remember these bricks are full As for those events that him. He was lost amongst the perhaps he just saw things more of the prayers of your people.” unfolded on 6th January… hustle and bustle of daily clearly now? What does the Bricks can be special. Treat Americans witnessed the bricks- worshippers and the grandeur of Temple stand for? them with reverence, with awe and-mortar heart of their the stones and artefacts that As a denomination, the next but more than anything with love constitution, the citadel under make up any place of worship, few years will be the most and affection . whose dome Abraham Lincoln large or small. He had not so challenging in our history. Some, And I remember our own dear had signed the Act of much stormed the temple, but he perhaps many, chapels will close Mr Thomas, not a poet but a Emancipation on New Year’s had crept in. Simeon did not their doors for the last time. man of God as Simeon was, Day 1863 – “ if my name ever carry a flag, but he was as true Chapels will be turned into elderly but with the fire still goes down in history, it’ll be for an Israelite patriot as any. He antiques warehouses or burning in his eyes, dear old Ron this act and my whole soul is in had prayed all his life for the expensive apartment Thomas of Moreton Church who it” – being stormed by a mob of Messiah that Israel had craved developments. And as they close died from Covid last month, just armed insurrectionists paying for over the centuries. So in a their doors, their photographs two months after reaching his little heed to the history or sense he too was a bearded and artefacts will find their way 100th birthday. He stormed our sacredness of the place they protester, only one who chose to to other chapels or to our temple too, on a weekly basis, were violating. As one political pray rather than shout. And his national archive in Aberystwyth. lately being driven there by his commentator noted, try to moment came with the arrival of But maybe along the way we will good friend Paula. The stones imagine how we would react if Jesus’ parents (Luke 2 vv 25- have lost something. Maybe we were special to him, you see – we witnessed an armed mob not 35). have left it too late to protest and as long as his health allowed only storming the gates of And we should remember this to storm the temple to defend him, he had to be there . And Westminster but marching into – Mary and Joseph did not bring our faith against the rising tide of perhaps somewhere in the the debating chamber of the baby to see Simeon. Oh, no: secularism? distant past of such a quiet but Parliament itself waving their they brought him to the temple . It deeply religious Welshman, Ron flags and sitting on the was the temple, not any one (Footnote: largest ever too was “saved in a way that Speaker’s chair… (Well, it did person, which was the most congregation at Hoylake men are not now”. Ron will storm happen once but that was almost important part of this story, as Church? The service of closure.) the temple in his quiet 400 years ago.) The last time the indeed it would be throughout unassuming way no more. But Capitol was taken over was by Jesus’ life. It is surely no Where will our Simeons go then the bricks of our church are full British troops in 1813, but they coincidence that on the last night to watch and pray - or the of his prayers. Some buildings politely left after two days for a of his ministry on earth, Jesus parents asking the minister, quite are sacred indeed. cup of tea, having discovered took his followers past the front reasonably enough, for their they could not burn down the door of the temple, the same child to “be christened”? Do not Revd Dr Mike Ward is minister of building because it was made of temple that Mary and Joseph mock them. R S Thomas knew Moreton Presbyterian Church, stone. had taken him as a baby, the that with the closure of any Wirral.

2 the TREASURY – FEBRUARY 2021 Hope for The Women’s Department the Church Come to the table The 6-part series is in Wales If I had had a pound every time based on I had shouted ‘Come to the Psalm 23, table’ I would be a very rich and it is our person!! Mealtimes in our hope to house have ranged from noisy spend time at family meals to quieter times of the table God fellowship with good friends. himself has Many meals are recorded in prepared for the Bible, from Abraham and his people in Sarah entertaining 3 visitors in his word, in Genesis with fresh bread and his company meat to Jesus preparing a and in breakfast of fish for his fellowship with each other. and if you’re not sure, why not disciples by the Sea of Galilea. Unfortunately, it can’t be a try one and see how it goes? Of course, alongside the real face-to-face feast – this will be You can get the Zoom links or meals in the Bible there are a series held on Zoom – but as phone number or any Kevin Adams many references to spiritual many have already information from me: food that gives eternal life. experienced, meeting on Zoom [email protected] can be a blessing and an The use of the word This is what is behind the 07554005423 “unprecedented” in recent title of the series of Bible encouragement. If you can’t The studies will be held at months has been, well, Studies that we are organising use Zoom, you can listen in on 1.30 pm on January 20, unprecedented! Governments, for our women beginning in the phone. So, we really hope February 3,17, March 3,17,31 organisations and businesses January, ‘Come to the table.’ that you’ll be able to join us, have been facing huge challenges, with everyday life so 1. God’s giving of his Son is an far from normal. Churches, too, (the?) expression of his love for have had to find new ways to the world. 2. The questions of worship together, to care for when and in what manner God each other and to share the sent his son come to the Good News in their LETTER forefront when the whole communities. passage is in view. 3. Finally, Through it all, we can find to the Editor this verse presents the “so comfort and hope in what” of Christmas – will you remembering that, while so believe and have eternal life or much else seems to be From: Moses Tutesigensi “We believe in God, the Father not believe and perish? Can a ‘different’, our Father God is Whitchurch, Cardiff Almighty, creator and ruler of all God whose arrival “veiled in unchanging. The God of love, things.” What else does that mean if not that our God is big, flesh” that has such a decisive holiness and salvation that we Our God is a great big God impact on the destiny of read of in the Bible, is still the strong, mighty and that he can humanity be rightly referred to same God today. The God who I hope in less than six-hundred do all that he wills and as “O little God of Bethlehem?” was worshipped during those words to give a response to pleases?! Finally, I would like to share great times of Welsh revival, is Revd Dr Mike Ward’s sermon, O Thirdly, when we fail to use all an anecdote. At theological still the same God we worship little God of Bethlehem , that the words that God gives us to college, every Tuesday was a today via our online services! was published in last month’s communicate a message then it sort of reckoning day for us. If you are in need of a issue of the Treasury . By the is inevitable that the message One of the students would reminder of how God has end of this sentence, I will have will become distorted. I agree deliver a sermon to the whole touched and changed his 545 words left, so, here we go! that the Christmas that the college community and then people’s lives in the past, look Firstly, the reason I have politicians attempted to save later the students would critique no further than this video that constrained myself to so many had more to do with mammon words is because the sermon than the incarnate Lord, the sermon under the guidance Kevin Adams recorded for of one of the lecturers. The EQUIP 20 . Kevin explores the finishes with a word count - who however, distilling Christmas would have known that the sale into those five words purpose of this exercise was not subject of “Hope for the of cabbages is covered by such understates the drama of only that we should learn to church in Wales” and how we preach appropriately to the should use church history to a wordy regulation?! Brevity is redemption that is encapsulated congregation in front of us but give us hope for today. an admirable quality but, surely, in the birth, life, death and also that we, the preachers, “We don’t want to stay in the not at the expense of complete ascension of Christ. “God so would learn to be hearers of past - we want to live for today.” sentences. In the ESV the loved the world,” is a good start. sentence that is John 3:16 But why not state the whole sermons. One of the things that the lecturers would constantly Kevin Adams was born in comprises 24 words and only story? Indeed, the quotation drill into us was that we were to Llanelli and worked as Pastor quoting 5 of those words fails to itself begs to be finished critique the sermon and not the for eighteen years at fully communicate the sublime because it is a supplementary sermon giver. I am submitting Ammanford Evangelical Church. truth of the text. part of the sentence. On its own this short response not as a He became the Senior Pastor of Secondly, the “playground it does not make sense. Let us critique of the person who gave East Baptist Church in view of God” that the sermon look at the whole passage: it but as a comment on some Massachusetts, USA, in condemns happens to be “God so loved the world, that he issues arising from the sermon. October 2004. simplistic but, nonetheless, in gave his only Son, that whoever accordance with Christian believes in him should not In the end, I believe that God www.walesleadership theology as confessed by the perish but have eternal life.” can use both the sermon and forum.org.uk Presbyterian Church of Wales. Think about these three things: this critique for good purposes.

the TREASURY – FEBRUARY 2021 3 of testimony and not an exercise lifted the cloud from off my in self-pity! Well, God comes head. I wanted to read His into it in a number of ways. In Word, to pray, to enjoy A Word of the first place, when I was at my fellowship with fellow believers lowest, Christian friends were and to preach again. I wanted to praying regularly for me. At the go on holiday and to welcome same time He did not cast me visitors here. I enjoyed the Testimony away on account of my wonder and beauty of God’s backsliding. He still loved me creation. Truly, God had with an everlasting love. He was answered my prayers and those David Boorman was a former teaching me lessons which only of dear Christian friends. God Academic Secretary and became clear after my recovery, promised His people through sometime Bursar of Swansea especially the importance of the prophet Joel that “I will University. He was also an maintaining communion with repay you for the years the elder at Tabernacle, Him both in cloud and sunshine. locusts have eaten” (Joel 2 Penclawdd for over twenty And then there was the v.25). For four years the locusts years. His death on 7th medication. It was very slow to nibbled at me but they will not January is another amongst “kick in” but imperceptibly it did for any longer. I pray that God the 113,000 nationwide that begin to have some effect. God will do for me what He did in the have been the result of is the Creator, and Man (I use days of Joel. When I was a pupil Coronavirus. In this sadness, the word in a generic sense), as at Woking Grammar School in the knowledge of his God’s image bearer, has the the 1940s we always sung at wonderful conversion as a ability to create. Some compose the final assembly of the school student at Cardiff brings us musical masterpieces, others year the hymn:” Lord, dismiss light and hope. It was at a CU paint breathtaking paintings, us with Thy blessing” (not, I Freshers’ Squash in 1951 that others write superb literature – regret to say, the lovely hymn by he had only decided to attend and yet others push back the John Fawcett which is to be because of the free tea on boundaries of medical research found in Christian Hymns but offer, that he heard Freddie and come up, for example, with one from a collection of hymns Crittendon speak on the drugs which I was prepared for Rugby School!). As Revelation 3: 20. hH gave his treat me for depression. Subsequently, I was referred to prescribed. Again, others work you can imagine, we sang it life to Christ and immediately in the field of technology - and wholeheartedly, quite unlike the confirmed his commitment by a psychiatric consultant. At my first meting I thought that I could so someone at Amazon com. way in which we sang “Lord, attending the early morning and one of its subsidiaries came behold us with Thy blessing” at CU prayer meeting the next outwit her and give the impression that I was not as ill up with the Kindle! On my 80th the beginning of the school day. He soon followed this by birthday, three years into my year. In the first of these two baptism at Ararat Baptist as I really was. In fact, she was more than a match for me – a depression, my wife gave me a hymns are the following words: Church, when he especially Kindle – and I began to read wanted to sing, ‘O happy day, fact for which I came to thank “Time that’s lost may all God as she was able to help me again. I wish I could say that I that fixed my choice on Thee downloaded Christian books but retrieve” my Saviour and my God’. in various ways. The next four years were a time of great trial that would be untrue. I read It is my prayer that in the days Years later, David’s faith Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, that are left to me I may, with was to be tested by difficulty, for Jennifer as she had to endure my failure to respond to Wilkie Collins, William God’s help, do just that, bereavement and depression. Thackeray, Anthony Trollope, “redeeming the time, because He wrote about it all, giving help. I would promise to make an effort, only to find that my Conan Doyle, John Galsworthy the days are evil” (Ephesians 5 God the glory and praise for – and, for good measure, v.16). bringing him through that and promise was like “a morning cloud and, like the early dew” it detective stories by P.D.James he called what he wrote ‘A and Ruth Rendall. But at least I (This was written in the summer Word of Testimony’. went away. To Jennifer’s sorrow but, sadly, not to mine, holidays was reading. Eventually I began of 2014. We thank God that He to read the Bible, to pray and to both heard and answered In February 2010 Jennifer (my to Canada to see her sister and go to church again. Like David, David’s prayer). wife) and I had a very enjoyable to the Norwegian fjords were cancelled. I had no wish to go albeit in a very different holiday in India. I returned home situation, thanking God that He has given out or to receive visitors. I would us “all things richly to enjoy”. A go to bed before 7pm and not “In my distress I called upon few weeks later I had the get up until about 9am the next the Lord, and cried out to my privilege of preaching at day. I could not concentrate on God; Tabernacle, Penclawdd, on reading. I was anxious and He heard my voice from His Palm Sunday evening. Little did agitated. I would not accept temple, and my cry entered I know that that was the last help. The consultant psychiatrist His ears” occasion on which I would tried to get me involved in group (2 Samuel 22 v.7) preach for about three and a therapy but I refused. I was half years. anxious and agitated. If Jennifer If recovery was slow, On the following Thursday I went out I wanted to know when nevertheless it had begun but, went shopping in Tesco Marina. she would return and frequently although it was seen by others, When I came to drive home I phoned her to find out how it was not seen by me. I was The Treasury will encouraged by the friends at was overcome with anxiety and much longer she would be. My continue to be reading of the Scriptures and Ebenezer, Oldwalls to resume only got back home with published online difficulty. I saw my GP that my praying were infrequent and preaching occasionally. On one afternoon and was prescribed for months on end I did not go such occasion I became ill in the only until further appropriate medication. Three to God’s house on the Lord’s middle of my sermon, doubtless notice. days later I did not want to get Day. Such was my condition for due to anxiety. But then about The next issue will two months ago, almost out of bed. Another visit was a considerable time. appear on 7th March paid to my GP who began to How then does God come overnight, I awoke one morning into this? After all. this is a word with the conviction that God had

4 the TREASURY – FEBRUARY 2021 Loving and supporting Fairtrade Fortnight our schools is upcoming If the coronavirus pandemic has campaign encouraging us to (22nd February - 7th March) taught us anything, it’s made us pray for our schools. The Pray realize the importance of for Schools movement aims to Join the live Fairtrade quiz ! schools, and everyone involved make every school a prayed-for in the work of schools, be they school. And we are all invited to What’s happening: We’re bringing our whole teachers, teaching assistants, add our prayers to those of Fairtrade community together for an extra administrative and kitchen staff others. By following the link: special quiz night. Join us for a fun evening or caretakers. It has also filled with all sorts of general knowledge https://www.prayfor underlined the vital role our questions and even schools.org/loveourschools/ schools play, not only in a special guest appearance . you’ll reach the website which educating our children, but also Date and time: 5th March at 7:30pm providing them with company, a offers information and resources social life and care. to help in your prayers. The Further details: faitrade.org.uk resources are also available in DO YOU AGREE? Welsh. If so, then you’re being called to love our schools, and to show Let’s love our schools – that love by taking part in a by praying regularly for them.

Coming Soon from the Women’s Sub-Committee Another Lockdown Publication: Theme Resource Book I am the Good Shepherd

Many of you will have used our knew, and we trust that under ‘The Monster Outside’ Theme books over recent years, his blessing this theme book will One of our readers has published a story in verse that begins ‘A and know how help us to turn to Monster has come to visit out town…’ and how children and valuable they him, to follow him grown-ups ‘deal with a monster we can’t even see.’ Available are. Full of and to experience articles and his love and care. through Waterstones, Amazon and directly from the author, profits ideas to We have from the sale of this colourful children’s title are being donated to encourage us included Bible charity. Its theme resonates with Mental Health week which took in our faith and studies, a place earlier this month. walk with God, complete they are written Service, especially for testimonies, the women of service outlines our churches by as well as up- Carys and dates on our Sarah, the Mission Dorcas workers. projects and We are so ideas for craft. excited to let you You can know that this place orders Resource book for copies with will be in our Eirian Roberts, Bala office by hands soon – after the phone or email: disappointment of not being Eirian (01678) 520065 able to complete it and get it to [email protected] print last year due to Covid 19 If you email an order please restrictions. include: Our theme is the verse from Name, address with postcode, John 10:11 ‘I am the Good how many copies, name of your Shepherd. The Good Shepherd Presbytery. lays down his life for the sheep.’ Little did we know when we Copies are offered free of chose this verse to be our charge but gifts are welcome. If theme how we would need you order a copy for yourself shepherding during 2020 and why not consider ordering a 2021. But, our heavenly Father second copy for a friend?

the TREASURY – FEBRUARY 2021 5 found to have been an informer, a collaborator with the state. So what are we to make of this journey to Buchenweld ? I Jedem Das Saine think perhaps this. That it stands as a reminder of the complicated and fallen nature that we have to live with and alongside. The same people who love freedom can stand by What do you and allow slavery. That those who create beauty can use the same words to enforce cruelty and, that those words can think? themselves be fired back at the accuser. That the prisoner can willingly become the informer. And what can we say to that? Saying ‘to each his own’ is no good. Allowing each to do as he sees fit, ends up with the strong oppressing the weak, as we saw in Buchenweld . We want to see justice for cruelty, oppression and treachery. But equall y who wants to be the judge and say by Jonathan Hodgins Amazing isn’t it? The Nazi SS, communist. He came to the ‘to each as he deserves?’ I n all famed for burning books in attention of the Nazi authoriites of its paradoxes Buchenweld To each his own. How many Berlin in 1933, wanted to leave because of his links to the shows us just how confused we times have you said that a tribute to a great man of Bauhaus movement. Bauhaus are as people. Was Ehrlich a phrase? You see a man walking literature even as they uprooted was a modernist design school, saint or sinner? Was the down the street wearing everything else to build a a sort of precursor to IKEA, lumberjack who cleared the enormous purple pantaloons. concentration camp. which was committed to beech forest? How about the You smile at your friend and The strange ironies don’t end minimalist, practical principles of builder who assembled the whisper ‘oh well, to each his there. Buchenweld was built in design. They had no time for the huts? When Eisenhower visited own!’ Or past a woman with the Weimar region of Germany. design principles of the Nazis the site he demanded the piercings rattling in her ears. ‘To Weimar remains famous for its who loved Gothic type and Neo- people of Weimar be brought to each his own’ you think. It’s a doomed experiment in liberal Classical architecture and so see what had been done in their commonplace attitude in the democracy. In the aftermath of were deemed enemies of the name. What should have tolerant society we are trying to the First World War, Weimar people. Nonetheless the SS happened to them? Each to his foster. But in Germany the welcomed what Volker asked Ehrlich to design the own or each as he deserves? phrase is rarely used, and when Weidermann calls the typeface for the gates and didn’t To each as he deserves. Not it is it inevitably creates ‘dreamers’ to establish an seem to notice (or perhaps so with God’s grace. Into our controversy. That’s because in alternative to militarism and care) that the typeface was complicated world comes God German the phrase is Jedem imperialism. classically Bauhaus. MacGregor with a simple gift. His Grace Das Seine and it is inextricably A Free State of Bavaria was says that Ehrlich: given to all who ask, linked to the gates of established around which the “Specifically chose for his undeserved. And once received Buchenweld Concentration “luminaries of German cultural design this really artistic, it is a powerful antidote to the camp. history gathered”. And yet in beautiful, almost dancing front, selfishness and brutality that Once we hear the words that same region, less than with strong Bauhaus influences, can be found in the human concentration camp we twenty years later a which was in the Nazi view, heart. One of the inmates at immediately put that in the box concentration camp was built by degenerate art - the kind of stuff Buchenweld was a minister in our mind labelled some of the very same people. they’d just been banning. So in called Paul Schneider. He ‘irredeemably evil’ and of course And what of those gates? The a sense Ehrlich putting it in the famously spoke out against it is. But the one time Director of words Jedem Das Seine are typeface was saying: “ Actually professing German christians the British Museum, Neil famous in Germany for a piece there is another Germany, there who has swapped the gospel for MacGregor has written a by J S Bach, another luminary is another tradition: we will German nationalism. Inevitably fascinating article about the of German culture. The Nazis persist, our spirit lives on.” he was arrested and brutally gates at Buchenweld that took the phrase and took it to Which sounds wonderful but abused. He died at the hands of reveals how confused and mean ‘to each as he deserves’. how about this? Ehrlich survived a guard named Martin Sommer. conflicted humanity is. It was a statement to those the camp. When the country Sommer was notorious for his Take for example the name imprisoned that they had what separated into East and West treatment of Christians having Buchenwel d. It is named after was coming to them, and that Ehrlich was happy to find previously beaten a Catholic the site where it was built, the Nazis were entitled to treat himself on the communist side priest to death and crucifying buchen weld – beech forest. them as they deserved. It was and continued to work as an two others. Immediately we imagine a important that everybody architect for the regime. What In 1958 he was tried for war German idyll dug up to make understood this and so the do we make of a man who, crimes and sent to prison. way for a site of unimaginable Nazis took one of the inmates (a imprisoned by one totalitarian Unable to care for himself, in his horror. But not every tree was craftsman called Franz Ehrlich) regime went on to serve old age he was nursed. But by removed. One oak tree named and had him design them. another? Perhaps we say, he whom? Who would show grace Goethe’s Oak was left as a We ’re used to the ironies of had no choice, a man has to and kindness to this monster? tribute to the great German poet Buchenweld now, so here is work. But when the Stasi files Who would give the ‘Hangman and statesman, Johann Goethe another. Ehrlich was in were opened in the 1990s of Buchenweld’ what he didn’t who had lived near the site. Buchenweld because he was a Erhlich (who died in 1984) was deserve? Who do you think?

6 the TREASURY – FEBRUARY 2021 PART ONE She was spoken of when she ran her father’s home as one ‘As Welsh people we are A love story remarkably kind to the poor and under a great debt to this compassionate to the needy. woman, and we can never She believed that those who were merciful to the poor would put a price on her service with a not be in need while on earth, nor measure the work she and her beliefs were revealed in did in being an instrument this more than once. to give ‘the People’s difference It so happened during her time at home that there was a Preacher’ to the people ... In year of scarcity, and necessity her self denial, Wales heard Celebrating a wonderful Welsh woman drove scores of the poor to go a message from Heaven – from house to house to beg, her efforts facilitated the – wife of a Prince of Preachers and each one took care to call way for Wales to be at every farmhouse, since they thought it would be easier to get drenched by the irresistible FANNY JONES TALSARN (1805-77) a bit of food there. Although eloquence of the ‘hero from crowds called at Taldrwst, Talysarn’. Virtuous Wife of Valiant Preacher Fanny Edwards could not refuse to give alms to any of them. She Biographies of women are not Extracts from Cofiant Mrs Fanny Jones, Gweddw y Diweddar knew that ‘the God of common in Wales, however Barch. J. Jones, Talysarn by O. Llew. Owain of Talysarn. Providence’ above saw all her much many deserve it. Translated by Marian G. Clifford (née Edwards) kindnesses and that she Undoubtedly that is a loss to the through these kind deeds was country; it is a priceless service years and Fanny Jones loved to spend the Sabbath with her. working according to the to commemorate those who are speak often of her mother, and Miss Roberts married Mr Owen Commandments. She had a worthy. the longing (hiraethus) Roberts, Dinas, near religious upbringing, and without Although I have had some memories were intensely felt. Caernarfon, but their friendship realising it, her love for her information here and there, it is She admired her mother’s piety did not cease while they lived. Saviour grew intensely, and that to my mother that I am indebted and remembered the sad In addition to her school, she love was rooted through every for her story in its wide extent, moments when she died - so had another important part of her life, until it flowered in since she was born and bred in peacefully and without struggle, advantage through the woman beauty and fragrance. She used this area, therefore had calling her children together to with whom she lodged, Sussi to say that she did not know of knowledge of Mrs Jones’s kiss them and exhort them to Roberts. She was industrious, any time in her life that she did movements and her private life. godly living. noted for her cleanliness, not love Jesus Christ. In From my mother’s By this time we see young orderliness and economical addition to the religious home reminiscences, I could have Fanny bereft of her mother at ways, and was very wise and she had, her religious leanings written a volume about her twice the time of her awakening - that provident. She taught Fanny were nurtured from within; she the size, and if any letter of time which is so full of life and Jones how to behave properly possessed circumstances which praise comes from the work, vivacity - a restless time and modestly, and she gave every advantage to show she has the first claim to it. common in young people. Here responded to the instruction. the love that was in her heart she was in this situation without Since she was naturally ladylike, and to warm the flame which Birth and early years home guidance at the most and as was noticed earlier, was burning and growing Frances Edwards, or rather as important time of her life, the quick to learn, she soon gradually. She appreciated she was more commonly period of awakening to self- became quite polished and an these advantages and said known, Fanny Edwards, was a knowledge. The young girl is adornment to the circle she toward the end of her life that daughter of Thomas and Anne face to face with the world, and served. these very circumstances were Edwards. She was born at Cefn- the world is dangerous for her, After returning from school, of enormous advantage to her faes, Ffestiniog, in May 1805. ... having lost the one who would she was given the total care of in increasing her devotion. From Cefn-faes, the family have guided her. But we shall her father’s home, and she One of the people who were a moved to Llanllyfni (to see the effect this had on the life played her part to great help to Fanny Edwards in Llwydcoed farm). They moved of Fanny Edwards. satisfaction. She showed nourishing this reverence for from there to a farm called When she came to a suitable providence in her care of her religious things was Ann Parry, Taldrwst. Thomas Edwards was age, she was sent to school at father’s possessions and Ty-Capel, Llanllyfni. She was an looked upon as a cultured man Caernarfon, and during this circumstances at this time of his especially godly old woman - of a cultivated mind who was time, her circle of acquaintance life. Thrift was instinctive in her her godliness made her well- very knowledgeable with regard widened. She tended to be character. It was not for show. known and famous among the to slate quarries. He was among friendly and affectionate - This element or feature ministers of Wales. This elderly the first in Dyffryn Nantlle to naturally therefore, she was a remained prominent all her life. sister kept the chapel house at hold the office of overseer. He character who drew people to Providence and thrift were her Llanllyfni for fifty years and there was a very zealous Methodist, her. She had a good education chief characteristics but they did are many interesting stories ... taking a great interest in the in Caernarfon, and since she not develop into stinginess or about her. She prayed much, cause in Talysarn. learned quickly, she benefitted miserliness. She controlled and there are facts to prove that [Fanny’s] mother, Ann greatly - more possibly than them to be beautiful and some ministers had powerful Edwards, is portrayed as a others who didn’t have such a acceptable virtues in her meetings at the very moments woman of strong common keen mind. While on this course character, since she showed so when she prayed for them, that sense ... and of strong religious of instruction she came into much compassion towards God would own their message. convictions. She possessed an contact with several important those in needy circumstances. In the old days, preachers exceptional and melodious people in society, and the She used them to her praise in would travel on horseback, and singing voice, and since it was association with some lasted to her youth, in her family every one who passed through so penetrating, it could be heard the end of her life. One of her responsibilities and in her old Llanllyfni would be sure to call throughout the whole chapel. best friends was Miss Roberts, age. Her life was leavened with on Ann Parry for some Ann Edwards died in March Castell, Bangor, and she them to be of service, and refreshments. Many men of 1816 at the early age of 35 frequently went to her home to widened her popularity. continued on next page

the TREASURY – FEBRUARY 2021 7 continued from page 7 other was thinking - they didn’t Edwards, Taldrwst, a respected comfort of their lives,... have an opportunity to make farmer and overseer in Cloddfa’r In the story of the two we see reputation and influence would known the fervency of their Lôn Quarry.” “Well,” he replied, an intellectual mystery coming come to Llanllyfni to preach at hearts to each other - they didn’t “she’s a very lively girl.” That to light - the association of this time and everyone knew it converse in such a way as to was all he said that night. minds or the influence of was the old lady who convey their thoughts and Somehow he had felt thoughts on each other. Each succeeded in getting them since wishes to each other. What inadequate in her company one worked unknowingly on the she used to keep a journal. This therefore caused these stirrings during the conversation at Ty thoughts of the other. Fanny was the environment which in the hearts of each, one for Capel, and he noticed her again Edwards thought about John influenced Fanny Edwards - it the other? We have to conclude at his lodging, i.e. in the home Jones whether in her sight or was under the mantle of this old that Heaven was intervening to of his cousin, the wife of Mr out of her sight, before ever sister that she was brought up, lead them to each other, and the Griffith Williams, overseer of the speaking a word to him, and and who gave her guidance. value that one was to the other Talysarn Quarry, and Mr John Jones thought about Fanny herself promised that in their lives confirms this idea. Williams understood at once Fanny Edwards before he ever she had listened to her advice It was the choice of God to care that Fanny had won his heart. spoke a word to her. Indeed we and that it would be a help to for one of the ‘strong of Wales’ He said, “She’ll make you a could say that there was some her all her life. Other and to prepare him for the good wife, John Jones,” leading from above in guiding circumstances which left their service of his country, and as appealing to a stranger who them towards one another - mark on her whole life were the Ioan Eifion said with great was in the house who knew touching their thoughts until it presence and victory of the old vivacity in a ‘cywydd’ (alliterative Fanny well, for a confirmation of produced feelings that inclined godly people in the religious poem) about the subject: his observation. He confirmed it them towards each other. It was meetings, and the words of with the sentence, “She’ll make said - indeed Fanny Jones Fanny Jones toward the end of John Jones oedd long – oedd a very excellent one for him.” herself told the story - an her life were: “I would never tire long lawn After this conversation the amazing little tale about her of the godly old people jumping O ddoniau’r Nefoedd uniawn. matter was left alone, and they before she ever saw John up and rejoicing in Llanllyfni, Fanny dda a’I llywiai’n llon, continued with other ordinary Jones. Her father and step- when they were on fire, praising Hwylus, rhag creig gofalon. things, but as Emerson said - mother were in Caernarfon at God, and the influence that was Duw a’i rhodd – gododd o gant “All mankind loves a lover.” So it the time of the 1822 Session [of in their lives at that time has Ar gyfer y gwr gwiwfant. was with John Jones, and he the Calvinistic Methodists], and stayed with me all my life.” She went to the stranger who was at after coming home, they told of John Jones was a ship – a ship was drawn like that to strong his lodgings the following day, a strange man of a preacher, a full spiritual characters - Welsh revealing to him the tumult in his modest young man who was Of Heaven’s upright gifts; characters, old-fashioned, bosom, how the girl had won his having tea at the same time as Good Fanny merrily steering, sincere, until she increased in heart. them, and they described him Sailing along in spite of rocks of the virtues they had. At the end of the second as one full of virtues, and the care; singing meeting, John Jones most pleasant that they had God gave her - raised her up went to Fanny Edwards with the ever had in their company. As Courtship and Marriage out of a hundred purpose of escorting her a little she heard this story told, [After John Jones’s arrival in For the sake of the worthy man. Talysarn, he established singing way in the direction of her something struck Fanny’s mind meetings]. Among the young More than once John Jones home, and before leaving, put a (though she hadn’t seen him) people who gathered like this himself found his eyes drawn letter into her hand. Fanny that he would be her husband. was a bright young girl, lively toward the young girl without Edwards went home, and going From that moment, she couldn’t and pretty - therefore special, a knowing it; Fanny Edwards from straightaway to her bedroom get rid of that idea - it followed young girl who drew everyone’s the other side was fixing her opened the letter, asked for her everywhere. attention with her beauty and eyes on him in amazement. In guidance from Heaven in the Soon after this, Fanny cheerfulness...This girl drew the this unwitting meeting of eyes, circumstances and placed Edwards heard of the young attention of John Jones and his each one awoke as from a herself in the Lord’s hands. man’s coming to Llanllyfni to love began to stir when he saw dream, and in a twinkling turned John Jones went there for her preach, and she made a her; and if heaven leads in life their eyes in another direction. answer at mid-day the next day, decision to go to hear him and or provides in marriage, these This eye contact happened and although Fanny Edwards see him. Unfortunately, she circumstances worked for this. A often, and it is odd that both fell was certain of her own feelings, failed to fulfil her household secret inner turbulence came to into the same mistake as the she couldn’t give an answer duties in time to go to the the bosom of Fanny Edwards - other, without ever saying a until she had spoken with her chapel punctually, and she had she couldn’t describe it - she word to each other, yet father, so he had to come away to be satisfied to hear a little of didn’t know what it was. She something spoke in each heart a little stunned. In the him from the door; although she hadn’t spoken to the young that there was some strange meantime, he went to see Dr didn’t see the preacher, there stranger, and yet there was meeting together of the two Griffith Roberts, bone doctor, was something in his voice that something wonderful and hearts. Fanny had stolen John Llanllyfni (the stranger) and touched her heartstrings a little, mysterious between them - Jones’s heart and John Jones asked him to say a word on his and for the life of her she something she could neither had stolen Fanny’s heart. These behalf to Thomas Edwards, and couldn’t stop thinking that he describe nor explain. At the strange feelings increased in also to ask Fanny Edwards for a would be her husband. same time there was a stirring in the heart of John Jones and the definite answer to his letter... We see through this that the heart of the young man, spark began to be a burning Not knowing what her feelings Providence was working in the though he looked calm and flame - burning so much that he were, the obliging man went, background and working for her unmoved, so unperturbed that himself took note of the young quite anxiously, because he did good in preparing the two hearts no one knew from him outwardly girl one night in the chapel not in the least understand how for each other. From the that he had noticed anyone house, and the fact that John she felt, and conveyed to her viewpoint of Heaven, Fanny more than anyone else in the Jones - quiet, deep and serious the request of John Jones; and Edwards was the ‘perfect singing meetings; yet, - noticed [her] gave him strong in spite of her great surprise, helpmeet’, the most suitable something spoke inside him, proof that she had totally won Fanny was totally ready and ripe from all aspects to help John and his thoughts always ran to his heart. He asked the family for the question, answering in Jones to prepare himself to be the bright and beautiful one at who kept Ty Capel (the chapel the affirmative without God’s messenger, and to deliver the singing meeting. house), “Who was that young hesitation. In this reply the two with irresistible strength the What could explain the girl?” “Oh!” they said, “Fanny felt that they had had in the great message entrusted to him mystery? Neither knew what the Edwards, daughter of Thomas agreement a basis for the from Heaven.

8 the TREASURY – FEBRUARY 2021 Genome Project shares his view that God can be GOLFTYN FROM worshipped in a laboratory as well as a cathedral. The God of the Bible is also the God of the genome. THE CHURCHES Unable to meet in person, but through the blessings of Zoom, 19 participants from the length and breadth of the Mid-Wales MID WALES & BORDER the Bible through, I have often and Border Presbytery have struggled to gain a clear grasp gathered ‘virtually’ to enjoy this PRESBYTERY of the overall structure. It is excellent and informative My experiences of ‘The Bible amazing to think that it consists course every Thursday Course’ by Andrew Ollerton of a collection of books written afternoon. It has been a I often feel inadequate when over a period of 1,500 years in worthwhile opportunity to make challenged about my faith, but three different languages by new contacts and learn from this course gave me a new various authors with vastly each other. Revd Monica found confidence from the different backgrounds. This O’Dea, supported by four others outset as we were reminded of course helps us to appreciate who take turns to lead, has the words of Charles Spurgeon, the harmony and continuity from successfully adapted the course “Scripture is like a lion. the beginning in Genesis to the into a series of one-hour Whoever heard of defending a final Book of Revelation. We sessions to suit this new online lion? Just turn it loose and it will discover prophesies fulfilled and format. Traditionally, as with its defend itself.” read of Jesus endorsing the forerunner The Alpha course, It was very encouraging to Holy Scriptures with the words, the participants would hold Mrs Phyllis Lewis learn that the Bible remains the “It is written…” longer meetings during which celebrated her 100th World’s most popular book with Addressing a pertinent refreshments are shared. birthday on Monday 8th over 400 million copies sold or question often asked in our As I am approaching the half- February, two days after the distributed each year, in modern society, “Is Genesis way stage of the course, I look Queen marked her 70th year addition to millions of compatible with modern forward to the teaching, as Monarch. Still very much downloads. science?” Francis Collins, discussion time and personal a central figure amongst the Despite already having read former head of the Human reflection opportunities to come. close-knit congregation at Some of our group are retired Golftyn, Phyllis still serves while others are still in LONDON ROAD, NEATH employment. Whatever your the church as one of its age, circumstances or level of elders. She recalls her One of the elders, Mr Frank Phillips has set up a new web site. knowledge, I would recommend family beginning to attend It contains an interesting account of the beginnings of the this course to you with its clear the chapel in Golftyn when church in 1880 when five families left the Welsh chapel at and engaging resources. There she was five years of age. Bethlehem Green, and details of the present building that is always something new to opened in 1904 with its notable Norman and Beard organ. With her late husband, Ted, discover or a fresh Recent ministers of the church have included Revd W H Steed she has been involved in all understanding to be gained, and Revd Emlyn Jones. Despite many other changes in and the weekly activities over even in the most familiar around the church over the years, the Royal Mail box on the the years. Her lifelong passage. corner still stands, and remains in use. See: home, Beckwith House is londonroadpresbyterianchurchneath.co.uk virtually opposite St Mark's Ann Dackevych, Tabernacle Chapel, Arddleen Church in Wales where the Golftyn congregation now For further details, please meet since the decision was contact made two years ago to sell [email protected] the chapel building. As her minister, Revd Jonathan The course is based on eight Hodgins observed in video clips, and individual speaking of her milestone workbooks, which are available birthday, 'Mrs Lewis' 100th in Welsh and English. has given all of us If you would like support to run something to celebrate after this course in your church, or if you would like to join an a long and trying year. Her ongoing group, contact favourite hymn, 'Great is [email protected] Thy faithfulness' is an ideal one for celebrating God's Also see The Bible Society goodness to Phyllis for over Bible Course web-site . a century.'

Vol. XLVII No. 2 THE TREASURY incorporating Glad Tidings • English publication of the Presbyterian Church of Wales. Published monthly – Price 50p. FEBRUARY 2021 Editor: Revd IAIN B HODGINS, 1a CHESTNUT GROVE, HAWARDEN CH5 3HD I S S N 1 4 7 6 - 4 6 9 5 e-mail: [email protected] 02 Unless otherwise stated the views expressed are those of the individual contributor and are not necessarily the view of the General Assembly or the Editor. Enquiries about orders and subscriptions should be addressed to GWASG Y BWTHYN (PANTYCELYN), Tº CADNANT, ZONE 2, LÔN HEN FELIN, CIBYN, CAERNARFON LL55 2BD Tel: 01286 672018 • [email protected] 9 771476 469028

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