Welsh Journals

REVIEW Two Centuries of Mumbles Methodism, by Megan and R.O. Roberts, 1977. 30p This interesting booklet, the joint enterprise of Mr. and Mrs. R.O. Roberts, active members of the Methodist Church at Mumbles, was prepared and published for the celebration of the centenary of the present chapel in 1977. Both authors lived to see the publication of their work, but unfortunately Mrs. Megan Roberts, having suffered a long and painful illness, died in 1978. Her husband, a native of Rhiwlas, near Bangor, whom I have known for over half a century, has not for many years enjoyed the most robust health but seems as active as ever in mind and body and we wish him many more years to continue his many interests and research work. This book traces the history of the Methodist movement in this part of South Wales back to the 18th century, first as a Calvinistic Movement (c. 1742-50) and later as a Wesleyan Movement (from about 1755 onwards). The Wesleyans built their first chapel in the district in 1814 but their increase appears to have been slow for many years and the Reform Movement made them weaker still. But finding "that there was nothing like the old ship" many original Wesleyans eventually came back. Following their return the congregation soon felt the need for a new home and a second chapel was built in 1861. But that chapel soon became too small for the congregation and the present chapel was opened in 1877. Judging from the photograph of the chapel, which is included in this book, the congregation can be proud of their present home, and undoubtedly the members are grateful for this account of its background and history given in this carefully written book. In addition to the bare history of the chapel we obtain much additional information from its pages e.g. concerning the early connections of Hugh Price Hughes with Mumbles and the chapel. G.T.R.