Welsh Journals

Mwnt, near Cardigan, was the meeting-place for the annual summer gathering on Saturday afternoon, 2 July 1955. In its remote and romantic location, the Church of the Holy Cross at Mount— Eglwys y, Grog Sanctaidd, Mwnt — attracted the special interest of at least a hundred members and friends who filled the simple and ancient edifice and were welcomed by the Reverend Canon E. Lee Hamer and Mr. H. Morris, church treasurer. It is one of the oldest churches in the county, a fine example of local piety and craftsmanship, and is traditionally known as the pilgrimage church because in olden times pilgrims and saints rested and worshipped there on their way to St. Davids and Bardsey Island (Ynys Enlli). On a clear day it is possible to see Bardsey across Cardigan Bay from the mound adjacent to the church. After a devotional service consisting of the hymn The Church's one foundation and collect conducted by Canon Hamer, an interesting paper describing the structure as well as relating details of the historical and traditional associations of the church was read by Mr. David Bateman (see p. 206). He was thanked by Mr. J. E. R. Carson, LL.B., the honorary secretary, who then apologised for the absence of Professor E. G. Bowen, M.A., F.S.A., the vice-chairman, and deputised for him by reading an instructive address on the dedications of the churches at Mount and Verwig (see p. 202). Mr. Carson also expressed the thanks of the congregation to Canon Hamer and the church authorities for their co-operation. In responding, Canon Hamer thanked Mr. Carson and Professor Bowen for the address. Apologies were read for the absence of the Mayor of Cardigan (Councillor J. T. Davies) and Mr. D. J. M. Peregrine (local correspondent). From Mount the members and friends visited St. Pedrog's Church at Verwig and then proceeded through Cardigan, Llechryd, and Llandygwydd to Llwyndyrus Mansion (now a guest house) for tea. A general business meeting followed, Mr. Carson presiding. Tributes were paid to the memory and distinguished services of Sir C. Bryner Jones, C.B., C.B.E., LL.D., M.Sc., chairman of the Executive Committee since 17 May 1947, when the society was revived), and one of its earliest members. The appointment of his successor as chairman was referred to the Executive Committee for consideration and report to the autumn General Meeting at Aberystwyth. The resignation of Mr. Henry Morgan, after thirty years' service as honorary treasurer, was accepted with regret, and it was decided that there be placed on record the Society's appreciation of his long and faithful service. The following appointments to fill vacancies were confirmed honorary treasurer, Mr. J. R. Davies, M.B.E. assistant secretary, Mr. Dafydd Morris Jones, B.A. assistant to the treasurer, Mr. A. E. Farley. Any two of these officers were authorised to sign cheques chairman, treasurer, secretary. The honorary editor reported that the third part of the second volume of CEREDIGION was ready for distribution to members and copies would reach them within the next few days. The suggestion by Dr. T. Ifor Rees that the name of the Society be altered to Cardiganshire Historical and Record Society (Cymdeithas Hanes a Chofnodion Sir Aberteifi) was, on Mr. Tibbott's proposition, seconded by Mr. Henry Morgan, deferred for further consideration at the autumn meeting. Notes on the history of Mount Church are given in Volume I (part 3) of the Society's Transactions (1913) with a description of the font in Volume II (1915). Among the congregation at Mount Church were visitors from West Germany including Dr. Paul Waeldin from Sudbaden in Wurtemburg who was studying local government and social work in the county. The older members present at Llwyndyrus Mansion recalled a previous visit there on 24 May 1930, when the late Sir John Lynn-Thomas, who was then in residence, entertained a large gathering and related his archaeological researches in the locality in connection, particularly with the Mabinogion and early Welsh rom- ances.