TO THE PEOPLE OF ST DAVID’S UNITED WELSH CHURCH, CONGRATULATIONS!

 

Cywdthgy-yns-flly Cyyllnnyrch to all of you who may be reading this blog.  Well, ok you Welsh readers, you know that Cywdthgy-yns-Flly yllnnyrh means absolutely nothing like ‘welcome to this blog’ but isn’t that the beauty of the Welsh language?  Nobody but the Welsh themselves and perhaps the parishioners who attend St David’s United Welsh Church in Blackstone, Ipswich has the faintest idea whatsoever what it means.  It’s the language that gave them words like ‘Eglwys Unedig Gymraeg, Blackstone’ which, thanks to an Order of Service sheet, let it be known that on this Sunday, 19^th July, the good people of St David’s were celebrating their 143^rd Anniversary and we of the Esk Community Choir were honoured to be a part of this milestone.

It was also a tribute to the preservation of Wales’s cultural heritage that the hymns andopening prayer were first delivered in Cymraeg, the traditional Welsh language and one of the oldest living languages in Europe. Yet, thanks to Eirys Jones’s impeccable organ accompaniment and the phonetic guide provided for the opening verse in the service booklet, there was little lost in translation when it came to the joy of singing these hymns on this wonderful day of celebration.

Officiating on the day, Rev. Bruce Raymond drew on the words of Slim Dusty's Looking Forward, Looking Back to reflect on the rich history of this small church; of the Welsh miners and their families who came to the area with courage, resilience, and hope for a better future. He recalled the origins of the church and paid tribute to the generations of parishioners who have faithfully celebrated their heritage and shared in God's ministry within its walls, a faith that continues to this day.  Rev. Bruce also admitted he had hoped for a Welsh Men's Choir, but after listening to the Esk Choir's warm-ups, he was anything but disappointed.

And so it was that, interspersed throughout the service, the Esk Community Choir, under the inspiring direction of Alexis and to the sublime accompaniments of Alexis, Ruth and Suzanne on flute, lifted the hearts of an appreciative congregation with beautiful singing, their voices rising to the wooden rafters of this little church.   Many of the congregation blessed with Welsh heritage and a deep affection for singing responded with gusto, filling the church with joy.

It was in 1886 when this little Welsh church first opened its doors, the occasion marked by a tea gathering and the joyful sounds of singing. It seemed only fitting that, 140 years later, the anniversary was celebrated in much the same way.  Following the service, Rev. Bruce invited everyone to share a delicious afternoon tea, honouring the traditions of the past and once again bringing people together in friendship. To the wonderful people of St David’s United Welsh Church, we of the Esk Community Choir, extend our sincere thanks for their warm welcome, gracious fellowship, and generous hospitality. It was a privilege to be part of such a special celebration.                            

  By: Sue Walker