Contributed by Mrs Helen McDuff of Pontardawe. (Nov 2004)
This extract from the 1935 Congregational Handbook gives brief details of Reverend John Rhys Price's ministry;
" Price, John Rhys, passed away on Monday, Oct 22, 1934, at his residence Ael-y-bryn, Rhydyfro, at the age of sixty-six years. Mr Price was a native of Cwmbach, Aberdare, where he commenced his preaching career. He was educated at Aberdare, Gwynfryn Academy in Ammanford, and Cardiff University, and completed his ministerial training at Brecon Memorial College.
He was ordained in 1897 at Rhydyfro, where he remained all his life. During his ministry a handsome new chapel was built, and a great many innovations carried out. He was recognised as a great lover of books, and a prolific reader, being at home with Greek, Latin and Hebrew, as well as English, and his native Welsh - and his study was full of a very good selection of books. Theology, church history and philosophy were his great delights.
He is survived by his widow, one son, and three daughters."
General Booth, Founder of the Salvation Army and his wife, stayed for a week with Rev and Mrs Price at the Manse, Gelligron Hill, Rhydyfro (see Miscellaneous)
Certificate of Proficiency
Issued by Aberdare Board School in 1880, he was aged 12
Ordination Certificate
Issued by the Memorial College, Brecon in 1897
With his brother in law John Gwilym ( 2nd right) who was returning to the USA. John Gwilym had been a prisoner of war in Germany during WW1.
On his return to the States he was responsible for the electrification of the American side of the Niagra Falls.
With an Ethiopian Missionary in Pontardawe
Gareth Hicks © Copyright notice