History Of St. Illtyd, Williamstown
View of St Illtyd 1894
On Thursday afternoon August 6th, 1891 the foundation stone of the church was laid at Penrhiwfer, by Mrs Archibald Hood, wife of Dr. Hood, Bridgend. Mrs.Hood was the grand-daughter of the Rev.Canon Edmondes, Cowbridge, who was the owner of the land upon which the new church was erected.
Image courtesy of The Trustees of Lambeth Palace Library
Interesting to note is, that a bottle has been placed in a cavity beneath the foundation stone containing among other articles a copy of that day's "Western Mail". It seems that the entire cost of the building would be £1,700
The 50th Anniversary
of the Consecration took place on Sunday April 30th 1944
When the Rev. Edward Stephens became curate of Penygraig he took charge of the Welsh services. In due time he arrangedparallel afternoon meetings, namely a Welsh Sunday School and English service in the adjoining classrooms of Dinas Boys School. Later the English services developed into two branches one of which was set up at Williamstown Board School in1884, and another at Graigddu School.
The
first organised Anglican services in connection with our present church of
St. Illtyd were held in Williamstown Board School 1884. These services grew
from the early Welsh services held in the neighbouring village, Penygraig.
Eventually, an English service was held on Sunday afternoons, the priest in
charge being attached to the adjoining parish
of Cymmer.
In those early years the church at Williamstown was in charge of Mr. D. Ellis Jones, a lay reader appointed by the vicar of Llantrisant the Rev. J. P. Hughes whose Parish consisted of "five hamlets, severally called Town or Tran, and included the large and interesting villages of Rhiwsaeson, Gilfach Goch, Miskin Village, Pontyclun, Beddau, Castellau, Tonyrefail, Williamstown, Edmondstown, part of Penygraig, Dinas, Cymer, Part of Hafod, Pwllgwaun, and Pencoedcae." Mr D.Ellis Jones served two years at Willaimstown, later leaving for St. Davids College Lampeter.and then on to All Saints Cardiff.
St Illtyd - 2004
In December 1891, the Rev.Charles Roach became curate in charge and commenced his ministry at Williamstown school. He was imbued with a deep faith and zeal, and took up the foundation work with great courage.
The first building erected consisted of nave and bell-tower, and had neared completion for roofing, when the arch and bell-tower fell, the side walls collapsing, injuring three of the faithful members. Mr William James, Mr Henry James and Mr William Bryant, all of whom sustained serious injury. The collapse was due to the underminning in the area causing subsidence
The consecration services was conducted on Monday April 30th 1894, by his Lordship the Bishop of Llandaff. The cost of the building was £1,580, and would accomadate 310 worshipers
St. Illtyd's church was licensed for marriages on the 18th November, 1919.
