Saturday 22 July 2017

St David Maesmynis




This is another church I came across while looking for another on a map, I noticed it was just outside Builth Wells and I wondered if I had driven past it at one time. I was lucky to find the church open and was shown around by the churchwarden who it turned out knew who I was through a guy I had never met but conversed with via email on many occasions. Seems they were good friends and had visited all the churches in the area like I am doing placing them on a website. Unfortunately I had an email one day telling me that Phil had died though I always remember him as I refer to his website on the churches 
All I could find on the church came from the parish website "The church was rebuilt in 1878. The reredos and east window were commissioned in the 1960s. 'The east window depicting Christ in a vesica of cherubs' wings and the five painted reredos panels representing the Crucifixion, Annunciation and Nativity are by Henry Harvey. From the churchyard can be seen glorious views down the Irfon Valley."


An unusual feature for a church like this is the stone Lych Gate









With some rather nice wrought iron gates taking you in the churchyard








Heading around to the East end















Then along to the South




and to the West letting you know the church is not that large




Going back to the North side and
the porch
 The porch has some nice small gates with  some wire net gates inside to stop birds roosting in the porch







Inside shows a pretty church well lit with some superb stained glass letting in light to the chancel








Now I must admit I found the stained glass quite stunning even though it is modern. It was made by Harry Harvey stained glass artist of York in conjunction with architects George G Pace & Ronald G Simms in 1963 and depicts the Te Deum

Detail on the base of the central part of the window






Below behind the altar is a panel in memory of Robert Edward Probert a former rector who died in 1962





the panel is quite amazing to look at.
Left turning around an looking down the Nave






Either side of the chancel arch you find the pulpit and an eagle lectern















The lectern has carved panels of oak and you get a good view of the nave from it







At the back you can see a beautiful hand written Roll of Honour for St David Maesmynis and considering how big the area is it must have been an awful loss for those left behind



Out in the porch you will find a few memorials like the one on the left to Thomas & Mary Bowen. Right a memorial to Weaver Price Gent










There are two more panels which are even older in the porch














This one has become very faded and like the rest I would have though to see them all in the church




The church has a good number of wonderful kneelers in it




along with some beautiful old locally turned and carved wooden offering plates






Kneelers along the Pews





Outside in the churchyard you will find a good many headstones





More than a few are quite modern






Some old but most you see are recent



Above a praying angel, Left a small Celtic type cross




near the path a few family vaults




These near the west end of the churchyard overlooking Builth Wells





Are of the Vivian family























Who were the Baronets of Swansea
















I would never have know has it not been  for the  Churchwarden who told me





More older tombs showing their age






Along the side of the east end are what I presume are old headstones











they may well have been memorials from but are becoming very eroded















Far South side more older headstones and vaults and the area left to grow





Though there are some interesting headstones there





One of gannet and another that must have looked superb when new but is dangerously near falling over and being lost






A family grave still being tended


Thanks to Judith Hurford for telling me about the church
 This blog is Dedicated to Phil Jones who I never met but got to know quite well.
RIP Phil

5 comments:

  1. The stained glass windows are so beautiful.

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  2. ...Bill, once again a lovely church with a small gate house, what a wonderful touch. The graveyard is a bit different from what I see, we have a good number of Celtic Crosses like you have. Thanks for sharing these great sights.

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  3. The gates are a nice and interesting architectural feature.

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  4. You find the most awesome places! I always enjoy learning bits of history that are passed down by mouth as well as in the church history. Thanks for sharing this terrific place.

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  5. I can see this lovely little church from our house. Did you know that Wesley used to preach here, back in the day? I recognize some familiar names on the plaques on the walls, having done some research about it since relocating. I will wander over there this week and look for the key - it is lovely inside, I have to say.

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