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0:00:00 > 0:00:03- From Capel Hyfrydle, Holyhead, - we join the cymanfa ganu...
0:00:04 > 0:00:07- ..to launch the - 2017 Anglesey National Eisteddfod.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- Welcome to - Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16- # Soli Deo gloria
0:00:16 > 0:00:21- # Soli Deo gloria
0:00:24 > 0:00:29- # Soli Deo gloria #
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- This week we're joined - by Reverend Harri Parri...
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- ..who will take me - to some of the locations...
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- ..that were important in - John Williams Brynsiencyn's life.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57- We will also enjoy performances...
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- ..by the united choirs - of Esceifiog and Adlais...
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- ..as well as Cordia, who won - Can i Gymru earlier in the year.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18- It's a pleasure - having your company once again.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22- Brynsiencyn is just up the road, - we're on the banks of the Menai.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- Why is this location significant?
0:01:25 > 0:01:28- John Williams - crossed to Caernarvonshire...
0:01:28 > 0:01:32- ..and the rest of Wales - by steamer ferry from here.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- It left Tal y Foel - for Victoria Dock in Caernarfon.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39- This was his mode of transport - before acquiring a car.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- He would walk a mile - from Llwyn Idris, his home.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- He's probably one of Wales' - greatest religious heroes.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- Yes, in his formative years, - at least.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53- I'd say he was the most famous - preacher and orator of his day.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56- However, - when the Great War broke out...
0:01:57 > 0:02:02- ..he choose a side and believed - conscientiously in army recruitment.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- Within a week - of war breaking out in the August...
0:02:06 > 0:02:11- ..he was the chief army recruiter - here in Brynsiencyn.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14- I look forward to hearing more - about John Williams later.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- We begin with Arglwydd Iesu Dysg I'm - Gerdded sung to the tune Rhondda.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17- This is Llwyn Idris, the location - of John Williams' former home.
0:04:17 > 0:04:18- It was a big house, by all accounts.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20- It was a big house, by all accounts.- - Llwyn Idris is still here.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- John Williams - retired at 52 years old.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28- He was the minister of Prince's Road - Chapel and was very popular.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31- Up to 1,000 people would - listen to him preach in Liverpool.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34- He spent his retirement - at Llwyn Idris.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40- Half the house was built - before he left Bryn for Liverpool.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45- I'm not sure how he managed this - but when he returned to Anglesey...
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- ..he extended the house - and turned it into a mansion...
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- ..with gardens and so on.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- I'd say he led a comfortable life.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- When I checked the 1911 Census...
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- ..a staff of five - lived at the house...
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- ..as well as those who worked - outdoors such as the gardener.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- He also had three maids and - a private teacher for his daughters.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- He also had a chauffeur - to drive him around in 1911.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17- It was his vocation to travel across - Wales, preaching to the nation.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- Sometimes he'd preach - for a fortnight at a time.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- He'd start out from Brynsiencyn - on a Monday...
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- ..and head to Porthmadog, - Dolgellau, on to Machynlleth.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- He'd reach Pembrokeshire - by the following Sunday...
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- ..and preach every night - and occasional afternoon...
0:05:36 > 0:05:38- ..on his way home.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- He was a renowned - and popular preacher.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- When he returned to Llwyn Idris, - he wanted to enjoy life, preach...
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- ..promote his denomination - as he believed strongly in that...
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- ..and dedicate time to his hobbies.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- He liked shooting, - fishing and woodwork.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- However, war broke out in 1914 - and life changed.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- For the Eisteddfod's proclamation - cymanfa ganu at Capel Hyfrydle...
0:06:05 > 0:06:07- ..an united choir was formed...
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- ..of singers from - Cor Esceifiog and Adlais choirs.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16- They will perform the words of - another Anglesey legend, John Elias.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- Ai Am Fy Meiau I - Dioddefodd Iesu Mawr.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36- # My sin, was that the cause
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- # That Jesus suffered here
0:06:41 > 0:06:47- # When love came down - in mighty pow'r
0:06:47 > 0:06:52- # And brought God's presence near?
0:06:56 > 0:07:01- # Fulfilling law's demands
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- # Justice was satisfied
0:07:06 > 0:07:12- # Our crushing debt he paid in full
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- # When for our sin he died
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- # To death upon the cross
0:07:26 > 0:07:31- # Obedient he did go
0:07:31 > 0:07:37- # His blood - will wash the vilest heart
0:07:37 > 0:07:42- # Pure as the driven snow
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- # 'Twas for our death he died
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- # By death he sets us free
0:07:53 > 0:08:00- # And through his blood a multitude
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- # Will live eternally
0:08:06 > 0:08:11- # He bowed his head and died
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- # "'Tis finished" was his cry
0:08:16 > 0:08:22- # The veil was rent and opened was
0:08:22 > 0:08:27- # Our way to heaven on high
0:08:29 > 0:08:35- # He vanquished darkest hell
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- # The serpent down he trod
0:08:41 > 0:08:47- # From prison released a multitude
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- # Through grace to live with God
0:08:54 > 0:08:59- # He vanquished darkest hell
0:09:00 > 0:09:06- # The serpent down he trod
0:09:06 > 0:09:12- # From prison released a multitude
0:09:13 > 0:09:18- # Through grace to live with God
0:09:19 > 0:09:30- # Through grace to live with God #
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- We're now standing - outside Horeb, Brynsiencyn.
0:09:42 > 0:09:47- John Williams' father's advice - to him was to ask for two things.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- A clean gun and a dirty Bible.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- A clean barrel to shoot - a rabbit, hare or pheasant...
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- ..for the kitchen table.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- And a dirty Bible in the sense - that it had been handled and read.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- The Bible was central - in John Williams' life.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05- His command of Welsh - came from the Bible.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- He opened the Bible here - on a Sunday night...
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- ..and won over the congregation.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- There's a story of a man who came - here to listen to him one Sunday.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- He'd probably worked hard all week - as he was asleep in the beginning.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- By the end of the sermon, - he was like a dog with a bone.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- He awoke and listened intently, - digesting it all.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- By the end - he apparently burst into tears...
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- ..because the sermon - had reached its climax.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- We're in Capel Seion, Llandrygarn, - in the heart of Anglesey.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- This plaque tells me - that this is where John Williams...
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- ..preached his final sermon.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- Yes, approximately a month - before his death.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- He'd been poorly for only a couple - of weeks before he deteriorated.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- He'd been out shooting for the day.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- He'd walked for 12 hours, - shooting pheasants.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- By the time he preached his - final sermon he had deteriorated.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- When was this plaque erected?
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- It comes as a surprise to me but it - was placed on the pulpit in 1934.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- The preachers of Anglesey - got together...
0:14:21 > 0:14:25- ..and started fundraising - for this plaque to be erected.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30- Those who were kindred spirits and - those who shared the same ideas.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- He was still popular in 1934 - but not universally so.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- If you were a parent in Llandrygarn - and Llannerch-y-medd...
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- ..who'd lost a son in WWI, - it was a different story.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- It's ironic that - there's a tablet above the pulpit...
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- ..which commemorates three members - of this chapel who died in WWI.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55- It's very ironic that - one is directly above the other.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- Three men from this small chapel - lost their lives.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- Unlike this chapel, John Williams - was used to preaching...
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- ..in large buildings - to thousands of people.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- Yes, it was remarkable.
0:15:09 > 0:15:10- 6,000-7,000 people.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- 7,000 had turned up to - listen to him preach in Caernarfon.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- Morgan Humphreys, who was - a famous journalist in his day...
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- ..said that John Williams - preached to 7,000.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- As he preached - he moved his arm from side to side.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31- He claimed that all the congregation - mirrored his movements.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36- He had a talent for spreading - the gospel and had great influence.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39- Next is a performance.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- This is Cordia to sing Fel Yr Hydd.
0:15:54 > 0:15:59- # As the deer panteth for the water
0:15:59 > 0:16:05- # So my soul longs after you
0:16:05 > 0:16:11- # You alone are my heart's desire
0:16:11 > 0:16:17- # And I long to worship you
0:16:18 > 0:16:23- # You alone - are my strength, my shield
0:16:24 > 0:16:30- # To you alone may my spirit yield
0:16:31 > 0:16:36- # You alone are my heart's desire
0:16:36 > 0:16:43- # And I long to worship you
0:16:49 > 0:16:55- # I want you more - than gold or silver
0:16:55 > 0:17:01- # Only you can satisfy
0:17:01 > 0:17:07- # You alone are the real joy giver
0:17:07 > 0:17:12- # And the apple of my eye
0:17:14 > 0:17:20- # You alone - are my strength, my shield
0:17:20 > 0:17:26- # To you alone may my spirit yield
0:17:26 > 0:17:32- # You alone are my heart's desire
0:17:32 > 0:17:39- # And I long to worship you
0:17:45 > 0:17:51- # You're my friend - and you're my brother
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- # Even though you are King
0:17:57 > 0:18:04- # I love you more than any other
0:18:04 > 0:18:09- # So much more than anything
0:18:10 > 0:18:16- # You alone - are my strength, my shield
0:18:16 > 0:18:23- # To you alone may my spirit yield
0:18:24 > 0:18:30- # You alone are my heart's desire
0:18:30 > 0:18:37- # And I long to worship you
0:18:37 > 0:18:42- # And I long to worship you
0:18:43 > 0:18:53- # And I long to worship you #
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- We're now at - St Catherine's Church, Llanfaes...
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- ..where John Williams is buried.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- His grave - is behind my right shoulder.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- It was his original intention - to be buried in Brynsiencyn.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20- He'd said many a time, "Bury me - in the Bryn with my countrymen."
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- But he changed his mind.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- He chose to be buried, - intentionally, I'd say...
0:19:25 > 0:19:27- ..next to John Elias, his hero.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- It was a huge funeral, - the biggest Anglesey had ever seen.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- Whilst travelling - from Brynsiencyn to here...
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- ..the boats on the Menai sailed - at half-mast out of respect...
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- ..like Churchill 40 years later when - the cranes were bowed on the Thames.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- This is where he's buried.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- R Williams Parry referred to him - as a gentle saint.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55- It's been a pleasure - spending time with you.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- Thank you for sharing your knowledge - of John Williams Brynsiencyn.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- We end with the anthemic - Mawr Oedd Crist Yn Nhragwyddoldeb...
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- ..sung to the hymn tune - Bryn Myrddin.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- Goodbye from us both.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00- .