People

THE PARISH OF MERTHYR DYFAN

BARRY, SOUTH WALES

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Merthyr Dyfan Parish Church

The church is built on reputedly the oldest Christian site in Wales. It originates from about 180 A.D. when Pope Eleutherius sent two priests to Britain, St Dyfan and St Fagan. It was here that St Dyfan was buried. (‘Merthyr’ is a corruption of the Latin word ‘Martyrium’ meaning burial place). The church on this site was dedicated to his memory. (St Teilo, the sixth century founder of Llandaff Cathedral, was later made the joint patron saint of the church).

The present church was built in the early thirteenth century, by the Normans. In 1250 Bishop William de Burgh of Llandaff consecrated and completed the building.

Although much damage was done to the church at the time of the Reformation, it was restored in the Victorian era. In 1970 the church was re-roofed in Welsh slate, extensive damp proofing systems were installed, and the windows were re-glazed. The font was re-based, and the stone altar repositioned, having been recovered from the nearby well, where it had been used as a scrubbing board!

Services: Sung Mass every Sunday morning at 8.45 am

St Paul’s, Barry

The church was consecrated on September 6, 1893 – the first Anglican Church to be built for the new town of Barry. Under the first Priest –in-Charge, the Reverend John Price, the traditions of St. Paul’s up to the year 1900 were of a decidedly Evangelical nature. However, all this changed in 1900 when the Reverend David Weatherill, assistant Priest for 9 years at St. German’s, Cardiff (the Church that Merthyr Dyfan & St. Paul’s are twinned with today) was appointed and began his ministry in Barry which continued for 24 years. Father Weatherill introduced daily services, and Solemn Mass at 10 o’clock every Sunday which is still the main service today.

St. Paul’s Church Choir was so famous and of such high standard that it was chosen to sing at the Festival of Britain in 1951. The choir in those days included as a young treble Robert Tear who went on to become a tenor of international fame.

St. Paul’s has recently installed an Allen digital organ and there is a robed choir of up to nine choristers at all Sung Services. The Choir would welcome new members of all ages – children and adults – to join the choir just come along to choir practice, at 11am, after the Sunday morning service.

Services: Solemn Mass every Sunday morning at 10am and Sung Evensong & Benediction at 3.30pm on the first Sunday of every month. Weekday Masses are at 9.30am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays

Church Hall for Hire

The Parish of Merthyr Dyfan’s splendid Church Hall adjacent to St. Paul’s Church, in St. Paul’s Avenue, Barry is available for hire. Newly built in the 1980’s St. Paul’s Hall must be one of the best church halls in Barry.

The Hall can be hired for fund raising events, clubs, parties and many other community uses.

Hire charges are very modest – from only £7 per hour.

Bookings should be made with the hall secretary, Mrs. Carol Finn, 23 George Street, Barry – telephone 406787

Staff

Rector: Fr Robert Parrish

Merthyr Dyfan Rectory,

10, Buttrills Road,

Barry CF62 8EF

Tel: 01446 735943

People’s Warden: Mrs A. Morgan

8 Redberth Close,

Lundy Park,

Barry.

Tel: 01446 400048

Rector’s Warden& Treasurer: Mr Keith Williams

27 Regent Street,

Barry.

Tel: 01446 741733

Organist (St Paul’s): Mrs Mary Smith

30 Collard Crescent,

Barry.

Tel: 01446 401224