Celebrations to mark 250th birthday of Welsh hymn writer

A celebration to mark 250 years since the birth of one of Wales’ most important hymn-writers will take place next month.

Ann Griffiths was born on a farm near Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwnfa in Powys in 1776 and is buried in the churchyard of St Michael’s Church in the village.

The celebration will take place on 12 July at 7pm in Neuadd Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwnfa Village Hall at 7pm and will be led by the local Pioneer Priest and musician, the Revd Dr Cass Meurig.

She said: “Ann Griffiths is an iconic figure in Wales and a Christian poet of national importance. Her hymns are regarded as some of the finest in the Welsh language, and the story of her powerful conversion and short life has become an inspiration to many.

“‘Noson Ann’, will be an evening of worship in the Welsh language to celebrate her birth; an opportunity to sing her hymns and listen to items by local singers from the area.”

St Michael’s Church in Llangfihangel yng Ngwnfa closed for worship in 2021 but access to the churchyard and Ann’s grave remains open. Ann was buried at the church in 1805 following her death at the age of 29.

The Revd Dr Cass Meurig runs events and services in communities around the Tanat Valley and Lake Vyrnwy. She is a priest in the Diocese of St Asaph, one of the six dioceses of the Church in Wales.