The article transcribed below appeared in the Western Mail 125 years ago today (30 July 1895).
NEW CHURCH AT TREHARRIS
LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE
On Monday afternoon, in brilliant weather and in the presence of a large concourse of people, the foundation-stone of a new church – to be called St Matthias – in Cardiff Road, Treharris, was laid by Mr. Frederick Harris, of Collingham Gardens, London.
Until the introduction of the Rev. Daniel Lewis into the Rectory of Merthyr, Treharris, constitutes part of the parish of Merthyr, was unprovided with Church ministrations, but immediately the rector was appointed services were instituted in the schoolroom and the district furnished with a resident clergyman, the priest at present officiating being the Rev. R. David.
The new church, which will provide accommodation for 365 worshippers, will cost about £3000. It is to built of native stone with Bath stone dressings in the simple Gothic style. Mr J. L Pearson, the eminent architect, of London, has prepared the designs, and the contractors are Messrs. William Cowlin and Son, of Bristol. The duties of clerk of the works are being discharged by Mr. H. Cana. There will be a nave, a north aisle, a chancel, an organ chamber, and two vestries, with an ornamental bell turret at the western end.
The site upon which the church will stand has been gratuitously given by Colonel Lockwood, who has also subscribed a very handsome sum towards the building fund. Among the clergy present at the interesting function of the stone-laying were:- The Rector of Merthyr; the Rev. G. A. Jones, St. Mary’s Cardiff; the Rev. Lewis Jones, Cadoxton-juxta-Neath; the Rev. W. G. Kirkham, Blackwood; the Rev. J Lewis, Troedyrhiw; the Rev. D. Leigh, rector; the Rev. W. Jones and the Rev. D. E. Jacobs, Llanfabon; the Rev. T. Jesse Jones, rector of Gelligaer; the Rev. J. R. Jones, Trelewis; the Rev. G. Davies, Aberdare Junction, and the Rev R. David, Treharris.
In order to perform the task so kindly undertaken by her, Mrs. Harris was presented by the building committee with a silver trowel, the contractors presenting her also with a pearwood mallet and an oak level.
A short religious service was conducted in connection with the ceremony, which was closed with the singing of “The Church’s One Foundation,” followed by the Benediction. In the course of the proceedings the Rector of Merthyr thanked Mrs. Harris for her kindness in laying the stone and for the goodness which she and the family had always exhibited in relation to the progress of Church work in the parish.
Mr. Harris, on behalf of his wife, acknowledged the compliment, and said it had been a great pleasure to Mrs. Harris and himself to have come down to take part in the work that day. It would be a source of much gratification if they were able to come down to the consecration, and it would afford them considerable pleasure if the church were attended by a large congregation.
Many thanks to Tracy Barnard for transcribing this article.