The Life And Ministry Of Harold Emanuel Griffiths. Part 2

Part 1 can be read here. 

Ruth recalls that while ministering in Ireland their family would travel in a gospel caravan. They were quite poor and dependent on donations from others. Despite this, Harold was a Welshmen and he wanted his children born in Wales. They would travel back to Wales to give birth to each of their children. (1)

I am not certain of the exact year Harold returned from Ireland. The 1931 census covered England, Wales and Scotland, but not Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland had its own census in 1926. The British census was also destroyed so its details will forever be a secret. What I do know is during the early to mid 1930's renowned evangelist Edward Jeffrey's put on several evangelistic crusades across the Potteries and Liverpool. He requested that Harold join him as singer and pianist during these crusades. The Bethel Evangelistic Society was formed from this movement. Harold was a significant part of this. (2)

In a much earlier post I described one of the songs that Harold Griffiths wrote while part of these campaigns. As mentioned in part 1, he had a booming tenor and was a beautiful singer. The Bootle Times annual of 1935 mentions the affect of one of his songs and the Crusades in Liverpool.

“A foreman remarked that the men had never worked so well together as now; there was little blaspheming and the general topic of conversation was "the Tent." Men are heard singing at their work, "I fell in love with the Nazarene," and there is concord and a spirit of harmony where once there was cursing and swearing." (3)

As mentioned in my other blog, I am blessed to have a copy of the song sheet for "I fell in love with the Nazarene." 

Several people that attended the Liverpool "revival' and are still alive, left some feedback on the website liverpoolrevival.org.uk about the impact this song had on them. 

Sally Wing says, "...during this meeting a song was sung which made such an impression on her that she remembers every word of this to this day, 71 years later: -

I fell in love with the Nazarene
The beautiful Nazarene
Whose face in glory was the light
The fairest I’ve ever seen
By his side I would abide
With never a veil between
Since I fell so deeply in love
With Jesus the Nazarene.

"The Rev. Richard Kays records “He remembers well the Bethel songs that were sung such as "Jesus is mighty to save" and "I fell in love with the Nazarene," which have lived with him for 70 years."

By 1934 they were definitely in Cheddleton, England. Their daughter Ruth recalls they lived in a Bungalow there when she was 5. Harold was both a strict and very loving father. He expected his children to do as they were told but he was also "as soft as a teddy bear." (4)

Ruth continued to recall that, "My Mum was always very placid,but a nice lady. Everyone respected them and they were very much loved in the church. People were always calling in with their troubles.We kids were sent out to play for my Dad to council them as it is called now. Mum would bake welsh cakes & we used to hope there would be some left for us."

Ruth also remembered that usually they were given a crust of bread with jam on it for their tea. (5) Times were hard and the family were very poor. One time Naomi didn't eat all of hers so they hid it under the flap of a tent that Harold had set up in the field at the back of their bungalow. They or friends would often set up tents for evangelistic church meetings. The next day Harold found it and came into the house asking who had wasted it. Naomi was often caught lying about such things and Harold ended up breaking it in half and making both Ruth and Naomi eat it because food should not be wasted. To this day Ruth insists it was "wet and vile."

Harold was often away from home because of work. Ministry still paid little so he would sell Christian books at a market stall and continue to work in the mines where he could. He used to keep cardboard in his shoes because there was a hole in the sole. None of his children went to high school because you had to pay for it in those days and the family could not afford it. They were taught to sing and play piano by Harold and Annie.

For transportation Harold had a little motorbike with a side car. One day he brought it home to take it apart and fix it. He then asked Annie to ride with him and test it out. Ruth was watching as they rounded a nearby corner and the side car came off, sending Annie one way and Harold the other. He had forgotten to screw the side car to the motorbike.  Fortunately neither were injured and were able to continue their ministry as the late 1930's approached. 

___
(1) Confirmed by interview with Harold's youngest daughter, Ruth Salmon.
(2) Several books and websites talk about the missions and life of Edward Jeffreys. Seminary and Masters of Divinity graduates have written many papers on him. There is not room here to talk about everything he did and I only mention him because I know that Harold worked a great deal with Edward Jeffreys. A summary of Edward Jeffrey's life and missions can be found here.  When Harold Griffiths died Edward Jeffreys wrote a letter of condolence as was noted in Redemption Tidings 1968 Volume 4, February edition. 
(3) Excerpts of this newspaper and others which talk about the Jeffrey's crusades in Liverpool can be read on a website dedicated to his remembrance.
(4) Confirmed by interview with Ruth Salmon in 2012. 
(5) To the Welsh and northern English the last meal of the day is called tea. To this day I still get confused looks from Americans when I ask what they're having for tea. The southern English call it 'dinner' and that, along with how to pronounce the word 'scones', can still be guaranteed a good 20 minutes argument if raised in conversation. 

The Life And Ministry Of Harold Emanuel Griffiths. Part 1

There is much about Harold's life that I don't know yet but there is much that I do. For instance, I don't have his birth certificate, but I do know a great deal about how many churches he pastored and where. As I start blogging about Harold it's good to remember that family history and genealogy is always about filling in the gaps. Some gaps will undoubtedly be filled as I continue my research, others may not.

He was born, as best as I can tell, around 1894(1). The son of Thomas and Elizabeth Griffiths. According to his marriage certificate(2) he became a miner, following in the footsteps of his father. He was given music lessons as a child. I don't know if this was through a Sunday school or neighbor, or whether it was paid for. They were not a well off family, being a family of miners so I don't expect that they paid for lessons. Due to being so musical Harold would also play(3) piano for the silent movies at the local theatre. This brought in some more income when he was younger.

On July 31st 1911 he married Annie Simpkins at St. Paul's church in Cwmtillery, in the presence of James Simpkins and Emma James.

Between 1914 and 1918 he saw service during World War 1. Whether he was conscripted or volunteered I do not know but he served in the British Navy. (5) When he returned his wife Annie had become a Christian. I believe this was through believers who were converted during the Welsh Revival of the early 20th century. I make this assumption because Harold converted some time after and became a Pentecostal minister. The Pentecostal church was birthed primarily from the Welsh Revival. I don't have any other details about his conversion but his daughter Ruth assumes he must have started going to the local chapel with Annie. You can tell about what time he converted by studying the family tree. After he became a Christian his children were named after people in the bible. His children Steven, Thomas, David, Ruth and Naiomi were all those named after people in the bible. So it was after 1916. 

After his conversion he still worked as a miner but he also became a minister. As with most pentecostal ministers from the early to mid 20th century, a second job was necessary to pay the bills.

The early Pentecostal magazine, Redemptions Tidings records some of Harold's earlier ministry in 1927.

The pertinent information from this article which records a Revival meeting in Ystrad, Rhondda is "Revival meetings were held at Mount Zion Church, Ystrad on March 12th to 21st. The speaker was Bro. W. Lewis, Cross Keys, assisted at the weekend by Bro. Harold Griffiths, Blackwood, who sang the gospel."(6)

It took me a while to make sure this was my great grandfather Harold Griffiths but all the facts fit. First I confirmed with some of my own family members who remember stories of the Griffiths doing ministry with the Davies. My great great uncle David John Davies and his with Julia were pastors at Mount Zion Church in Ystrad during this period. I then spoke with Ruth, Harold's daughter and she confirmed that Iris had told her our two families sometimes did ministry together before she was born. I also found out that Harold's parents and several of his brothers lived in Blackwood during the 30's. They probably lived there during the 20's and it makes sense that Harold did as well before he moved. I know he was a gospel singer and a minister so it all seems to fit.

Later in the year Redemption Tidings records a mission that Harold was a part of. It is found under a section on the work of the church in South Wales and Monmouthshire.

"Many strangers came to the meetings in the chapel and what a surprise they had. Instead of seeing the ridiculous things that people sad was in our meetings they found a band of young men and women praising and worshipping God, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at the might power of God. Bro. Harold Griffiths, Blackwood, rendered valuable assistance at the organ. He also sang at each service, which was an added interest to the mission. - T. J. English." (7)

There is one last recorded detail from 1927 before Redemption Tidings goes silent for a decade on the ministry of Harold. In a future post I will explain what he was doing during that decade.

It reads, "Christmas Convention in ROCKFIELD ST, ASSEMBLY, NEWPORT, MON DEC 25th - 28th (inclusive.) Speakers:- Mr Geo. Vale, Mr. Howell Harrison, Miss Philpotts, Mr. H. Griffiths, Gospel Soloist. Applications for apartments to Mr. A. J. Campbell, 65, Corelli Street, Newport." (8)

Christmas Day and Boxing Day (25th-26th) were public holidays in England so evidently it was a good time for a convention with most people being able to secure that time off work. This ones looks to be attended by people outside of the local area as there is a contact person for those seeking apartments to stay in. Often these apartments were at the house of those residents who were also church goers in the area.

These articles provide a small glimpse into some of the ministry of Harold E. Griffiths. There are many more to look at later in this life. Lastly I would like to another short paragraph about what happened next.

After 1927 he left to minister in Ireland for a few years at the request of some Pentecostal evangelists. With much of Ireland being catholic there was some conflict and there is an interesting story passed along in the family of one such incident. (9) Harold was a church planter and often a street preacher. He would preach on the streets of Ireland. Sometimes the Catholic population would become angry at his preaching and begin to threaten him. Harold was also a gospel singer, and the Irish love their song. When the crowd became angry he would start to sing. He became quite famous amongst churches for his rich tenor voice and often sang for renowned evangelists. In this instance it is said that the crowd would begin to break down crying at the sound of his voice and all violence and anger would leave them.

Whether you believe God's ability to change a hostile situation or not, Harold could be extremely charismatic and from everything I have learned there is no doubt in my mind he had the ability to win people over.
_____
(1) According to the 1911 census. His daughter Ruth records that it was September 1895 or 1894.
(2) The marriage certificate is in my possession and has been transcribed in a previous post. The certificate lists his profession as collier. 
(3) (5) Information came courtesy of an informal interview with his daughter Ruth Salmon.
(6) Taken from Redemption Tidings Vol 3 May 1927
(7) Taken from Redemption Tidings Vol 3 Nov 1927
(8) Taken from Redemption Tidings Vol 3 Dec 1927
(9) This story is recorded in an interview with one of Harold's grand children.

The Death of Julia Edith Gwynne

In my last post I traced Julia and her new husband's path to America. Due to world war 2 they were not finally together again until 1947. An accounting of her earlier life and role in the early Pentecostal movement within the United Kingdom can also be found.

I assume that Julia and her new husband George settled somewhere near 232 Chestnut Street. Kingston. PA. This is what George listed as his address in 1939 upon reentry to the United States.

On October 19th 1961 the Department of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania issued a death certificate for Julia Edith Gwynne.

Death Occurred In: Clarks Summit State Hospital Lackawana, Newton Twp(1), PA.
Deceased's Mailing Address: 90 Belmont Street, Carbondale, PA
Name Of Deceased: Julia Edith Gwynne
Date Of Death: October 19th 1961
Where Did Deceased Actually Live?: Lackawanna county, Pennsylvania
Did Deceased Live In A Township?: No, deceased lived within actual limits of Carbondale city or borough.
Sex: F
Color Or Race: W
Married: Yes
Date of Birth: 6/10/1880
AGE (In years last birthday): 81
Usual Occupation: H'wife
Social Security Number: None
Birthplace: South Wales
Citizen Of What Country: Wales
Full Name Of Spouse: George E. Gwynne
Mother's Maiden Name: Not known
Father's Name: Enos Davis
Informant's Name And Address: 90 Belmont Street, Carbondale, Pennsylvania, George E. Gwynne
MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
Death was caused by - Immediate Cause: Broncho Pneumonia (Right)
Arteriosclerosis (generalized)(2)Was Autopsy Performed: Yes
I hereby certify that I attended the above named deceased and that death occurred from the causes and on the date stated above at 5:15am E.S.T.
Signature: Ben Kline, MD
Clarks Summit State Hospital
Date Signed: 10/19/61
Burial
Date: 10/21/1961
Name Of Cemetery: Maplewood
Location: Carbondale, Lackawanna, PA.
Date Received By Reg: 10/21/1961
Registrar's Signature: Alyce Burke

So what did I learn from this? Quite a few things which are really useful.

1. I have an address of where they lived together in Pennsylvannia. This will allow me and others in the future to continue research based on census' etc. when they are released. It also means I can do a google search and see if the house or complex is still standing.

2. Julia lived for 81 years. In some ways this means more because I know that she and George had a good portion of life together after World War 2 threatened to keep them apart.

3. We know that George was still alive at the time of Julia's death. I also have his death certificate.

4. We know how she died. Bronchial Pneumonia. I assume that the word "Right" written after this cause means it was in the right lung, but I am not positive.

5. We know the cemetery Julia was buried in. I haven't done a thorough search for this yet, but I am hopeful that I may be able to locate the graves. It certainly is a lot more information to go on that I have even for some of my direct ancestors.

So there we have it. The death of Julia Edith Gwynne.

___
(1) Twp stands for Township.
(2) Thickening of the arteries, preventing strong blood flow.

Whatever Happened To Julia Edith Davies?

I have written a little about the earlier part of Julia's life and her contribution to women in church leadership here. After 1937 she disappeared from all the church records I could find. A few conversations with an extended family member, Roy Davies, and several record searches later I have been able to piece together a little of what happened after this date.

To begin with let me just say that in relation to earlier posts, I don't yet have David John Davies and Julia Edith's marriage record, but I have located them in the index.

Title of Index: England and Wales Marriage Registration Index

Event: Marriage
Registration Quarter: April - May - June

Registration Year: 1905

Registration District: Merthyr Tydfil
County: Glamorganshire
Event Place: Merthyr Tyfil, Glamorganshire, Wales
Volume: 11A
Page: 1197
Line Number: 64

All of the facts fit so I look forward to ordering this in the future and transcribing the full document. 

But what happened to Julia later in life, after she led the church at Ystrad in the 1930's?

I was tipped off by Roy that Julia remarried in 1939 to George E. Gwynne. Again, I do not have the full record, but I have located it. I will also transcribe this fully when I have sent off and received it back.

Title of Index: England and Wales Marriage Registration Index

Event: Marriage
Registration Quarter: April - May - June

Registration Year: 1939

Registration District: Pontypridd
County: Glamorganshire
Event Place: Pontypridd, Glamorganshire, Wales
Volume: 11A
Page: 1246
Line Number: 109

I am not sure why this was in Pontypridd. What I do know is that George had lived in Wales, but moved to Pennsylvania, U.S.A. He must have returned to Wales in the late 1930's. After they married he returned to Pennsylvania. He was already a naturalised citizen. The plan was for Julia to join him later that year. Roy told me George had travelled on the Queen Mary and with that information I was able to find a copy of George Gwynne's port of entry papers for this journey back to America.

Here's a brief transcription of the pertinent information:

List of United States Citizens for the immigration authorities.
S.S. Queen Mary sailing from Southampton, 14th June, 1939. Arriving at Port of New York 19th June 1939

Family Name: Gwynne.
Given Name: George E.
Age: 58
Sex: Male
Married or Single: W (Which I think means widowed.)

If native of United States insular possession Or if native of United States, give date and place of birth (City or Town and State): 614568 

If naturalized, give name and location of court which issued naturalization papers, and date of papers: Comm. Pleas. Court. Wilkes Barre. PA. 22 April 1938
Address In United States: 232 Chestnut Street. Kingston. PA.

Points of note:
Firstly, I believe the W in Married or Single stands for widowed, but I am unsure why they wouldn't put married since he had married Julia by this point. Perhaps because he is widowed from an American citizen? I need to look into this more. All the other facts fit perfectly so I am quite sure it is the right George.

Secondly, I believe the numbers given on the question about being native of the United States are something like an alien resident number. I need to do some research to find out if this is the case but it seems likely.

The third point is that the "Comm.Please.Court" short hand I believe refers to the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas. I am not sure if this was or is a regular place for immigration papers to be issued. I will need to do more research on that aspect.

Finally, his address in the United States gives me something to research further in the future, although it is Julia I am most interested in. It is not surprising to find him living in Pennsylvania, many Welsh people moved to Pennsylvania either temporarily or permanently to look for jobs in the mining industry or working with slate. I have other direct ancestors who did this.

So let's move on to Julia's move to the United States.



S.S. Mauretania. Passengers traveling from Southampton, October 14th 1947.
No. On List: 16
Family Name: Gwynne
Given Name: Julia
Age: 66
Sex: Female
Married or single: M
Calling or occupation: H'wife
Able to Read: Yes
Able to read what language (Or if exemption claimed on what ground.): English
Nationality (Country of which citizen or subject): Britain
Race or people: Welsh
Place of birth (Country): Wales
City or town, State, Province or District: Penrhyw (1)
Immigration Visa, Passport Visa, or Reentry Permit Number (Prefix number with QIV, NQIV, PV or RP and give section of act involved: Sec 5 6A (3) Div 33359
Place: London
Issued: 17th June 1947
Data concerning verification of landing etc. (This column for use of Government officials only.) Blank
Last Permanent Residence Country: Wales
City or Town, State, Province or District: Yrstrad, Rhondda

Points of note:

Firstly, the obvious reason for why there is such a vast difference in time of arrival between George and Julia is that shortly after George arrived in the U.S.A. war broke out between Britain and Germany. World War 2 did not end until 1945. I am sure Julia went to George just as soon as she was able.

Secondly, Julia noted that she could read English. I don't know if a test was done upon entering port or whether this was self declaration. I know many people in Wales of Julia's age could not read English but as a bible teacher and preacher I have no doubt that Julia could indeed read. It is interesting to me that there was no mention of Welsh. Living in the Rhondda and preaching at Ystrad Julia could most definitely speak it. Indeed, all of my grandfathers side of the family could speak it. It drove my grandma up the wall because she could not.

Thirdly, I don't know what the reference numbers and index in the immigration visa question mean. I may be able to find out with a little more research.

Finally, at present there is only one other bit of documentation I have about Julia and that is her death certificate. She lived a good long life and she and George were still able to spend some good years together. I will transcribe their death certificates in a future post.

The Reference to "Y Delyn Aur" by Price and Annie Davies

In my last blog I shared the translation and transcription found upon the headstone of Price and Annie Davies' grave. 


It finished with an almost hauntingly beautiful phrase, "Byth Ar Swn Y Delyn Aur", which in English means, "Ever to the sound of the golden harp."
It was a reference to a welsh hymn they both loved. The words are available in several places online. 
In welsh they are: 



"Dechreu canu, dechreu canmol -
Ym mhen mil o filoedd maith -
Iesu, bydd y pererinion
Ni cheir diwedd Hyfryd draw ar ben eu taith;
Melus fydd y fwyn gyfeillach Byth ar sŵn y delyn aur. 

Yn y pur ogoniant maith,
Melus meddwlMelus fydd cydganu'r anthem 

O'r un ysbryd o'r un iaith;
Sut y dringodd eiddil, gwan Na fydd raid ymadael mwy.

Yno caf fi ddweud yr hanes 

Drwy afonydd a thros greigiau
drwy eitha'r nef. 

Dyrys, anial, serth i'r lan; 

 Iesu ei hunan Gaiff y clod 

Nid oes yno ddiwedd canu,
Canmol Duw yn nhŷ fy Nhad. 

Nid oes yno ddiwedd clod, Nid oes yno ddiwedd cofio Pob cystuddiau a fu'n bod; 

Byth ni dderfydd

- - - - -

Dechreu canu, dechreu canmol
Yn mhen myrdd o oesoedd maithY bydd pawb o'r gwaredigion
'R ochor draw ar ben eu taith; Ni bydd diwedd, Byth ar sŵn y delyn aur.
Hyn fydd gwaith yr hyfryd wlad,Ni bydd yno dywallt dagrau: Cofio'r groes, a grym y cariad,
Tynion dannau'r delyn aur! A chlodfori am y gwaed:
Byth ni threulia,

- - - - -

Dechreu canu, dechreu canmol,
Yn mhen mil o filoedd maith,Iesu bydd y gwaredigion
Ni bydd diwedd, Hyfryd draw ar ben eu taith;
Bydd ein croesau wedi darfod Byth ar swn y delyn aur.
Ar ei orsedd ddisglaer bur; Draw ar fryniau'r nefol dir; Pan gawn weled ei ogoniant
Dewch at Iesu, dewch yr awr'on, Ni bydd diwedd, Byth ar swn y delyn aur. Mae yn galw arnoch chwi,
Byth ar swn y delyn aur.I ymuno gyda'r dyrfa Sydd yn canu'r anthem fry;
Ni bydd diwedd,

In English 

Singing starts, extolling starts

At the head of a thousand vast thousands
Jesus, the pilgrims will be
Pleasant yonder at the end of their journey;
There will be no end Ever to the sound of the golden harp.
Sweet it will be to sing together the anthem
Sweet will be the gentle friendship In the pure, vast glory,
There will be no need to leave again.
From the one spirit from the one language; Sweet to think There I may tell the story
Jesus himself
How he climbed, feeble, weak, Through rivers, and over the rocks Tricky, wild and steep to the goal;
There is there no end to praise,
Will have the praise through the highest heaven. There is there no end to singing,
The praise-song of God in my Father's house.
There is there no end to remembering All the afflictions which have been; Never will end - - - - -

Singing starts, extolling starts

At the head of a myriad of vast ages
All of the delivered will be
On the far side at the end of their journey;
There will be no end Ever to the sound of the golden harp.
This will be the work of the delightful land,
There will be no shedding of tears: Remembering the cross, and the power of the love,
The taut strings of the golden harp!
And offering praise for the blood:
Never wear out, will

- - - - -
Singing starts, extolling starts,

At the head of a thousand of vast thousands,
Jesus shall be of the delivered ones
There shall be no end,
Delightful yonder at the end of his journey;
Yonder on the hills of the heavenly land;
Ever to the sound of the golden harp. Our cross shall have vanished
Every to the sound of the golden harp.
When we get to see his glory On his pure, shining throne; There shall be no end,
Who are singing the anthem above;
Come ye to Jesus, come ye this hour, He is calling upon you, To join with the throng There shall be no end,
Ever to the sound of the golden harp.

_________

No one seems to know the origins of the tune and it seems the tune itself was not officially published until 1879, but the song is definitely much older than this. I believe the 1879 version was by Ann Griffiths, but William Williams Pantycelyn was a non conformist minister, writer and composer from the 1700's who penned the words.

Youtube has a harpist playing the song.There is also a version of the hymn sung by Hywe Girls Choir and Hywel boys singers.