A
brief history of the Scotch Baptisis in Llanllyfni
The
Baptist cause began in our area in 1787 at Tŷ'n
Lôn in Llanllyfni, but by 1802-3 the congregation
was divided over doctrinal matters promoted by the
Reverend John R Jones Ramoth in the parish of Llanfrothen.
(The minority, who did not support the new doctrines
were forced out, and after many years meeting in
each others houses built their new chapel Ebeneser
at Felingerrig in 1826.)
Their
official name was "Bedyddwyr Neilltuol Yng Nghwynedd" (The
Particular Baptists of Gwynedd), but some called
them "Bedyddwyr Albanaidd" (Scotch Baptists,
as their doctrines were initially inspired by Archibald
Maclean of Edinburgh) or "Bread and Cheese Baptists" because
they brought food with them to chapel).
(Their
opponents insisted on calling them "Sandemanians" because
of the similarity between some of their practices-
numerous elders, communion every sabbath, the love-feast,
the sacred kiss, the washing of feet, etc. But John
Jones strongly rejected this name, maintaining that
Robert Sandeman supported infant baptism which was
contrary to Scripture.)
The
total membership of Tai'n Lôn, Llanllyfni,
was only16 in 1836. "Our profession of faith
is too simple, uncomfortable and self-denying to
win many followers." said John Jones.
By
1865, only 3 members remained who worshipped in the
little chapel of Tŷ'n Lôn - William and
Marsley Hughes, brother and sister (two godly and
honest characters) and Doctor
David Jones, (youngest son of the famous physician
and herbalist of Mynydd Llanllyfni).
At
one time the "Saints" would come to Tŷ'n
Lôn from Harlech, Penrhyndeudraeth, Trefor
and Caernarfon. They would arrive in the morning
and stay all day. Part of the chapel was closed off,
where, customarily, they would eat. Friends round
about the chapel would boil water for them to make
tea, and also took care of the crockery. .This is
how the late Owen Davies Arthog, described the chapel "It
was a small, very comfortable chapel with an earth
floor covered with straw matting, and coffin plates
hanging on the walls".
 With
the help of Rev. Wm Ambrose (Emrys) Porthmadog, the
first of the Annibynnwyr in Llanllyfni were able
to borrow the chapel on condition that every month
or two, the two denominations would worship together.
The first sermon was preached on 12. 2.1868 by Rev.
John Davies Nasareth. In 1870, the Annibynnwyr decided
to build themselves a new chapel (Moreia), which
was opened on Ascension Day 1871.
Image: The Scotch Baptist Cemetery.
Maintenance
of the Scotch Baptist Cemetery
"A
meeting was held in Y Groeslon, Thursday ,October
19th 1905. - It was unanimously decided to collect
pledges (target £30) on condition that an
appointed Board be formed to care for the place.
Substantial
support is expected from the families of those
that are peacefully at rest, in order that the
matter
be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
William
Williams
Secretary
7 Newborough Street
Caernarfon
20 October 1905"
In
the account book, (held in the Public Records Office,
Caernarfon) there is not a single contribution or
pledge recorded.
Their
descendants have the right to be buried there but
no one can say for certain who is the owner of the
cemetery. |
