Not that I ever knew him, Saint James is a fascinating character. An apostle of Jesus’ innermost circle, his martyrdom is the only one recorded in the New Testament, in the Catholic tradition. Much sought after, James is the patron saint of pilgrims, soldiers, veterinarians, pharmacists, and people with arthritis. He is also the patron saint of Spain, Galicia, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Seattle.
A Ffynnon Iago (James' Well) is sited on a farm of the same name, on the mountain between Ffordd y Gyfraith and Llangynwyd, the well was once part of a renowned port of call for pilgrims en route to Penrhys. They would also call to see the Holy Rood at Llangynwyd Church.
St. James’ feast day is July 25th. This morning, I was delighted to be at the Patronal Service at St James Church in Llwydcoed, and received a warm welcome from Rev Richard Green, Cynon Uchaf Ministry Leader and all the congregation. The thoroughly enjoyable service celebrated its namesake, St James, Apostle and Martyr, with an informative and thoughtful address from The Venerable Mark Preece, Archdeacon of Margam.
The church, known locally, as the "Red Church" because of its red brick construction, material, was built in 1895 at the cost of £1,495, from subscription, funding and donations. These were committed people and especially so in the worship of God. The weekly wage for steam coal colliers in the Cynon valley at that time was five shillings per week. To put that into perspective, the cost of construction would amount to a spend of £247,000 today. A quarter of a million pounds! Weekly wages would be £41 per week. Suddenly, the term ‘committed’ does not do justice to the efforts of our forefathers.
However, I had an ulterior motive for the visit… a pleasant one, but none the less, ulterior. It was to present a High Sheriff Award to Mr Peter Perry, sub-warden and treasurer who is stepping down after twenty-five years of service at St James and after a whopping combined service of fifty-five years in previous churches and roles. Again, I was in awe at Mr. Perry’s supreme service and yes, total commitment to worship.
Inspired by God, Mr. Perry inspires others with his dedication. He is the epitome of our ancestors' devotion and sums up the verse:
"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." Deuteronomy 6:5
Many thanks to Peter's friends Martyn and Julia Silezin for the nomination and to Peter, for an incredible lifetime of community service through faith. Llongyfarchiadau.
Archdeacon Preece has deep family connections with Maesteg, Nantyffyllon and it was a real treat to meet him again, after so many years.