Hundreds of people turned out to support one of Pembrokeshire’s oldest non-conformist churches celebrate the 350th anniversary of its formation.
The celebrations began on Friday, at Molleston Baptist Church, near Templeton, with a near-capacity audience enjoying a superb concert.
It featured the exciting Fishguard-based youth group Bechyn Jemeima, conducted by Marilyn Lewis .
Guest soloists baritone Aaron Pryce-Lewis and soprano Catrin Ann Raymond added to some superb singing.
Aaron, who has strong family links with Molleston, based his programme on songs from musical shows. He is currently studying at the Royal College of Music and Drama, in London.
Catrin has recently finished her studies at the Cardiff School of Music and Drama and featured operatic pieces.
Accompanist for all the artists was Owen Lewis.
President for the evening was the Rev. Chris Rees, of Narberth, who presented a picture of the avenue of trees leading to the church entrance, to Haulwen Nicholas, the church secretary/treasurer. Miniatures of the picture were also provided for members.
At the Sunday morning service, the guest preacher was the Rev. Simeon Baker, director of mission with the Baptist Union of Wales, and included a duet by sisters Angela and Marilyn Allen.
The afternoon service was presided over by the Rev. Terry Broadbent, superintendent of the Pembrokeshire Baptist Association, and its president, the Rev. Liz Squires.
The Rev. Simeon Baker addressed a large congregation.
Harpist Nia Lewis accompanied the singing and the organist for both services was Sylvia Watkins.
Scripture readings were by two Molleston deacons - Elizabeth Vaughan and Griff Owen.
Greetings were presented by the Rev. Chris Rees, of Bethesda Church, Narberth, the Rev. Norman Gilbert, of Cosheston Gospel Mission Church, the Rev. Simeon Baker, of the Baptist Union of Wales, Hugh Tribe, of Bethel Baptist Church, Loveston, and Joyce James, of Martletwy Baptist Church. Another greeting was read out from the Rev. Neville Pryce-Jones, who has long links with Molleston.
Prayers were given by Christine Phillips, Mary Campbell and Andrew Rogers, secretary of the Pembrokeshire Baptist Association.
Two video films, produced by Tim Longworth, showing the story of Molleston, were screened.
Church members were especially pleased to welcome the Rev. Martin Cox, the new priest at St. John’s Church, Templeton, who was making his first visit to Molleston.
Church secretary/treasurer Haulwen Nicholas referred to Molleston as the mother Baptist church of south Pembrokeshire and thanked the region’s churches for their help and supporting the celebration events.
She especially thanked the Pembrokeshire Baptist Association for its guidance on setting up the events.
It is believed that the church was formed in 1667 when the first members were baptised after secret meetings in farm buildings at Lower Roadside, about a mile from the present church, which was opened in 1731.
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