ST ELVAN'S CHURCH TOUR
Welcome to the St Elvan's, whether this is your first visit or making a return, we hope you will find this tour of the church helpful and interesting and enables you to make the most of your visit
The church was built in 1852 in a Gothic Victorian style by architect Andrew Moseley. It owes most of its beautification to the generous gifts of the industrialists that developed iron working and coal mining within the valley
The tour and map suggests a route to walk around the church highlighting just some of its wonderful gifts
For a more detailed description of the 16 beautifully crafted stained glass windows please go to the companion stained glass window tour
The church was built in 1852 in a Gothic Victorian style by architect Andrew Moseley. It owes most of its beautification to the generous gifts of the industrialists that developed iron working and coal mining within the valley
The tour and map suggests a route to walk around the church highlighting just some of its wonderful gifts
For a more detailed description of the 16 beautifully crafted stained glass windows please go to the companion stained glass window tour
Tour Map
The tour starts at the West entrance to the church (A)
(A) Nave
Standing at the West door entrance to the nave, your attention is naturally directed eastwards and takes in the full extent of the magnificent Nave. It is in this eastward direction that the greatest dimension of the church is to be found being over 150ft long. Scissor trusses rise from their stone corbels to support the 50ft high ceiling. The five arches, stretching down each side of the nave have alternating slender round and octagonal pillars with octagonal caps. The South aisle was added in 1911 to accommodate additional seats. The whole Nave has a broad and lofty whitewashed interior
(A) Nave
Standing at the West door entrance to the nave, your attention is naturally directed eastwards and takes in the full extent of the magnificent Nave. It is in this eastward direction that the greatest dimension of the church is to be found being over 150ft long. Scissor trusses rise from their stone corbels to support the 50ft high ceiling. The five arches, stretching down each side of the nave have alternating slender round and octagonal pillars with octagonal caps. The South aisle was added in 1911 to accommodate additional seats. The whole Nave has a broad and lofty whitewashed interior
(B) Rood Screen
Remaining at the West entrance we find our view eastwards obstructed to some extent by a screen, more or less of an open character. This is not a design flaw of the building but the reverse. Here is the best view of the artistically ornate screen with its splendid Rood (Crucifix) a beautiful addition to the church, intending to be both a partition and a screen. Its purpose is to set aside a part of the church to allow the clergy to arrange worship, perform their ministrations and officiate at the service.This partition was originally known as the cancellus, meaning lattice like screen, so that the screen gave its name to the part of the church that is enclosed – the chancel.The current Rood screen was erected at Christmas 1890 and dedicated in January 1891 and is a memorial gift to Mary Johnson, of Clifton Street, Aberdare, given by her sons, Canon H.R. Johnson, former curate at St Elvan’s and the first warden of St Michael’s College and W.P Johnson, missionary and Archdeacon of Nyasaland who regularly visited the Parish of Aberdare
The screen was designed by William Tate and follows screens to be found in the East of England in the tradition of being built in oak, with richly carved panels and delicate tracery work with a solid lower panel. The redecoration of the screen in 1969 took six weeks to paint in its now resplendent heraldic colours and bright new gilding. On top of the screen is the loft fixed with a splendid Rood. The attendant figures of Christ, Mary and St John the Evangelist were added in 1969. The screen does not shorten the church in appearance but rather produces an impression of greater length and beauty
Remaining at the West entrance we find our view eastwards obstructed to some extent by a screen, more or less of an open character. This is not a design flaw of the building but the reverse. Here is the best view of the artistically ornate screen with its splendid Rood (Crucifix) a beautiful addition to the church, intending to be both a partition and a screen. Its purpose is to set aside a part of the church to allow the clergy to arrange worship, perform their ministrations and officiate at the service.This partition was originally known as the cancellus, meaning lattice like screen, so that the screen gave its name to the part of the church that is enclosed – the chancel.The current Rood screen was erected at Christmas 1890 and dedicated in January 1891 and is a memorial gift to Mary Johnson, of Clifton Street, Aberdare, given by her sons, Canon H.R. Johnson, former curate at St Elvan’s and the first warden of St Michael’s College and W.P Johnson, missionary and Archdeacon of Nyasaland who regularly visited the Parish of Aberdare
The screen was designed by William Tate and follows screens to be found in the East of England in the tradition of being built in oak, with richly carved panels and delicate tracery work with a solid lower panel. The redecoration of the screen in 1969 took six weeks to paint in its now resplendent heraldic colours and bright new gilding. On top of the screen is the loft fixed with a splendid Rood. The attendant figures of Christ, Mary and St John the Evangelist were added in 1969. The screen does not shorten the church in appearance but rather produces an impression of greater length and beauty
Move to left to the North aisle
As you walk to the North aisle briefly stop and study the portraits of all the Vicars of Aberdare in their oak frames, starting with the founder of St Elvan’s the Reverend John Griffith and ending with our present Vicar Father Robert Davies
Continue your walk eastwards along the North aisle and stop at the second window
As you walk to the North aisle briefly stop and study the portraits of all the Vicars of Aberdare in their oak frames, starting with the founder of St Elvan’s the Reverend John Griffith and ending with our present Vicar Father Robert Davies
Continue your walk eastwards along the North aisle and stop at the second window
(C) Captains of Industry Window
This beautiful window known as the Captains of Industry window reflects the church’s close association with the industrial past. It was donated by Sir W.T. Lewis, first Lord Merthyr in 1913, in memory of his associates in developing the Aberdare Valley mineral industry the 'Captains of Industry’. The window names 20 notable industrialists that developed the ironworks and coal mining within the valley
The window is based around the parable of the ‘Labourers in the Vineyard’, (Matthew 20), with the left-hand light appearing to show the master hiring workers, and in the right-hand light he settles accounts with them. An angel in the top tracery light holds the banner 'As for the earth, out of it cometh bread' (Job 28:5), while in the side tracery lights are shields with a cross and a lion, symbolizing faith and courage. The text below the main scenes reads 'For many are called, but few are chosen' (Matthew 22:14)
Continue your walk eastwards along the North aisle to the North transept you come to the large font
This beautiful window known as the Captains of Industry window reflects the church’s close association with the industrial past. It was donated by Sir W.T. Lewis, first Lord Merthyr in 1913, in memory of his associates in developing the Aberdare Valley mineral industry the 'Captains of Industry’. The window names 20 notable industrialists that developed the ironworks and coal mining within the valley
The window is based around the parable of the ‘Labourers in the Vineyard’, (Matthew 20), with the left-hand light appearing to show the master hiring workers, and in the right-hand light he settles accounts with them. An angel in the top tracery light holds the banner 'As for the earth, out of it cometh bread' (Job 28:5), while in the side tracery lights are shields with a cross and a lion, symbolizing faith and courage. The text below the main scenes reads 'For many are called, but few are chosen' (Matthew 22:14)
Continue your walk eastwards along the North aisle to the North transept you come to the large font
(D) Font
The first thing we notice is that the font appears to be in an unusual place in the church. Its original position was near the west entrance to the church, for baptism is the sacrament by which we enter as though a door opened for us into the church. It was repositioned in 1969 to its present position in order to create a new togetherness with the altar and pulpit in line with liturgical thinking at the time.The current font replaced the old stone font in 1903. It was designed by G.E. Halliday and carved by W. Clarke of Llandaff. The Font is an art Noveau piece of red sandstone bowl on a drum-shaped green marble shaft surrounded by shaft like sandstone trees’ rooted in the base. The circular font depicts four cherubs and has a wooden cover
Originally the solid and heavily built bowl weighed nearly nine hundredweight and rested on a base of three steps. It took a week to dismantle this permanent structure and to reassemble it in its new location. The original font stood on three steps but now stands on only one step and that five inches were cut off the rim of the bowl
Look at the base of the step to see the inscription which shows that the font was a gift in memory of Anne Lewis wife of Sir William W T Lewis by her brother William Thomas Rees and the Rees family of Lletyshenkin
The first thing we notice is that the font appears to be in an unusual place in the church. Its original position was near the west entrance to the church, for baptism is the sacrament by which we enter as though a door opened for us into the church. It was repositioned in 1969 to its present position in order to create a new togetherness with the altar and pulpit in line with liturgical thinking at the time.The current font replaced the old stone font in 1903. It was designed by G.E. Halliday and carved by W. Clarke of Llandaff. The Font is an art Noveau piece of red sandstone bowl on a drum-shaped green marble shaft surrounded by shaft like sandstone trees’ rooted in the base. The circular font depicts four cherubs and has a wooden cover
Originally the solid and heavily built bowl weighed nearly nine hundredweight and rested on a base of three steps. It took a week to dismantle this permanent structure and to reassemble it in its new location. The original font stood on three steps but now stands on only one step and that five inches were cut off the rim of the bowl
Look at the base of the step to see the inscription which shows that the font was a gift in memory of Anne Lewis wife of Sir William W T Lewis by her brother William Thomas Rees and the Rees family of Lletyshenkin
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(E) Elvan Window
Looking up above the font you will see the splendid Elvan Window in the North transept. The present window replaced the 1868 original that became dilapidated and was donated by W T Lewis in affectionate remembrance of William and Catherine Rees, of Robert Thomas Rees and Lucy Lewis their son and daughter, of Abercanaid House Merthyr Tydfil and Lletty Shenkin, Aberdare AD 1905 The centre of the window depicts the standing Celtic saints of Ilitud, David, Elvan and Gildas. A standing figure of the risen Christ is in a roundel above. The narrative scenes beneath depict the Elvan story
Continue to walk east to St Michaels chapel |
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Before entering the chapel admire the carved oak memorial screen designed by F C Eden that fills the entrance to the chapel. This was given by Mrs. Tremellen of Clifton House in memory of her late husband Mr. M E Tremellen and son Captain Enner Tremellen
(F) St Michaels Chapel
St Michaels chapel is a haven of peace and a place for solemn contemplation and prayer. The chapel was dedicated as part of the 1911 restoration. It was named after St Michaels’s college which originated in the hospital grounds, Abernant. The original space was once housed the organ and chamber
St Michaels chapel is a haven of peace and a place for solemn contemplation and prayer. The chapel was dedicated as part of the 1911 restoration. It was named after St Michaels’s college which originated in the hospital grounds, Abernant. The original space was once housed the organ and chamber
(F1) St Michaels Ceiling
Inside the chapel look up at the beautifully decorated ceiling given in memory of Mr and Mrs Beaman. The four centre panels depict the scales of Justice, the crown of thorns, PX the monogram of Christ, and the Alpha and Omega
The window in the East wall of St Michaels chapel was installed in 1911 and depict the standing figures of Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael with scenes below of Gabriel visiting Mary, Michael fighting the dragon and Raphael with Tobit. Although the donor is not named, their heraldry (a blue shield with three stags, representing the family of Green and a monogram of ‘KMG’ a red shield, the initials of Katherine Mary Green) probably identifies the donor as the former Vicar Charles Green
You will notice the four altar angels on top of the riddle posts that were a gift of Ivor Morgan in 1989 in memory of his parents. Permission was given to use the same original mould of the angels designed and installed at Llandaff Cathedral
Inside the chapel look up at the beautifully decorated ceiling given in memory of Mr and Mrs Beaman. The four centre panels depict the scales of Justice, the crown of thorns, PX the monogram of Christ, and the Alpha and Omega
The window in the East wall of St Michaels chapel was installed in 1911 and depict the standing figures of Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael with scenes below of Gabriel visiting Mary, Michael fighting the dragon and Raphael with Tobit. Although the donor is not named, their heraldry (a blue shield with three stags, representing the family of Green and a monogram of ‘KMG’ a red shield, the initials of Katherine Mary Green) probably identifies the donor as the former Vicar Charles Green
You will notice the four altar angels on top of the riddle posts that were a gift of Ivor Morgan in 1989 in memory of his parents. Permission was given to use the same original mould of the angels designed and installed at Llandaff Cathedral
(G) War Memorial (1926)
Before leaving the chapel sit and study the splendid war memorial on the North side of the chapel. The imposing and solemn war memorial was unveiled on the 4thAugust 1921 and is an exquisite piece of workmanship designed by Mr F.C. Eden and carved by Messrs Norman and Burt. In the centre of the memorial is St Michael. The memorial was the gift of Mrs Tremellen
The centre panels bearing the names of the 222 men of the Parish of Aberdare who made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War. Two additional side panels were added to remember those lost during WW2
Leave St Michaels chapel by the small door to enter the Lady Chapel
Again, admire beside the door the wonderfully inscribed Roll of Honour dedicated in 1916 of the 29 parishioners of the church who had given their lives
Before leaving the chapel sit and study the splendid war memorial on the North side of the chapel. The imposing and solemn war memorial was unveiled on the 4thAugust 1921 and is an exquisite piece of workmanship designed by Mr F.C. Eden and carved by Messrs Norman and Burt. In the centre of the memorial is St Michael. The memorial was the gift of Mrs Tremellen
The centre panels bearing the names of the 222 men of the Parish of Aberdare who made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War. Two additional side panels were added to remember those lost during WW2
Leave St Michaels chapel by the small door to enter the Lady Chapel
Again, admire beside the door the wonderfully inscribed Roll of Honour dedicated in 1916 of the 29 parishioners of the church who had given their lives
(H) Lady Chapel
The old original chancel became the Lady Chapel in 1969 and is dedicated to Our Lady the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. Within the Lady Chapel you will see a number of beautifully decorated items, in the South corner the small tower like structure is the Sacrament House where the reserved host is stored
(H1) Sedilla (1892)
On the South wall is the painted Sedilla or seats for the clergy. They contain three separate seats (the centre one for the priest who is ministering, and one each side for his attendants at the altar). The original seats were beautifully carved in walnut wood, the arms being enriched with a pierced quarter foil; at the back the large panels are filled with linen pattern mouldings and the smaller ones with a Tudor flower ornament. The whole is covered with a canopy. Look for the brass inscription on the north wall which lists those priests who provided the gift. The Sedilla was repainted in 1969
The old original chancel became the Lady Chapel in 1969 and is dedicated to Our Lady the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. Within the Lady Chapel you will see a number of beautifully decorated items, in the South corner the small tower like structure is the Sacrament House where the reserved host is stored
(H1) Sedilla (1892)
On the South wall is the painted Sedilla or seats for the clergy. They contain three separate seats (the centre one for the priest who is ministering, and one each side for his attendants at the altar). The original seats were beautifully carved in walnut wood, the arms being enriched with a pierced quarter foil; at the back the large panels are filled with linen pattern mouldings and the smaller ones with a Tudor flower ornament. The whole is covered with a canopy. Look for the brass inscription on the north wall which lists those priests who provided the gift. The Sedilla was repainted in 1969
(I) Lady Chapel Ceiling (1911)
As you gaze up wonder at the beautifully decorated vaulted ceiling in the Lady Chapel. Up until 1969 it had been plain pink. It comprises 54 panels for which separate stencils were cut from a drawing by Mr Hugh Matthew and associate of Mr Dykes Bower and redecorated in 1969. Each panel contains a chaplet or circle of green, branching out with foliage and flowers of blue and red
You will notice that in the centre of each chaplet is an emblem, either a red symbol of ‘IHS’, the Greek lettering for the Holy name of Jesus, or a blue symbol ‘MR’ surmounted by a crown reminding us that this is the Lady Chapel, the shrine of “Maria Regina”. The pattern alternates from West to East. You will also notice that the regular pattern is broken above the altar itself. There we have a blaze of gold, two panels a Holy Dove, representing the Holy Spirit and two showing the symbol ‘Maria Regina’. The work was carried out by Campbell, Smith & Co.
There are two significant windows to view within the Lady Chapel
As you gaze up wonder at the beautifully decorated vaulted ceiling in the Lady Chapel. Up until 1969 it had been plain pink. It comprises 54 panels for which separate stencils were cut from a drawing by Mr Hugh Matthew and associate of Mr Dykes Bower and redecorated in 1969. Each panel contains a chaplet or circle of green, branching out with foliage and flowers of blue and red
You will notice that in the centre of each chaplet is an emblem, either a red symbol of ‘IHS’, the Greek lettering for the Holy name of Jesus, or a blue symbol ‘MR’ surmounted by a crown reminding us that this is the Lady Chapel, the shrine of “Maria Regina”. The pattern alternates from West to East. You will also notice that the regular pattern is broken above the altar itself. There we have a blaze of gold, two panels a Holy Dove, representing the Holy Spirit and two showing the symbol ‘Maria Regina’. The work was carried out by Campbell, Smith & Co.
There are two significant windows to view within the Lady Chapel
(J) Great East Window
This magnificent window was installed at the East wall of the High Chancel in 1879. At either side of the crucified Christ is Mary and John, with further standing figures of the apostles Peter and Paul in the outer lights. Symbols of the evangelists in roundels in the tracery with the Agnus Dei at the apex of the window. The window was given in memory of Canon John David Jenkins, who died 7 November 1876 and was vicar of Aberdare, by the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants of England, Ireland, and Scotland, of which he was president. This window by the firm of Wailes and Strang is one of a relatively small number in the diocese
(K) Founders Window (1911)
Before leaving the Lady Chapel look at the small single light window tucked away on the North side it depicts the standing figure of the St Stephen, holding stones and a martyr's palm installed in 1911. It was given in memory of John Griffith, the First Vicar of Aberdare, and the founder of St Elvan’s by his son in 1911
Leave the Lady chapel and enter the nave.
Standing in the nave you again get a close-up view of the intricate carvings of the Rood screen as well as taking in the view towards the West door. Look at the ornate screen above the West entrance that protects bell ringing chamber that was installed in 1911. The bells were originally installed in 1858 through public subscription
This magnificent window was installed at the East wall of the High Chancel in 1879. At either side of the crucified Christ is Mary and John, with further standing figures of the apostles Peter and Paul in the outer lights. Symbols of the evangelists in roundels in the tracery with the Agnus Dei at the apex of the window. The window was given in memory of Canon John David Jenkins, who died 7 November 1876 and was vicar of Aberdare, by the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants of England, Ireland, and Scotland, of which he was president. This window by the firm of Wailes and Strang is one of a relatively small number in the diocese
(K) Founders Window (1911)
Before leaving the Lady Chapel look at the small single light window tucked away on the North side it depicts the standing figure of the St Stephen, holding stones and a martyr's palm installed in 1911. It was given in memory of John Griffith, the First Vicar of Aberdare, and the founder of St Elvan’s by his son in 1911
Leave the Lady chapel and enter the nave.
Standing in the nave you again get a close-up view of the intricate carvings of the Rood screen as well as taking in the view towards the West door. Look at the ornate screen above the West entrance that protects bell ringing chamber that was installed in 1911. The bells were originally installed in 1858 through public subscription
(L) Pulpit (1926)
Walking to the North side of the Nave stands the ornate wooden pulpit. The original meaning of the word pulpit meaning raised platform or stage to show forth by its dignity and beauty the importance of the ministry of the word
The current pulpit replaced the old stone pulpit in 1926 and was a gift by Mrs Llewellyn Smith and Major A.O Manders in memory of their parents Frederick and Gwenllian Manders of Glanynys House. Frederick Manders ran a successful grocery business in Commercial Street and was High Constable (1892-93), JP and school governor. The inscription is on the side panel.The Pulpit is a chaste and delicate design in grey oak and matches the war memorial in St Michaels chapel. It is regarded as a “Devonshire Pulpit” in design octagonal in shape with a delicate stem for a base and with a narrow staircase for ascent. You will be drawn to the rich carvings of foliage, figures, and niches. It was designed by F C Eden of Grays Inn Sq. London and carved by Messer’s Norman and Burt. The design of the carvings is by W D Caroe. Notice a Latin inscription “In terras omnes exivit sonus eorum” that runs around the top of the panels, it is part of the 4th verse of the 19th Psalm. (Their voice goes out into all the Earth)
(M) Brass Eagle Lectern
Moving across to the South side of the Nave is the splendid brass eagle lectern. After the pulpit the lectern is perhaps the most familiar piece of church furniture, its where the readings and Gospel are read from and stands in the nave facing the congregation
The lectern is in the shape of an eagle on whose outstretched wings the bible rests. Because it soars upward, the eagle is often used as a symbol of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into heaven. The eagle was also a symbol and used to depict St John the apostle. The eagle stands on a ball which represents the world, while the bible on the eagles back symbolises the Gospel being carried to the corners of the earth
The lectern was a gift to the church from Mrs Evans of Brecon in memory of her brother Thomas Bowes Powell, churchwarden and manager of the Brecon and Wilkins bank Aberdare who died in 1885
The magnificent brass eagle replaced the original wooden eagle which was transferred to St John’s which was later replaced by the brass eagle from St Mair’s
Moving towards the south aisle
Moving across to the South side of the Nave is the splendid brass eagle lectern. After the pulpit the lectern is perhaps the most familiar piece of church furniture, its where the readings and Gospel are read from and stands in the nave facing the congregation
The lectern is in the shape of an eagle on whose outstretched wings the bible rests. Because it soars upward, the eagle is often used as a symbol of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into heaven. The eagle was also a symbol and used to depict St John the apostle. The eagle stands on a ball which represents the world, while the bible on the eagles back symbolises the Gospel being carried to the corners of the earth
The lectern was a gift to the church from Mrs Evans of Brecon in memory of her brother Thomas Bowes Powell, churchwarden and manager of the Brecon and Wilkins bank Aberdare who died in 1885
The magnificent brass eagle replaced the original wooden eagle which was transferred to St John’s which was later replaced by the brass eagle from St Mair’s
Moving towards the south aisle
(N) Organ and Chamber
Before moving to the South aisle, the Organ and chamber is one of the most familiar sights in the church with its row of pipes arranged according to height in a chamber
In the early St Elvan’s church, the original organ was installed in 1885 as part of the restoration carried out by Vicar Richard Bowen Jenkins at a cost of £540 with the chamber in what is now St Michaels chapel. The existing organ I was installed in 1969 and is a pipe organ that produces sounds by driving pressurised air through the organ pipes connected to the console which was originally in the lady chapel but moved to its present position in the nave
(O) South aisle
The South aisle, sometimes known as the Green aisle after Charles Alfred Howell Green, vicar of Aberdare who oversaw the restoration and enlargement of the church in 1911 to add the new south aisle
Before moving to the South aisle, the Organ and chamber is one of the most familiar sights in the church with its row of pipes arranged according to height in a chamber
In the early St Elvan’s church, the original organ was installed in 1885 as part of the restoration carried out by Vicar Richard Bowen Jenkins at a cost of £540 with the chamber in what is now St Michaels chapel. The existing organ I was installed in 1969 and is a pipe organ that produces sounds by driving pressurised air through the organ pipes connected to the console which was originally in the lady chapel but moved to its present position in the nave
(O) South aisle
The South aisle, sometimes known as the Green aisle after Charles Alfred Howell Green, vicar of Aberdare who oversaw the restoration and enlargement of the church in 1911 to add the new south aisle
(P) Learning and Labour Window
The first window to notice in the South aisle is the two-light window installed in 1878. The original position of the window is uncertain, as the south aisle in which it is now situated was not built until 1911, so perhaps it was originally situated in the old south wall
In the left-hand light the main scene depicts a seated man, perhaps a ruler, who appears to be teaching, with a student, or scribe, below, and two bystanders holding books. In the right-hand light a man stands with a hammer in his hand, working outside a tent, with another man working below, and a further figure behind carrying a burden. Angels with texts below
Dedication: by W. T. Lewis, in affectionate remembrance of his late pupils Edward C.E. Williams Carlton House Clifton & Herbert E. Evans Eagles bush Neath A:D:1878.’
Herbert Edward Evans had been the heir to the Eagles bush estate when he died in a tragic accident at Bute Colliery, Treherbert, in November 1877, aged only 18 and was apprenticed to W T Lewis
The first window to notice in the South aisle is the two-light window installed in 1878. The original position of the window is uncertain, as the south aisle in which it is now situated was not built until 1911, so perhaps it was originally situated in the old south wall
In the left-hand light the main scene depicts a seated man, perhaps a ruler, who appears to be teaching, with a student, or scribe, below, and two bystanders holding books. In the right-hand light a man stands with a hammer in his hand, working outside a tent, with another man working below, and a further figure behind carrying a burden. Angels with texts below
Dedication: by W. T. Lewis, in affectionate remembrance of his late pupils Edward C.E. Williams Carlton House Clifton & Herbert E. Evans Eagles bush Neath A:D:1878.’
Herbert Edward Evans had been the heir to the Eagles bush estate when he died in a tragic accident at Bute Colliery, Treherbert, in November 1877, aged only 18 and was apprenticed to W T Lewis
(Q) Martha Window
The Two-light window positioned in the South Aisle depicts the standing figures of Anna and Simeon. Simeon holds the Christ-child in his hands. The window is not original to the church being brought from the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Aberdare. It was redesigned with additional coloured glass surrounds and installed in 1992. Two upper roundels are probably from the original window
The window was originally given in memory of Martha Thomas (1808-1903), known as 'Martha'r Eglwys', who was the Sexton of St John's Church for 47 years. The face of Anna is her portrait. The installation in 1992 was by St John the Baptist School, and by Ivor Morgan, formerly of Aberdare Church Schools
The Two-light window positioned in the South Aisle depicts the standing figures of Anna and Simeon. Simeon holds the Christ-child in his hands. The window is not original to the church being brought from the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Aberdare. It was redesigned with additional coloured glass surrounds and installed in 1992. Two upper roundels are probably from the original window
The window was originally given in memory of Martha Thomas (1808-1903), known as 'Martha'r Eglwys', who was the Sexton of St John's Church for 47 years. The face of Anna is her portrait. The installation in 1992 was by St John the Baptist School, and by Ivor Morgan, formerly of Aberdare Church Schools
(R) Mothers in the Bible Window
Ascend the spiral staircase to the Mezzanine and walk behind the dragon to view the beautiful window in the West wall of the South aisle
The window is dedicated to William Thomas Lewis, Lord Merthyr and the design shows the mothers, to whom Christianity owes much; the Madonna; the mother of Moses; the mother of Samuel
Below the figures who are holding their infants the scenes depict the Presentation in the Temple, Laying of Moses in the bullrushes, and bringing of the child Samuel to Eli
Ascend the spiral staircase to the Mezzanine and walk behind the dragon to view the beautiful window in the West wall of the South aisle
The window is dedicated to William Thomas Lewis, Lord Merthyr and the design shows the mothers, to whom Christianity owes much; the Madonna; the mother of Moses; the mother of Samuel
Below the figures who are holding their infants the scenes depict the Presentation in the Temple, Laying of Moses in the bullrushes, and bringing of the child Samuel to Eli
This concludes our tour of St Elvan's
If you would be interested in exploring our 16 Stained Glass windows in greater depth, on this visit or on another occasion, please visit the Stained Glass Tour section of the website here
Do feel free to visit our in-house coffee shop Spires and enjoy a cup of delicious barista prepared coffee, speciality tea or additional refreshments there
Diolch yn fawr iawn | Thank you for visiting St Elvan's
If you would be interested in exploring our 16 Stained Glass windows in greater depth, on this visit or on another occasion, please visit the Stained Glass Tour section of the website here
Do feel free to visit our in-house coffee shop Spires and enjoy a cup of delicious barista prepared coffee, speciality tea or additional refreshments there
Diolch yn fawr iawn | Thank you for visiting St Elvan's
