1st November The world-famous hymn tune Cwm Rhondda by John Hughes was first performed on 1st November 1907 John Hughes (22 November 1873 – 14 May 1932) was born in Dowlais and brought up in Llanilltud Faerdref (in English: Llantwit Fardre). At age 12 he began work in Glynn Colliery in his home town and subsequently became a clerk at the Great Western Colliery Pontypridd where he worked for over 40 years. He served as a deacon and leader of the congregational singing in Salem Baptist Chapel. The first version of the tune, called Rhondda was written in 1905 for the Cymanfa Ganu (hymn festival) in Pontypridd, when the enthusiasm of the 1904–1905 Welsh Revival still remained. The present form was developed for the inauguration of the organ at Capel Rhondda, in Hopkinstown in the Rhondda valley, in 1907. Hughes himself played the organ at this performance, using the English translation of William Williamss words because of the large number of English-speaking industrial workers who had immigrated to the area. The name was changed from Rhondda to Cwm Rhondda by Harry Evans, of Dowlais, to avoid confusion with another tune by M O Jones. Guide me, O thou great Redeemer, Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but thou art mighty; Hold me with thy powerful hand: Bread of heaven, bread of heaven Feed me till I want no more. Feed me till I want no more. Open thou the crystal fountain Whence the healing stream shall flow; Let the fiery, cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through: Strong deliverer, strong deliverer Be thou still my strength and shield. Be thou still my strength and shield. When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside; Death of death, and hells destruction, Land me safe on Canaans side: Songs of praises, songs of praises I will ever give to thee. I will ever give to thee. — Hymns and Psalms[8]
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 00:10:00 +0000
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