RELIGION
Lord Tredegar's Arrival His Lordship was met at the railway station by the clergy of the district: Rev. T. Jesse Jones, Rector of Gelligaer, who represented the Bishop; Rev. T. Theophilus, R.D., Tredegar; Rev. T. Rees, vicar of Pontlottyn; Rev. J. Llewellyn, vicar of Beaufort; Rev. D. Mathias, vicar of Caldicot; Rev. J. J. L. Thomas, vicar of Aberpergwm; Rev. G. E. T. Theophilus, Tredegar; Rev. J. A. Rees, curate of Fochriw; Rev. B. Glover, curate of Pontlottyn; Rev. Isaac Williams, curate of Rhymney; Rev. R. Morgan, curate of Brithdir. Outside the station, the "K" Company of the South Wales Borderers Volunteers lined up, under the command of Capt. W. R. Jackson, assisted by Lieut. Edwards and Sergt. Lott. His Lordship inspected the company, and expressed to the captain his pleasure at seeing such a fine and smart lot of men.
A procession was then formed, headed by the Fochriw Band, under the conductorship of Mr. W. Powell. They were followed by a posse of police, in command of Inspector Canton, Dowlais, and Sergt. Gammon, Pontlottyn. The Church Lads' Brigade from Pontlottyn, under Capt. Vernall, came next, and then the Fochriw Ambulance Corps, headed by Dr. Eleazer Davies and Capt. W. J. Ballard, the Church Choir in surpluses, and of the Volunteers, who acted as a guard of honour. His Lordship, who was accompanied by Mrs. Forrestier Walker, Mrs. Col. Lindsay, and other ladies, then made their way to the site through a large crowd. Amongst the members of the general public present were: Col. M. Lindsay, Ystrad Mynach; Rev. J. Roderick, Fochriw; County Councillor D. W. Evans; Councillors J. Edwards, J. Llewellyn, L. Evans; Dr. E. Davies; Dr. J. Jones, Pontlottyn; Messrs. H. S. Martin, Dowlais; M. H. Sims, Deri; E. Evans, Fochriw; J. H. Jones, manager; J. E. Jones, Tirphil; and W. D. Phillips, Pontlottyn.
Description of the Building The Church, which has been dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin, will have seating accommodation in the main building for 300 persons. There will be a baptistry, choir chancel, transept, sacresty, and an organ chamber. The entrance is from the main road leading from Fochriw to Pentwyn. In the basement, there will be a Vestry or Institute, capable of seating 300, with an entrance on the north side. There will also be a cloakroom etc. The building will be heated throughout by hot air chambers. The walls will be lined with terra cotta. The total cost will be about £1,610. The contractors are Messrs. Williams & Sons, New Tredegar, and the plans were prepared by Mr. R. E. Douglas, Hoyland, London.
The Stone-Laying On reaching the site of the church, the Rev. J. A. Rees, gave out the hymns and offered prayer, and the Rector of Gelligaer, as the representative of the Bishop, and the Rev. T. Teophilus took part. Prior to the actual laying of the stone, his Lordship, Col. Lindsay, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Lindsay, and others, signed a deed of dedication. His Lordship then laid the
The Stone-