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All welcome to Welsh services at St Peters, North Sydney
11/15/2011 12:25:07 PM
The stirring sounds of congregation and choir in full voice at Y Gymanfa helped mark the advent of a new sign welcoming worshippers to services at the Welsh Church, North Sydney.
Reverend John Buchanan warmly welcomed all those attending the Gymanfa Ganu at St Peter’s Presbyterian Church on Sunday 24 July.
Mr Buchanan’s message was entirely consistent with the new sign which extends a welcome to all to services at Yr Eglwys Gymraeg at 7 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month
Members and supporters of Cymdeithas Cymry Sydney rolled up in force for the Gymanfa, enjoying a feast of Welsh hymns and the sounds of Cantorion Sydney male voice choir.
Once again the congregation and choir were led by the redoubtable Margaret Hughes, foundation Music Director of Sydney Welsh Choir, who ensured they sang their hearts out with a host of inspirational hymns, including Gwahoddiad, Cwm Rhondda, Hyfrydol, Aberystwyth and Calon Lân
Everybody sang with such gusto that the withholding of afternoon tea for those w ho did not comply with Margaret’s instructions did not have to be enforced -- and, accordingly, all were able to enjoy a cuppa and the fine selection of sandwiches and cakes supplied by the volunteer ladies of the Welsh Church. In his welcoming remarks the president of Cymdeithas Cymry Sydney, John Webb, referred to the website of Bryn Seion Welsh Church in Beavercreek, Oregon, and its account of the origins of the Gymanfa Ganu tradition. He said the website explained that the singing talent of the Cymry had been been noted as far back as the 12th Century when small villages nestled in the green mountains were centres of religion and social life in Wales.
“Traditionally, each chapel would rehearse hymns and – on the appointed day – the people would gather to sing all day in four-part harmony,” Bryn Seion reports: “The hymns, in turn, became the folk songs of the country and singing hymns became a part of everyday life.”
All attending the Gymanfa at North Sydney, said John, would agree with Bryn Seion’s conclusion that “spontaneity and joy remain an integral part of this tradition.”
Reverend Buchanan described the relationship between Cantorion Sydney male voice choir and St Peter’s as “mutually beneficial.”
“St Peter’s church is used for rehearsals and the choir reciprocates by putting on a number of concerts and a carol service through the year,” he said.
“I have heard the choristers rehearse from time to time but this was my first Gymanfa -- and what a delight it was.
“All were encouraged to sing and, while I struggled with the Welsh hymns and pronouncing five consonants in a row, the choir carried me and others over those difficulties to the enjoyment of all.
“But it was when the choir sang or accompanied the soloists that our hearts were truly lifted. It was clear from the smiles and laughter over a Welsh afternoon tea that everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”