Welsh Journals

for the weight of the bellcote. The restoration and enlargement of the church doubled its seating capacity, which was the rector's intention. However, the cost of the restoration of Penmaen church amounted to £ 496. 12s. 3d., a great deal more than James's original estimate of £ 100. The total amount received in public subscriptions totalled £ 295.1 6s. 7d. leaving the rector liable for the outstanding debt of £ 200. 12s. 3d. The list of subscriptions published by the rector numbered 67 subscribers, in- cluding the Lord Bishop of St. Davids ( £ 10), John Colthurst, Esq., Clifton (20 guineas), J. D. Llewelyn, Esq., Penllergare ( £ 10), Miss Talbot, Penrice ( £ 10), Her Grace the Duchess of Beaufort ( £ 5), Reverend Samuel Davies, Oystermouth ( £ 1) and Wm Voss, Nicholaston ( £ 1).24 The Cambrian newspaper published the following advertisement on 27th June 1856: PENMAEN CHURCH Two sermons will be Preached in this Church on SUNDAY NEXT, the 29th inst., To liquidate the debt of £ 50, which still remains for the repairing and enlarging of the above Church. The Morning Service will commence at 11 o'clock. The Evening at half-past 6. A collection will be made after each Sermon. Penmaen Rectory, June 25, 1856.25 The collection at the reopening of the church in 1855 amounted to £ 20. 15s.9d. In a letter written to Reverend Thomas Bowdler, Secretary to the Incorporated Church Building Society thanking him for the grant of £ 50, James wrote: Pray convey my sincere thanks to the Society for the kind con- sideration they have given to my application. I have been enabled to convert what was a barn into a very neat churchlike edifice. The increased accommodation is much envied by the neighbouring parishes. The change from ugly square pews to commodious, door- less, free sittings is a vast improvement.26 One cannot deny the fact that certain features of the old Gower church were lost for ever. However, Penmaen lost its uncared for and dilapidated appearance and became a fitter and more seemly place for worship as a result of Penson's restoration in 1855. Penson described himself as 'a practical architect' and as such he provided the Reverend E. Knight James with a restored and enlarged church to accommodate the growing number of parishioners who wished to worship there.