Welsh Journals

*■ 3BPROT& D6^pp raOrPHB. * No. 26. Vol. III. FEBRUARY, 1895. Price One Penny. LLANIDLOES. "En JWemorfaro." It is with the very greatest regret that we have to record this month the death of Mr. Samuel Ikin, which took place early on the morning of the 18th nit. He had been a conspicuous figure in Llanidloes life for a quarter of a century or more, and a most active Worker in connection with all Church movements, taking especial interest in the Day and Sunday Schools, being correspondent of the former and super¬ intendent of the latter. He had also served as church- Warden for many years, and he took an active part ra the restoration of the church. In fact, we can scarcely mention any sphere where his death will not leave a gap not soon or easily to be filled. He was laid to his last rest on Tuesday, January 22nd, amid every token of respectful sympathy. Helmore's beautiful setting of the funeral service with " Brief life is here our portion," and " Lead kindly light," being exquisitely rendered by the choir. The utmost sympathy is felt for the Misses Ikin in their sad bereavement. It was at first rumoured that they Would leave Llanidloes, but we are glad to hear that they will remain at Vaynor Park. We could ill afford to lose them. We have also to record the deaths at Wigan of vapjj. and Mrs. Pearce, who passed away within a fortnight of one another, after a married life of more than fifty years, aged 81 and 85 respectively. They Were faithful and attached members of the church, ^nd during their long residence in this neighbourhood nad won the esteem of all who knew them. The post of Superintendent of the Sunday School, Vacant by the death of Mr. Ikin, will henceforth be ^eld annually, and has for this year been offered to -^r. John Davies, Hervey House, who we are sure ^ill have the confident support of teachers and pupils ftlike. 1 he well-known A. B. C. Club, a branch of which •as lately been started in Llanidloes, gave a highly successful dance in the National Schoolroom on Thursday the 10th ult. We see a local paper publishes "e names of the committee. Knowing as we do, something of the rules of the Club, we refrain from blowing so dangerous an example, and we can only rQst that as it was done in ignorance, the usual Penalty will not be exacted; else Llanidloes would °on have to mourn a useful citizen. The room had een prettily decorated for the occasion by Miss Marshall, Mrs. Davies, Messrs. E. D. Davies, R. M. Davies, T. Jerman, and others. The music was sup¬ plied by the Royal Welsh Harpist Band from New¬ town, and was in every way excellent. Dancing commenced about 7-30, and with Mr. E. D. Davies and Mr. L. M. Jones as M.C , was carried on till past the witching hour. There was a large attendance, and the guests separated highly satisfied with the evening's entertainment, and full of hope that the A.B.C. Club would not abandon Llanidloes altogether to its usual condition of semi-stagnation. The caterer was Mr. John Humphreys. We understand that a member of our congregation^ who was for some reason unable to put his usual con* tribution in the plate one Sunday early in January, made up for it by doubling his contribution the ensu¬ ing week. It is rumoured that the churchwarden in charge of the collection was so over-come by his emotion at this unusual event, that he fainted in the Vestry ! We cannot find on what foundation this report is based, but it is an undoubted fact that he was unable to attend Church the Sunday after. No doubt if the custom became general, the wardens would soon become habituated to it, and now that so many families have left the place, everyone ought to give a fixed amount weekly, whether present or absent. The Church ought not to suffer because a particular Sunday happens to bo wet or inclement. On Friday, Dec. 14th a Magic Lantern Entertain¬ ment was given by Mr. G. W. Cope in the National Schools to the school-children. The parents were invited and a large number were present, and a very pleasant and instructive evening was spent. Mr. L. M. Jones, Manledd, explained the different slides, and a very cordial vote of thanks was accorded him for his lucid and pleasant description of American life and scenery. One of the scholars, Mary Phillips, then recited "Keeping his Word" very nicely, and the story was illustrated by means of the lantern, after which a number of story and comic slides were shown. The prizes gained for Scripture Knowledge (names have been given in Magazine), Regular Attendance, Highest Marks and Sewing were then distributed by the vicar. Silver medals, prizes and certificates were given to Sarah A. Owen, Mary Phillips, Esther E. Thomas, and Samuel H. Morris for having attended every time during the year, and a special prize in addition was given by the Vicar to S. A. Owen for having attended every time during the past two years Certificates were given to Lucy Tones 352 times, M. Richards 352, M. E. Davies 352, Wm. Hainer 351, E. Richards 351, A. Roberts 350,