A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

DAVIES , EVAN CYNFFIG ( 1843 - 1908 ), Independent minister, teacher, author, and musician .

Born at Mynydd Cynffig ( Kenfig Hill ), Glam. He began to study music in his childhood; when he was 15 years of age he was teaching sol-fa at Elim chapel , Mynydd Cynffig , and at one time had a choir of 100 voices . He was educated at Brecon College , and he began a degree-course at Glasgow , but had to abandon it for lack of means. Later in life he graduated at Trinity College , Dublin ( M.A. ).

In 1871 he was ordained co-pastor with William Griffith ( 1801 - 1881 ) at Holyhead . He moved to Llannerch-y-medd in 1871 and to Menai Bridge , where he was in charge of the churches both at that place and Llanfair P.G. , in 1875 . Shortly after moving there he opened a school at Westbury Mount , Menai Bridge , where he prepared many candidates for the ministry and the university.

He wrote a memoir of William Griffith , a handbook of the higher criticism, a commentary on S. Mark's gospel , and many articles to the Cerddor on music and singing. He passed all the examinations of the Tonic Sol-fa College and translated into Welsh several of the handbooks of John Curwen. In 1892 he was appointed to the Council of the Tonic Sol-fa College and continued to be a member for the rest of his life. He acted as adjudicator and conductor at singing festivals .

He died 6 Sept. 1908 and was buried in Llandysilio churchyard , Menai Bridge .

Sources:

Y Dysgedydd , Oct. 1908 ;
Y Cerddor , April 1904 and Oct. 1908 ;
Y Genedl , 22 Sept. 1908 .

Author:

Robert David Griffith, M.A., (1877-1958), Old Colwyn

Published date: 1959