Jacob Remembered; Undodiaid Cymru The Welsh Unitarian contingent at the annual Unitarian and Free Christian General Assembly meetings presented a tribute to the abundantly talented and richly blessed Minister Rev’d. D Jacob Davies whose centenary year this is.

Wales has made a huge contribution to Unitarianism and Davies was rightly proud of his place in a tradition of Ministry which includes Tomos Glyn Cothi, Iolo Morganwg and Gwilym Marles.

Davies’ creative talent was huge, he was a natural communicator, a prolific writer of books and radio scripts and regular commentator in Y Cymro, the Welsh language national newspaper, and Yr Ymonfynnydd, the Unitarian magazine. His first love was ministry and his commitment to the Unitarian cause was boundless, he ministered at Aberdare, Trecynnon, Alltyblanca, Capel y Bryn and Cwmsychpant. Throughout his life he especially prioritized minorities and outcasts, he campaigned for Civil Liberty, supported the Welsh language and Plaid Cymru. In 1973 Davies was made GA President, the first ever Welshman to be elected to the office.

Two former GA Presidents and two serving ministers participated in the Welsh Department event last night alongside congregants who had come to GA especially from Chapels in Ceredigion and South-East Wales. The current President and Executive Director were in attendance as were Davies’ twin daughters Hawys and Heini along with a good turnout to hear the presentation.

This event was timely reminder that our real strength lies in our depth of engagement; celebrating tradition with creativity and verve this was a participatory and joyful memorial to a life of Unitarian devotion. The Welsh congregations are leading the opening celebrations at next year’s GA – you are guaranteed they wont disappoint.