Excerpt From:
The Early History of the Gospel of the Kingdom
Pages 277-280. By William Norrie, Dowieite chronicler and faithful supporter of George Dowie. Original images from the book are here in PDF format.
Mumbles, South Wales.
The early history of the church in this Welsh village, as well as that of the neighbouring town of Swansea, with which it has all along been intimately associated, presents some remarkable features: and in recording this early history, I cannot do better than quote from the ecclesial magazines of the period.
The Introduction of the Truth.
The Messenger of the Churches [George Dowie's magazine] for February 1865 tells us about this as follows :—
The village of Mumbles, situated in Swansea Bay, South Wales, has for several months been a subject of considerable interest to a few of our brethren. In that village is a person—William Clement by name—who for a long number of years has been a popular Wesleyan preacher; and, since the inauguration of Wesleyan reform, discharged the duties of a clergyman, latterly without fee. His congregation was the largest in the place, and his services were received with acceptance by other sects besides his own. Early last summer, our Brother Goldie, of Swansea, fell into conversation with Mr Clement, and brought before his notice some of the matters relating to our faith, which, though strange to him, he heard with attention, and determined to test them by the Word of God. Our brother, George Dowie, when on a visit to the brethren at Swansea, last summer, along with Brother Goldie made a call on Mr Clement, and was glad to find that he believed many things in common with ourselves. By means of this conversation, his mind was further enlightened ; and, as his custom was, he on the first opportunity began preaching what he believed.
Previous to these interviews with our brethren, he had been baptised, as well as "some of his congregation. The proclamation of these practices and beliefs gave offence to many, and of course his adherents became considerably diminished. This, however, affected him the less, in fearlessly making known whatever he believed to be God's truth, from the circumstance that he supported himself and his family by following his calling—that of a builder —and was therefore free from the temptation of concealing his belief for 'filthy lucre's sake.' By his efforts to disseminate the truth, it found its way into some good and honest hearts, and some, having learned the gospel, were baptised into Christ.
Some time ago, Mr Clement expressed a desire to the brethren at Swansea, that some of our brethren, who were in the habit of addressing the public, should visit Mumbles and set forth ' The Truth.' William Laing, of Edinburgh, was at once communicated with, being best known by the brethren there; and, arrangements having been made, he set out on-his mission, from which he has returned, with a good report.
Eight lectures, on matters concerning 'The Great Salvation,' and the means of obtaining it, were delivered on the evenings of January 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, and on the afternoon and evening of the 15th. The interest excited was so great, that the attendance, good at first, not only continued, but increased. It was cheering to see, in a village numbering about 1000 inhabitants, such a number coming, night after night, and listening with so marked attention to the exhibitions of 'The Truth as it is in Jesus.' On the morning of Sunday, the 15th, six persons were immersed into the name of the Lord Jesus, having made the good confession; and next morning other five followed their example. The immersions took place in the sea, in front of the chapel; and it may be noticed, in passing, that although there is a Baptist congregation in the place, this was the first time that such a service had been attempted on a week day. The names of the persons then baptised are—William Clement, Mrs Clement, Daniel Clement, John Jones, Mrs Jones, Thomas Williams, Mrs Tovey, Mrs Harris, Catherine Benuet, Emily Michael, and Ruth Michael. Others are expected to follow ; and, besides these, are a few more who have recently 'put on the Christ,' confessing their faith in him as the King of Israel, who has been raised from the dead to sit on the throne of his father David.
The greater portion of those whose names are mentioned had formerly had an immersion; but, on coming to a better understanding of the gospel, they have, by careful deliberation, been led to cancel what they formerly esteemed valid.
On the evening of Monday, the 16th, this noble little band entertained our brother at a social meeting, held in their place of assembly—'Mount Zion Chapel,' a neat, comfortable building—when about seventy persons sat down to tea; after which, according to previous arrangement, the doors were open for such as might desire to be present; when an opportunity was afforded to such as desired to put questions regarding the matters advanced in the lectures. Several availed themselves of the privilege; and the exercise would have continued much longer, had our brother not required to leave for the train to Swansea, whence he started for home early next day.
Owing to certain circumstances, the baptised believers at Mumbles do not meet as a church, for the breaking of bread, till the first Sunday in February, when they intend to continue doing so, after the early practice, each First Day of the week.
Brother William Clement is a most effective public speaker; and now that he has taken the proper stand, the brethren at Swansea contemplate breaking up the ground there, by his assistance, as soon as arrangements can be made. Swansea and Mumbles are five miles apart. Surely all the faithful who have read these good news pray—'God bless our brethren in South Wales, and prosper them in His work!'
Continued Progress.
The Messenger for the following month (March) continued the pleasing record thus :—
We are glad to be able to supplement last month's intelligence from this place, by the announcement that, on Sunday, the 29th., January, other four persons, having made the good confession, were baptised into the name of the Lord, in the blessed hope that, when he who is their life shall appear, they shall also appear with him in glory. On the following Sunday, the company of Baptised Believers in this place met for the first time as a church of Christ. After prayer and praise, Brother Clement made a few appropriate remarks, and then read a letter of congratulation and encouragement from the church assembling in Union Hall, Edinburgh, which gladdened the hearts of all concerned. The breaking of the loaf was then attended to; after which Brethren Low, Goldie, and Atkins, from Swansea, addressed the assembly. There were a goodly number of onlookers, and doubtless it was a strange sight to many of them. It was, however, a delightful season to us. At the close of this service, intimation was given that the church would meet in the afternoon, at half-past two, for reading the Scriptures, and a cordial invitation was given to all who desired to be present. We met at the time specified, and spent a very pleasant afternoon, and have no doubt that much good was done. The same periodical, for several succeeding months, records additions that were being made to the membership, and that the interest of the people in the things of the kingdom was being maintained and increased. Visitors to Edinburgh. This interest was further stimulated by a visit which William Clement and his niece, Catherine Bennet, paid to Edinburgh in July. They were present at the meeting on two Sundays, the second being that of the aggregate gathering of brethren from all parts. At this meeting Brother Clement gave a characteristic address, as did also Brother Goldie, from Swansea. It was a season of great refreshing to all parties, and may be said to have marked the culmination of the intercourse that had sprung up between the Edinburgh and the Welsh brethren.
It was shortly after these events that the division between Robert Roberts and George Dowie/Edinburgh occurred. George Dowie's belief in a 'fireproof immortal devil' and the inherent immortality of the soul were too much to tolerate. Thankfully in the break between the Christadelphians and George Dowie, many in Mumbles became alienated from George Dowie. The history quoted here is to show how and the basis upon which the Mumbles meeting was established -- William Laing, George Dowie's spiritual associate arrives at Mumbles and after only 8 lectures 11 people are baptizied. Would any genuine Christadelphian who knows what George Dowie believed call his meetings by the name 'ecclesia'?
Libronix Link: A Revolution in South Wales, and Sundry Matters connected therewith (The Christadelphian: Volume 3 1866)
Last Update: February 3, 2005