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The first minister of the church was the Rev. Thomas Edwards
of Llantwitvardre who commenced his ministry in 1786. He
remained here barely five years. In 1791 David Oliver, one of
the six who were the first baptised here, was ordained a minister.
It appears that he was an able preacher and that the church
prospered under his care; but unfortunately he became an
Unitarian, and this caused a division in the church. From
the year 1802 to the year 1808 the church was without a minister.
In the latter year a Mr. David Griffiths was ordained a minister.
In the year 1809 a branch church from Nebo was established
At Pontypridd and in 1817 another branch at Cwm Corrwg.
Mr. Griffiths remained here till 1813. He was followed by the
Rev. Benjamin Davies who had also the pastoral care of the
Church at Penyfai.
On Christmas day 1821 Mr. David Naunton was ordained
the minister of the church. Mr. Naunton was a man of excellent
reputation and a most indefatigable worker. He started
branch churches at Dinas, Blaenycwm (Treherbert now)
and Pentyrch. During his ministry the church increased
and prospered.
On the 17th and 18th of June 1835 the Baptist Association
held its meetings (for the second time) here.
Mr. Naunton died July 30th 1849 deeply regretted by
all who knew him. After him came
Rev. Owen Griffiths 1851 to 1854
Rev. Evan Howells, Bridgend 1854 - 1858
Rev. J. Rufus Williams 1861 –
Mr. Williams was a very able man and an efficient preacher.
He wrote and published a History of the Baptists in
Ystradyfodwg under the name of “Ystradiana”.
Soar, Dinas, as has been already stated was started during
the Rev. David Naunton’s ministry at Nebo. At first the
meetings were held at the White Rock, the house of Mr. William