There were good attendances at Moreton Chapel, Tenby Road, last week for the events celebrating the 150th anniversary of the chapel's foundation.

On Sunday, October 14, the church was filled to capacity for the Sunday School anniversary services. In the afternoon, the Sunday School scholars, trained by Mrs. Janet John, with Mrs Ladonna Mallams at the organ, gave a programme of words and music as follows:

Opening hymn and prayer; Bible reading - Kathryn; recitations - Scarlett, Walt, Robert, Lewis, Hannah, Wesley, Jessie, Sarah and Lauren; solos - Lauren and Samuel.

The boys and girls sang 'If you're black and if you're white'.

Horn solo - Wesley; duets - Sarah and Jessie, Wesley and Walt; flute solo - Victoria; reading - Kathryn, Victoria, Mair and Janet.

The choir sang 'His name is wonderful', 'Come to My Father's House', 'Stand Up Clap Hands', 'For I'm Building a People of Power', and 'Thank You, Thank You Jesus'.

The chairman for the day was Mr. John Brock, of Carew, a popular visitor to Moreton, who has presided over Sunday School anniversaries for many years and has the gift of putting the children at their ease, ensuring that each child gives of their best in their endeavours.

John also presided at the evening's anniversary service, which included songs of praise, given by the Moreton Adult Choir, conducted by Lewis Hilling, with accompanist Gaynor Maytum.

Solos were rendered by Duncan Hilling, Bengy Thomas, Eva Rich and Robert Scourfield, with recitations by Janet John and Bengy Thomas. David John and Audrey Hilling gave poetry readings, and Eva Rich and Jane Thomas sang a duet.

The choir sang five rousing anthems and choruses and eight choir members sang a mixed octet.

The chairman closed the evening with prayer.

On Tuesday, October 14, the chapel was open for a photographic exhibition of the church's history and memorabilia entitled 'A Church and its People', featuring many members and families of yesteryear.

This was arranged by David John, with invaluable assistance from Don Mallams and Ken Morgan, with display boards kindly loaned by John Brock. Thanks also to June and Des Marsh for publicity, posters, programmes and written material.

This was followed by a delicious tea provided by the ladies of the church.

In the evening, a special service was held, conducted by the superintendent minister, Rev. Anthony Gregory MBE.

After the evening devotions by the minister and the first hymn, chapel steward David John outlined the history of the church from its humble beginnings to the present day.

Extracts from the memoirs of Mrs. Elizabeth Owens, of Clayford Hill, and Miss Polly Willey, of Narberth, during the 1850s, were read by Janet John and June Thomas.

Duncan and Audrey Hilling recalled memories of bygone days and church secretary Lewis Hilling read a message from former Sunday School scholar Mr. Derek Edwards, of Surrey, who recalled many events, both solemn and humorous, in the 1920s.

Pauline Griffiths and Stephanie Palmer recalled childhood memories of Sunday School in the post-war period.

Also featured was a recorded video message by Mrs. Nancy Kruger (née Hilling), of South Africa, who recalled many happy memories of Moreton Sunday School over 70 years ago. Sadly, Nancy, who had not enjoyed good health during the past year, passed away three weeks after she had recorded her recollections of the people she had known and the chapel that she loved.

Don and Ladonna Mallams then spoke of the enduring fellowship they had enjoyed at Moreton since moving to Pembrokeshire in 1984.

Sadly, senior trustee and lifelong church member, Mr. Victor John, was unable to be present to make his contribution to this evening of memories because of injuries sustained in an accident the previous week. Also absent because of illness was Mr. Glyn Williams, former Sunday School superintendent, and Mrs. Holly Breeches, a very faithful member.

After the next hymn, Mrs. Janet John recited a poem specially composed for the chapel's centenary in 1951 by the late Mr. J. Kytle Thomas.

Church secretary Lewis Hilling recalled memories of the many church ministers of the past and also paid tribute to the lay preachers who had filled the pulpit over the years.

Mr. Brian Hilling then read the lesson.

The superintendent minister then addressed the congregation, his theme being 'Looking Forward - Hopes for the Future'.

The nostalgic evening closed with prayer and some rousing and enthusiastic hymn singing by the entire congregation.

On Thursday, October 18, everyone enjoyed an 'Evening of Singing' which featured the Templeton Ladies Choir, with conductor Peggy Morgan and accompanist June Mathias, who together gave a varied programme of hymns and songs, old and new, with many fine solo singers who were very well received.

The week's celebration concluded on Sunday, October 21, with a service of thanksgiving, when the preacher was Rev. Alwyn Evans, a retired Methodist minister who resides in Templeton, who preached a powerful sermon.

At the Harvest Festival services and Harvest Supper held recently, a grand total of £650 was raised in aid of 'Ty Hafan Hospice for Sick Children' in Barry.

Grateful thanks go to all who supported this worthy cause and to everyone who joined in and supported the 150th anniversary celebrations.