Last Sunday morning, the chapel was filled to capacity for worship in a special 'Service of Praise' to honour 50 years of ministry of the late Rev. Donald Davies, who had been Pastor of the church for 24 years.

The Rev. Davies was inducted into the church at Pisgah in March 1972 and served the church faithfully until March 1996, when he decided to retire. Even after retirement, the Rev. Davies still continued to give his services to the church, preaching frequently in a church he loved.

Guest preacher for the service was the Rev. Brian Evans, Cardiff, a dear friend of the Rev. Davies. The introduction and welcome was given by Mr. Stewart Treharne (son-in-law of the Rev. Davies) and the opening prayer was offered by the Rev. Brian Evans.

The first hymn sung was a hymn of faith, 'How Great Thou Art'. The scripture reading was given by Mrs. Janice Scourfield, followed by Pisgah men's choir singing 'Count your Blessings'. A hymn of praise was then sung, entitled 'Jesus, Is the name we Honour'. Mr. Doris James (church secretary) then paid a tribute to the Rev. Davies and his ministry at Pisgah Chapel, emphasing his faithfulness and dedication to the church, and also the love and respect shown to him by his church members and congregation. This was followed by a prayer by the Rev. Brian Evans, before he dedicated a beautiful Welsh crystal vase, suitably engraved, donated by Mrs. Davies and the family, to the church in memory of the Rev. Davies. This was then followed by the unveiling and dedication of a memorial plaque to the Rev. Davies from the church and congregation of Pisgah. The Rev. Brian Evans again offered prayer, followed by the Sunday School girls singing 'I want to thank you'.

Mrs. Elizabeth Treharne then spoke of 'lighter moments' in the life of her father, Rev. Davies - speaking of his love of the Lord and his church and of his sense of humour which as a church they had often enjoyed.

A poem, composed by the Rev. Davies, was then read by Charlotte (granddaughter), celebrating the marriage of Elizabeth and Stewart. The Sunday School ensemble played a musical item titled 'Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart'.

A hymn of dedication followed, namely 'Almighty Father of all things that be'.

The address was then given by the Rev. Brian Evans, taking his text from Jeremiah. The Rev. Evans spoke of the wonderful faith of the Rev. Davies, and of his dedication to his Lord and Master during the whole time of his ministry.

The service concluded with a hymn of witness entitled 'Since Jesus came into my heart'.

The organist for the congregational hymn singing was Mrs. Kathleen Buckle, with Mrs. Val Evans playing for the Pisgah men's item, and Mrs. Jayne Calvert playing for the Sunday School items, with Mrs. Vanessa Thomas and Adam Calvert on the guitars.

Sincere thanks were given by the secretary of the church to the Rev. Brian Evans, Mrs. Kath Buckle, members and friends of the chapel and Sunday School for their contributions, to the friends from other churches for joining for this special service, and to Mrs. Maureen Allen, who made the curtains for the unveiling of the plaque.

The evening service was again taken by the Rev. Brian Evans, again to a good congregation. It had been a wonderful day.

Tomorrow (Saturday), the Sunday School swimming party takes place at Tenby Swimming Pool, 3-4 pm. A barbecue will follow at Pisgah Sunday School. On Sunday, Sunday School recommences at 10.30 am. Both morning and evening services will be conducted by the Rev. Phylip Rees, Tredegarville, Cardiff, when the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper will be observed at both services.

A Christian welcome is given to all to join in worship with friends at Pisgah.