St Pauls Church History

St Paul’s History – A New Church for Aberavon
On Whit-Tuesday, at Aberavon, the Bishop of the Diocese dedicated a handsome new church, which has been erected in the district known as Sandfields, the cost of which has been defrayed by Sir Arthur Pendarves Vivian, K.C.B. and Lady Jane Vivian.

The Sandfields portion of Aberavon had developed considerably, and is now in the centre of a populous district. The greater part of the land in this locality was owned by Sir Arthur Pendarves Vivian, K.C.B., and in its development he, together with Lady Jane Vivian, undertook to provide a church. This is not the only gift by Sir Arthur Pendarves Vivian in the Sandfields district, as a few years previous he established a branch of the Y.M.C.A., which was situated almost opposite the new church. It is estimated at the time that the gift of the freehold was valued at between £8,000 and £10,000, while the building itself cost between £6,000 and £7,000.

The procession which was formed prior to the dedication ceremony consisted of the choristers of the Churches of Aberavon, a large number of clergy, the churchwardens, the bishop’s chaplain, and the bishop. During the service dedication prayers were read by the bishop, whilst the vicar of Aberavon (the Reverend Edward Davies) read the bishop’s license. Following the service a tea was given to the visitors by Sir Arthur Pendarves Vivian and Lady Jane Vivian in the Vivian Hotel.

The lectern, which is of solid brass with an eagle design, was given in memory of the late Mr Glynn Vivian, Swansea.

An interesting feature of the church was a bell which was placed in the bell turret rising above the vestries on the south side. This bell bears the date of 1505, and was found by Sir Arthur Pendarves Vivian, who made use of it in his Cornish seat. It is said that the bell was taken from the old Cornish monastery at St Anthony.

A 12 month masterpiece had been completed in February 1951 – a magnificent reredos which was put in place in St Paul’s Church, Aberavon, around Monday 26 February 1951. The carvers, sculptors, and joiners – in fact all those who worked at R.L.Boulton and Sons Ltd, Cheltenham – had every reason to feel pleased with themselves.

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Baptism Confirmation Contact Us Downloads Eucharist Funerals Galleries History Magazine Notices Pastoral Care Prayer Services Weddings What's on?	St Paul’s History – A New Church for Aberavon On Whit-Tuesday, at Aberavon, the Bishop of the Diocese dedicated a handsome new church, which has been erected in the district known as Sandfields, the cost of which has been defrayed by Sir Arthur Pendarves Vivian, K.C.B. and Lady Jane Vivian. The Sandfields portion of Aberavon had developed considerably, and is now in the centre of a populous district. The greater part of the land in this locality was owned by Sir Arthur Pendarves Vivian, K.C.B., and in its development he, together with Lady Jane Vivian, undertook to provide a church. This is not the only gift by Sir Arthur Pendarves Vivian in the Sandfields district, as a few years previous he established a branch of the Y.M.C.A., which was situated almost opposite the new church. It is estimated at the time that the gift of the freehold was valued at between £8,000 and £10,000, while the building itself cost between £6,000 and £7,000. The procession which was formed prior to the dedication ceremony consisted of the choristers of the Churches of Aberavon, a large number of clergy, the churchwardens, the bishop’s chaplain, and the bishop. During the service dedication prayers were read by the bishop, whilst the vicar of Aberavon (the Reverend Edward Davies) read the bishop’s license. Following the service a tea was given to the visitors by Sir Arthur Pendarves Vivian and Lady Jane Vivian in the Vivian Hotel. The lectern, which is of solid brass with an eagle design, was given in memory of the late Mr Glynn Vivian, Swansea. An interesting feature of the church was a bell which was placed in the bell turret rising above the vestries on the south side. This bell bears the date of 1505, and was found by Sir Arthur Pendarves Vivian, who made use of it in his Cornish seat. It is said that the bell was taken from the old Cornish monastery at St Anthony. A 12 month masterpiece had been completed in February 1951 – a magnificent reredos which was put in place in St Paul’s Church, Aberavon, around Monday 26 February 1951. The carvers, sculptors, and joiners – in fact all those who worked at R.L.Boulton and Sons Ltd, Cheltenham – had every reason to feel pleased with themselves. Next