BBC News’ Huw Edwards leads 150-year celebration of Borough Welsh Chapel
By Regina Motalib
One of the oldest Welsh Chapels in London, The Borough Welsh Chapel, celebrated its 150th anniversary with a special service presented by BBC News journalist Huw Edwards.
About 120 people attended the Capel y Boro 150th anniversary celebrations on February 26 at the chapel in Southwark Bridge Road.
Guests included Welsh dignitaries and celebrities such as Sir Simon Hughes, who gave a reading, actor Glyn Pritchard, and Edward Holdaway, descendant of Sir Henry Richard, who was a Congregational minister and Welsh Member of Parliament between 1868–1888.
In between readings and performances, Mr Edwards delivered news reports from 1873 – the year the chapel opened.
He said: “Good afternoon. It is 1873. And here is the news. Queen Victoria is on the throne, Gladstone resigns as Prime Minister, the Conservatives fail to form a government, and Gladstone returns to office two days later.
“The British ocean liner RMS Atlantic sinks off Nova Scotia, killing 547. J. S. Fry & Sons produce the UK’s first chocolate Easter eggs. And on February 23 this sacred edifice opened for divine service, as said on the stone behind me.”
Although the present building celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, the roots of its congregation date back to 1774 making it one of the oldest Welsh churches in London. There has been a Welsh chapel on the current site since 1806.
Guests were also treated to a performance by mezzo soprano Debra Williams who sang the Sinner’s Prayer – Gweddi y pechadur by Morfydd Llwyn Owen.
Ms Williams, said: “I was honoured to take part in such a prestigious occasion for The Borough Welsh Chapel.
“It was great to see so many different sectors and generations represented. We had younger descendants of the Welsh chapel’s forefathers participating by reading diary extracts, poems and singing in the choir.”
Pictured top: BBC News presenter Huw Edwards with singer Debra Williams (Picture: Regina Motalib)
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