Williams, J. Glyndyrus (John Glyndyrus), 1874-1955

Person

Williams, J. Glyndyrus (John Glyndyrus), 1874-1955

John Glyndyrus Williams (1874-1955), composer of Welsh hymns and anthems, was born at Mountain Ash, Merthyr Tydfil. As a young boy, he became interested in the harmonium, and later, when his family emigrated to Scranton, Pennsylvania, he became fascinated with the work of the American Gospel composer, Ira D. Sankey. In 1890, the family returned to Merthyr, and Williams started to learn Tonic Sol-fa with Abraham Thomas, Precentor of Adulum Chapel. He was appointed conductor of the Zion Band of Hope, and was later Precentor at various local chapels. As a composer he won a prize for a march 'Awn i Bethania' in the festival held by the Baptists in Merthyr. He served on the committee of the musical festival arranged by the Baptist Denomination at the National Pavilion in 1901. He was a member of the Tonic Sol-fa Board and acted as an examiner on several occasions. He was one of the youngest members of the musical committee of the National Eisteddfod held in Merthyr in 1901, and was conductor of Cymanfaoedd Canu. He was appointed school attendance officer, 1899-1911, by the Merthyr School Board and later as a relieving officer until he retired on 30th September 1939. He died at St. Tydfil's Hospital on Monday, 18th April 1955, at the age of 80.