Church of St. David, Henfynyw, Aberaeron, Cardiganshire

ST DAVID, HENFYNYW, CARDIGANSHIRE. -This little church is to be entirely rebuilt by Mr. R. J. Withers. The present church is one of the most miserable edifices that could be seen anywhere, the fabric is in a most dilapidated and unsafe state, as well as too small for the fast increasing population. The present building is, in fact, a mere hovel, though with a defined chancel. It will accommodate forty-six persons. The new design includes a nave 40 feet 6 inches by 21 feet, and a chancel ^ ft. 6 in. by 16 feet, both properly arranged. The style is the simplest Middle-Pointed, and the fittings are as plain as possible. The windows are coupled lancets, with trefoiled heads. The east window has three unequal trefoil- headed lights, with three quatre-foiled circles above, under a common hood. The west window has two lights under a sexfoiled circle. At the west end, engaged in the gable, is a dwarf octagonal bell-cote of stone, into which the architect has thrown a good deal of character. Local stone is used, and the whole cost is to be £500. We note a foliated chancel arch, as an unusual internal feature. [Ecclesiologist 1863 page 114-5]

ABERAYRON.—HENFYNYW CHURCH.—On the 26th instant the foundation stone of this church with a new coin bearing the date of the year, was laid in a most spirited manner by Mrs Evans, of Penygarreg … . The architect is Mr Withers, of London, and although the design of the church is plain, it is much admired. [The Welshman Carmarthen 30 December 1864 page 4]

ABERAYRON. RE-OPENING OF HENFYNYW CHURCH - The church is a fine specimen of architecture, from designs prepared by R J Withers, Esq, architect, of London; and the contract was executed by Messrs. E. and L. Thomas, of Aberayron. [Aberystwyth Observer 30 June 1866 page 4]

Foundation    26 December 1863
Re-opened    21 June 1866

Reference    Ecclesiologist 1863 page 114-5
Reference    Church Building News 1866 page 166-167
Reference    The Welshman Carmarthen 30 December 1864 page 4 – foundation stone
Reference    Aberystwyth Observer 30 June 1866 page 4 - reopening
Reference    The Church Builder 1866 page 166-167
Reference    Buildings of Wales Carmarthen and Ceridigion page 479
Reference    ICBS 06148