Llanegwad Appeal

Main Site Index Advertisers Index Webmaster

American Benefactor for Llanegwad

Contact the Revd Philip Johnes Church Closes

Llanegwad Llanfynydd St Johns Holy Trinity Vicar

Llanegwad church, which dates back to the 8th century, may be restored, thanks to a generous benefactor.

The church closed its doors to worshippers in 2005 because the building had fallen into disrepair and posed a danger to the public.

As with many churches there was not enough money available to carry out repairs, but a chance remark by the parish vicar resulted in a £40,000 donation.

The gift sparked an appeal fund which has since grown to £160,000, and Llanegwad church is only £20,000 away from reopening its doors to worshippers.

“The first step is to make the church waterproof, so we can get back in there. There's a lot more work to be done after that, but we are very close now,” said Revd Philip Johnes, vicar of Llanegwad and Llanfynydd.

The church’s salvation began when an American visitor tracing his family roots asked Revd Johnes to open the churchyard for him.

“He wanted to see the graves of his ancestors so, being my usual cheeky self, I told him it would cost him,” said the Revd Johnes.

“It was only a joke but he pledged £40,000 to kick-start the fund.”

Plans for the proposed repairs and renovations were on display on Thursday 1st May from 7pm to 9.30pm at Pontargothi Hall.

Main Site Index Advertisers Index Webmaster