Lewis Edwards Memorial outside Penllwyn Calvinistic Methodist Chapel

Cadw's description

Location

Situated in the forecourt of the chapel on the N side of the A44 just E of the road junction in the centre of the village.

History

Commemorative bust to Dr Lewis Edwards 1809-87, by Sir William Goscombe John, unveiled 27 October 1911 on centenary of Methodist ordinations at Bala. Dr Lewis Edwards was leading Methodist, founder and first principal of Bala College, theologian, writer and minister. He was born at Pwllcenawen opposite the chapel. The bust is a casting of the head and shoulders of the statue at Bala, and cost £150. The bust was unveiled by his daughter, Mrs Dickens Lewis, another daughter Mrs W R Evans, and his son the Rev D Charles Edwards were present, and Principal John Rhys of Bala College presided.

Exterior

Bronze bust on granite pedestal, the bust half-length, cloaked, holding book. Pedestal has square plinth and then shaft tapers on 3 sides, the back vertical. Sides are turned out under moulded capital with centre front moulding broken forward. Pedestal is inscribed: Cyfodwyd y cerflun hwn i anrhydeddu coffadwriaeth y Parch Lewis Edwards M.A. D.D. Sylfaenydd a llywydd cyntaf athrofa'r Bala 1837-1887 a dysgawdwr cenedl y cymry fel llenor duwinydd a gweinidog yr Efengyl canwyd yn Mhwllcenawon Penllwyn Hydref 27 1809 bu farw yn y Bala Gorff 19 1887'. Kerb around with 7 cast-iron standards carrying iron chains and horizontal bar.

Reason for designation

Included as a sculpture by the leading Welsh sculptor of the early C20, and for group value with the chapel.