BRYN SEION WELSH CHURCH 22132 S. Kamrath Road, Beavercreek, OR 97004  5 miles south of Oregon City  Janet Figini 503/630-5317

Bryn Seion Welsh Church is a nondenominational Christian church dedicated to continuing the tradition of worship, fellowship, and singing in the Welsh custom. Come  make a joyful noise to the Lord. We warmly welcome all who wish to join us and enjoy the fellowship of God's gifts.

Services 11:00am, followed by a  potluck lunch, 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.
The Gymanfa Ganu is held annually on the 4th Sunday in June.

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Sunday, May 30th, we will gather at the church in the early afternoon, with bring-your-own lunch happening in the Tea House at 12:00, and then moving to the Sanctuary for a sing-through of the hymns, running maybe until 3:00.

 Sunday, June 6th, we will also gather for lunch at 12:00, but at the Highland Stillhouse Pub in Oregon City, on S 2nd at McLaughlin.  "Pub Sing" follows, with many of the hymns for the Gymanfa, and also Welsh folk songs. 

Sunday June 13th we have our 2nd Sunday of the month worship service at the church at 11:00, with potluck luncheon and business meeting following.  It will be lovely to see as many of you as are in the right time-zone and not otherwise committed on that day as well.  I assure you that the 4 hymns of this service will include some we need to practice!

The 75th Annual Gymanfa Ganu at Bryn Seion
Sunday, June 27th, 2010
A Welsh Singing Festival, whether you have Welsh heritage or not, 
you will be very welcome at this cultural event.

6:00 PM Second Session of the Gymanfa Ganu continues with group singing and requests 
with special music by  TBD.  Some say this is the best singing of the day.
Singing is in four parts, in  English and in Welsh. 
You don't need to know the Welsh just to make a joyful noise. 
Listen to an example of Welsh hymn singing

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The Gymanfa Ganu 
(guh-mahn-vah  gah-nee, literally a sing gathering)

Wales has long been known as the "land of song". The singing talent of the Cymry, or as the English called them "Welsh", has been noted as far back as the 12th century.

Small village chapels nestled in the green mountains were centers of religious and social life in Wales. Each chapel would rehearse hymns and on an appointed day would gather to sing all day in four-part harmony. The hymns in turn have become the folk songs of the country.  Singing hymns became part of every day life, in the mines, in the pub, or at a rugby game. 

The tradition of part singing hymns was brought to North America with the nineteenth century Welsh emigration.  Bryn Seion has carried on this tradition since 1935. As in the past, people travel great distances to participate. The singers are completely unrehearsed, but are drawn together for this special day by their love of Welsh hynm singing. Spontaneity and joy are an integral part of the gymanfa ganu. 

Bryn Seion's Gymanfa Ganu is always held on the fourth Sunday in June. The first session begins at 1:45pm followed by a te bach, or small tea at Beavercreek Grange. Then back to the church for the evening session at 6:00pm. Singing is in English and in Welsh, no experience required.  ALL ARE WELCOME!

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The Origins of Bryn Seion Welsh Church
The Welsh had been among the first to come to the New World and had already settled many areas for 200 years. In the 1840's an increasing number of Welshmen emigrated to America in search of opportunity and fertile, affordable farmland. Beavercreek reminded the settlers of their home back in Wales and called for family and friends to join them. The Welsh families longed for a church where they could come together to worship and sing with family and neighbors.

In June 1884  this dream became a reality as Bryn Seion (Mt. Zion) Church.  First listed as "The Welsh Evangelical Church" and a year later as "The Welsh Congregational Church", Bryn Seion is now nondenominational. Our members and associate members come from a variety of backgrounds and most travel miles to attend. They share a bond of Welsh ancestry, the language, love of singing and the tranquil setting. 

At one time there were many Welsh churches across North America and now only a few remain.  Bryn Seion is the oldest Welsh church on the west coast and has kept an unbroken tradition for 125 years. 

DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Bryn Seion Welsh Church is located at:
22132 S. Kamrath Rd. Beavercreek OR
Take I-205 to exit 10
Go 3 miles south on Hwy. 213;
Go left onto Beavercreek Rd.;
Go 3.9 miles to cross road;
Go straight onto S. Kamrath Rd;
The church is 100 yards on the left.