Eight Generations of Church
Members
It is quite rare in this country for one family to
have eight generations within the Church. Alan Davies, President of the Merthyr Tydfil
Stake, is the seventh generation of his family who are are members of the Church.
President Davies's fifth great-grandfather Robert
Humphries was baptised by Captain Dan Jones on 25 December 1847. Soon after his baptism,
Robert was called to serve as a branch president. Later his niece and her husband, Ann and
Moses Jones, joined the Church. Their daughter Jane Davies was also baptised. Her daughter
Ellen Davies later married Walter Price. Their children included Gladys Price, who was
baptised, as was her husband, Daniel Davies. The sixth generation was their son Emlyn
Davies, who has been a member all his life and has served as a stake patriarch for more
than 25 years.
Emlyn's son is President Alan Davies. With his
wife, Anne, they have four children, Natalie, Mathew, Daniel, and Kimberley. Both sons are
currently serving missions: Matthew in Ireland Dublin Mission and Daniel in the Colorado
Denver Mission. That is the full eight generations for the Davies family in the Church.
Schedule Accommodates LDS
Swimmer
Hannah Palmer, a Mia Maid from the Cheltenham Ward,
Cheltenham Stake, is the Gloucestershire County Breaststroke Champion once again. She
successfully defended the title she won last year. Traditionally, the county has held
events on Sunday, but following a request from Hannah's coach, who supports her Sabbath
observance, the county rescheduled the event to Saturday.
With many swimming events held on Sunday, top level
participation is often limited. Still, Hannah continues to be selected as a member of the
county swimming team and is the National Independent Schools' breaststroke and individual
medley champion. - June Basher, Cheltenham Ward, Cheltenham Stake
Fifty Years of Service
Jean Dyer of the Merthyr Tydfil Ward, Merthyr
Tydfil Stake, recently completed fifty years of continuous service as a musician in the
Church. Two years after she began piano lessons at age six, she was asked to play for
Primary. Over the years, Jean has played for every auxiliary and accompanied the
congregation for Sunday meetings. She has also played for soloists, small groups, and
choirs.
One of Jean's favourite memories is playing for
Church President David O McKay, who was visiting Merthyr to dedicate the chapel. The organ
she played was donated by non-member friends of President McKay. Jean received a golden
key as a memento.
Jean has no plans to retire and is still faithfully
accompanying the Saints at their meetings. - Alan Davies, Merthyr Tydfil Ward,
Merthyr Tydfil Stake
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