OWEN GRIFFITH OWEN (1847 - 1916) aka 'ALAFON' Calvinistic Methodist Minister and Bard
Alafon was born in Nov 1847 and brought up with his four brothers, amongst them the bards Llifon and Taliesin, in a small Caernarfonshire village. He loved the countryside and its wildlife and was renowned as a humble and sincere preacher, a model pastor of a country church.
He became part of a literary circle who met regularly in Caernarfon. The stylish poetry of the gentle bard won the affection of the Welsh community, culminating in the awards of two bardic chairs, notably the one at the Corwen Eisteddfod (pictured). He was twice runner-up in the National Eisteddfod, in 1902 (Bangor) and 1910 (Colwyn Bay), for which he eventually became a highly respected adjudicator.
His best-known hymn is 'Glan geriwbiaid a seraffiaid' sung to the tune of 'Sanctus' - a very popular choice at Gymanfa Ganu (hymn-singing gatherings), performed by male voice choirs at the Royal Albert Hall, Welsh rugby crowds, and notably by Rhydian (hear his excellent version via the You Tube link below).
Alafon's funeral in Feb 1916 was attended by hundreds of mourners and a year later a monument was raised in his honour.
He became part of a literary circle who met regularly in Caernarfon. The stylish poetry of the gentle bard won the affection of the Welsh community, culminating in the awards of two bardic chairs, notably the one at the Corwen Eisteddfod (pictured). He was twice runner-up in the National Eisteddfod, in 1902 (Bangor) and 1910 (Colwyn Bay), for which he eventually became a highly respected adjudicator.
His best-known hymn is 'Glan geriwbiaid a seraffiaid' sung to the tune of 'Sanctus' - a very popular choice at Gymanfa Ganu (hymn-singing gatherings), performed by male voice choirs at the Royal Albert Hall, Welsh rugby crowds, and notably by Rhydian (hear his excellent version via the You Tube link below).
Alafon's funeral in Feb 1916 was attended by hundreds of mourners and a year later a monument was raised in his honour.
|
|
|
'Glan geriwbiaid a seraffiaid'
to the tune of Sanctus - Rhydian - Treorchy/Cwmbach/Pendyrus combined Male Voice Choir |
