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.

For more information or to inquire about becoming a member or an associate member contact: 
Bryn Seion Welsh Church,
PO Box 484, Beavercreek, OR 97004-0484 
Janet Figini 503/630-5317

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The 73nd Annual Gymanfa Ganu at Bryn Seion
Sunday, June 22nd, 2008
A Welsh Singing Festival, whether you have Welsh heritage or not, 
you will be very welcome at this cultural event.

11:00 AM Traditional church service
Special music by Quinland Porter, soprano

There are several restaurants nearby that serve lunch.

1:45 PM First session of the Gymanfa Ganu 
The singing* will be directed by Tim Dyck, accompanied  by Beverly Ratajak, 
with special music by soprano Bronwen Hunt and harpist Annette Pritchard.
*See hymn-list at left.

The Welsh Marketplace will be open in the Tea House.

4:00 PM Te Bach The ladies of the Church will serve tea and Welsh cakes for $7.50 after the first Gymanfa Ganu session.

6:00 PM Second Session of the Gymanfa Ganu continues with group singing* and requests 
with special music by  Lucy Goman.  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. 

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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 hynmsinging. 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 over 120 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.