A WORLD-FAMOUS writer and hymnologist has been honoured with a special statue in the Tywi Valley.
William Williams, known as William Williams Pantycelyn, was a prominent hymn writer, writing more than 900 hymns, including Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah, and 90 diverse and innovative literary works before his 1791 death.
He lived on the family farm in Pantycelyn, Pentre-tŷ-gwyn.
William Williams Pantycelyn has been honoured with a memorial chapel named in his honour in Llandovery, but there were calls for a more prominent memorial to celebrate him.
After six years of campaigning by current mayor of Llandovery, Handel Davies, a large, stunning stainless steel memorial has been installed outside Y Gannwyll, in the town.
The statue, which incorporates a selection of his most famous hymns, was created by Gideon Petersen – who alongside his brother Toby, created the statue of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan on the castle mound - and was paid for by Llandovery Town Council.
It was officially unveiled in a special ceremony on Friday, May 5, with the ribbon cut by Cecil Williams, a descendant of William who now lives in the ancestral home, and his wife Cynthia.
Cecil said: “The memorial is a beautiful sculpture. It’s good to have such a fitting tribute to my predecessor in his hometown.”
He also said how hundreds of people visit the home from across the world each year.
Mr Davies said: “It continues to be quite a journey to give more prominence to the rich history of the area, and the richest person we have is undoubtedly William Williams Pantycelyn.
“The unveiling of this sculpture was deliberately timed to coincide with the visit of the Urdd National Eisteddfod to Llandovery at the end of the month.
"We hope that it will attract people to the town itself, not only during the Eisteddfod but at all times in the future.”
Professor E. Wyn James is an expert on William’s life and works. He said: “Wales would not be the land of song today if it weren’t for his hymns.
"Although William Williams lived in the vicinity of Llandovery all his life, he rode many thousands of miles on horseback every year for forty years to promote the gospel.
“He is also a person of international importance. A third of the world’s population are now Christians and one of their favourite hymns is Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah. Pantycelyn’s words are sung every week in all parts of the world in different languages.
"He’s a giant in Wales, but he is an international giant as well.
“He is one of the most important Welshmen of all time.”
The unveiling activities ended with the Llandovery Male Voice Choir singing two of Pantycelyn's hymns.
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