AN HISTORIC Towy Valley church has had paving slabs stolen in yet another blow to the building.

They were taken from the path leading up to the Grade I listed St Mary’s Church in Llanfair-ar-y-Bryn, near Llandovery, according to vicar Paul Pritchard.

It is believed that the alleged theft – of 19 slabs including a blue slate stone – took place before Thursday.

When the vicar arrived at the church on Sunday, July 16, the slabs were gone, and he said the warden found that they had gone on Thursday, July 13.

“I was surprised to see that the slabs were missing,” said Rev Pritchard. “The church warden said they’d been stolen by Thursday evening.

“The church is a beautiful medieval building with a lot of history.”

South Wales Guardian: Some of the slabs on the path have gone. Some of the slabs on the path have gone. (Image: Vicar Paul Pritchard)

It is another blow for the church, as there is already a damaged wall. 

"The theft followed the collapse of a boundary wall by the grave of Williams Pantycelyn, as well as worrying cracks in the east wall," Rev Pritchard said.

"Nevertheless, we didn't let the theft spoil our worship and I enjoyed sharing a message from St Paul's letter to the Romans, chapter 8 on 'No condemnation to those in Christ Jesus'."

The church is of historical significance as it is where Welsh hymnist William Williams Pantycelyn was buried in 1791.

The writer and Methodist cleric was the chief hymnist of the methodist movement and became one of its leaders after he was refused ordination as a priest.

He wrote a wide range of hymns, including Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, more commonly known as Bread of Heaven.

The church also has links to Rhys Prichard, a famous 16th century poet who wrote Canwyll y Cymry and it is built on a Roman site.

The community has shown its support for the church, with Rev Pritchard saying: "Our church is a family and thieves can't steal that.

"I have been encouraged by how much the town of Llandovery has been concerned about the theft, and as the world gets darker, the church has the opportunity to shine brighter.

"That was the message of Rhys Prichard and William Williams, and I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of such giants of the faith in Llandovery."

South Wales Guardian: Dyfed-Powys Police are investigating.Dyfed-Powys Police are investigating. (Image: Vicar Paul Pritchard)

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We received a report of theft of flagstones from Llanfair Church, Llandovery, on Sunday afternoon.

"It is believed the stones had been taken in the days prior to this.”

Anyone with any information should report it to Dyfed-Powys Police online at https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk or by calling 101.

People who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired can text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. When contacting about the theft, use the reference 23000640123.