Members and friends joined together to sing Sankey hymns at a celebration anniversary service held at a historic village chapel in Pembrokeshire.

The present Wesley Chapel at Carew village is 171 years old, having been rebuilt in 1852 to replace the structure established in 1816.

Mr Stewart Treharne was the chairman for the evening. After a warm welcome to all those present, the service began with a reading.

Songs from Sacred Songs and Solos, the popular 1870s hymnbook compiled by Ira D Sankey, intertwined with recitations. Throughout the evening, congregation hymns included such old favourites as To God be the Glory, Count your Blessings and When the roll is called up yonder. Solos were also sung by Jane, Bronwen and Deric, along with groups items, and duets were by Margaret and Elaine, Duncan and Miranda, and Jane and Graham. The Men’s item was Trust and Obey, whilst the Ladies sang It Was for Me. 

Prayers were said by Helen and Stewart, who also closed with prayer, after which the service was brought to a final conclusion with the singing of the Blessing Song by all present.

Grateful thanks is expressed to all involved and also to those who took part, but particularly to Stewart for leading the service, to Elvina, as always, for taking the practices and to the organist at Carew Wesley Chapel.