Elfed Lewys

Elfed Lewys (1934-1999) was a preacher, composer of ballads, actor and instructor of young people. His father was the Reverend Morley Lewis, and his grandfather on his father's side was John Lewis, a tailor in Blaenycoed who became a singer of note, a precentor and adjudicator of local eisteddfodau and choir conductor. Howell Elvet Lewis was a brother to John Lewis, preacher, hymnist and archdruid.

The Reverend Morley Lewis was ordained in 1928 Bodringallt, Y Rhondda, and so Elfed was born in the Rhondda. The family moved in 1942 to Crymych and in 1953 to Cefneithin. After deciding to go to the ministry Elfed went to Bala-Bangor Theological Seminary in Bangor.

He became minister to Llanfyllin and though Elfed left his mark on many parts of Wales, there is no doubt that in the area of Llanfyllin was his greatest influence following his founding of Aelwyd Penllys.