HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH

This section of opobs.co.uk is dedicated to the memory of my grandfather, Stanley James Simmonds, who dedicated his life to his beloved Church. A member for over 70 years he was organist for 57 years until his death in 1977. A plaque is placed on the organ case in Hope Church as a permanent memorial to a man who lived for the love of his Church.

A large number of photographs in this section were taken by Mr Simmonds himself. With an interest in photography he was one of the pioneer amateur photographers in Bridgend and his glass negatives have thankfully survived and some are reproduced here.

The photographs from the early 1970s were all taken by Michael Stokes (grandson of S.J. Simmonds) and those on this site form only a small part of his very large collection.

Feedback on these photographs would be very welcome: mjs@opobs.co.uk

The Early Years

DEDICATION DAY 1906

A souvenir leaflet was produced for the celebration of Dedication Day on 14th November 1906. This was produced in Black and White with some red text and with red borders around the photographs.

M.J. Stokes Collection

1906 HOPE CHURCH FOUNDATION STONE

The foundation stone for the current Hope Church was laid on 14th July 1906 by Mrs W.J. Lewis who was the oldest member of Hope.

Photograph © Edwin Miles ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

1906 DEDICATION DAY

On the 14th November 1906 the partly constructed church was dedicated in a special ceremony. The Rev. F.B. Meyer fixed the stone amid loud applause and apparently gave a lengthy address! He later preached the Dedication sermon in the nearby Congregational Church, which was packed, with an overflow meeting being held in Ruhamah Chapel.

Photograph © Edwin Miles ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

1906 DEDICATION DAY

Amongst those on the improvised platform on Dedication Day, 14th November 1906, were Rev. and Mrs Kettle, Rev. F.B. Meyer, the Church deacons and other invited dignitaries.

Photograph © Edwin Miles ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

1906 LAYING OF THE MEMORIAL STONE

A card was sent out with all children of the Sunday School to their parents inviting them to attend the laying of the Memorial Stone. The card measured 4.5 inches by 3 inches.

M.J. Stokes Collection

1907 THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOPE
These very early photographs have been reproduced from the original glass negatives which
now are in very poor condition. Photographs © S.J.Simmonds - M.J. Stokes Collection

OPENING SERVICE - 1908

The Opening Services were held on 28th February 1908. A leaflet decribing the Services was printed for the occasion.

M.J. Stokes Collection.

1912- HOPE JUNIOR CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR

The caption on the rear of this post-card-sized print, written in Stanley Simmonds’ hand-writing, reads: “Taken about 1912 by Mr Edwin Miles while he was in charge of the Hope Junior Christian Endeavour. I was in Swansea”. The leader on the left was a member of Reverend Kettle’s household staff, Beatrice Bartlett, who in 1915 became Stanley Simmonds wife. The leader on the right was one of Stanley’s sisters - Dora, or Kate. None of the children in this picture have been identified, but all would have been born sometime between 1900 and 1905. No attempt has been made to repair this badly damaged photograph - part of its charm is in its dilapidated condition!

Photograph Edwin Miles ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH - c.1912

Part of the Edwin Miles Series of Postcards of Bridgend and District, this photograph shows a number of historical features. The roads are unmade showing the conditions of the streets in the town; there are railway goods wagons in the area which is now used as the station car-park; and the houses on Derwen Road are very interesting. Note also the telegraph poles with their many arms.

Photograph © Edwin Miles ~ Courtesy of Natalie Murphy

1920s

CHURCH OUTING - 1926

Hope members photographed at an unknown location. This photograph is readily dated at 1926 with Mrs Beatrice Simmonds pictured left centre holding second daughter Betty on her lap; older daughter Louie is pictured seated on the floor immediately in front. Other members identified are Elsie Piercey, Gwen Hunt, Gertie Almond, Eva Thomas, Ewena Ewins, Cliff Mason, Fred Fear, Lil Fear, Edna Speck, Eva Mason, Mr W.E. Taylor, Jack Thomas.

Photograph © S.J. Simmonds ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

1930s

A SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS - c.1930

Bertie Lloyd’s Sunday School class pictured at Ogmore-by-Sea. Only two names have been identified in this photograph - Peter Parker immediately behind Bertie, and Dennis Williams in the right front.

Photograph © S.J. Simmonds ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

HOPE SCOUTS - c.1930

Hope Scouts are pictured outside the Church sometime in the early 1930s. Amongst the leaders are Bert Lloyd, Cliff Anstee, Cecil Jones and Sid Fear.

Photographer unknown ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

HOPE JUNIOR CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR - c.1931

Among those appearing in the photograph are: Olive Ling, Eileen Boulton, Doris Fear, John Fear, Betty Simmonds, Clare Matthews, Joyce Howker, Connie Bolch, Katie Wright, Phyllis Howker, Pauline Lamont and Louie Simmonds.

Photograph © S.J. Simmonds ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

5th BRIDGEND (HOPE) GIRL GUIDES - 1932

Olwen Lewis, Versley , Phyllis Bryant, Glenys Ingram, Mary Davies, Mary M, Hilda Vaughan, Gladys Barrington, Theresa Fitzgerald, Dorothy Matthews, Phyllis Gardiner. Kathleen Jones, Betty Beynon, Kathleen Cowling, Vera Grinnell, Irene, Annie Payne, Millie Davies, Gladys Blackshaw, Marjorie , Aulwinnie Parker, Clarice Pepperell. Violet, Iris Jenkins, Vera Bryant, Lizzie Humphreys, Betty John, Capt Lieut, Connie Bolch, Patty, Monica Miller, Eileen Morris, Winnie Upton.

Photograph courtesy of Aulwinnie Hopkin

CHURCH OUTING Early 1930s

Amongst those appearing in this photograph are the Simmonds family - Beatrice, Betty, Jean and Brian; the Fear family - Lil, Sid, Tom and Fred; Cliff Mason and his sister Eva, Gertie Almond, Mr W.E. Taylor, Ewina Ewins, Dora Simmonds, Linda Speck.

Photograph © S.J. Simmonds ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

CHURCH OUTING Mid 1930s

A happy group of Hope members and their families pictured at an unidentified location. Persons identified are: Brian Simmonds, Louie Simmonds, Mr and Mrs W.H. Jones (Pastor and wife), Fred Fear, Hilda Matthews, Gertie Almond, Frank Loosmore, Pearl Richards, Mrs Boulton, Gwen Hunt, Mr W.E. Taylor.

Photograph © S.J. Simmonds ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

CHURCH OUTING - Mid 1930s

A group of Hope members and their families pictured at an unidentified location. Persons identified are: the Simmonds family - Louie, Betty, Jean, Brian and their mother Beatrice; Fred, Tom and Lil Fear; W.E. Taylor, R.J. Jones, Rev W.H. Jones and his wife, Hilda Matthews, Ewena Ewins, Cliff Mason, Gertie Almond. The original negative is in poor condition and out of focus.

Photograph © S.J. Simmonds ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

HOPE YOUTH - 1938

A group of happy Hope teenagers photographed at an unknown location. Left to right: back row - Eric Harvey, Beryl Salmon, Barbara Howells, Brian Simmonds; middle row - Godfrey Howells, Lennox Price, Betty Simmonds, Joan Goldsworthy, Phillip Mitchell; front row - John Howells with Norman Howells immediately behind him, Peter Parker and Norman Groves. Eric Harvey was the first member from Hope to be killed in action during World War II; his name appears on the War Memorial in Hope Church.

Photograph courtesy of Aulwinnie Hopkin

1940s

AMOS - THE CRIPPLE OF CAPERNAUM - c.1946

This photograph shows a performance of a play, thought to have taken place in “The Institute” at around 1946. The three main characters in the foreground are (left to right) Jean Simmonds, Vivienne Richards and David Jones. Others identified are Morwen Thomas, Ann Thomas, Ursula Connors, Amelia Westcombe, Pat Richards, Barbara Richards, Hilary Thomas, Iris Boulton, June Brooks, Doreen Grist. Lighting for this play was by Brian Simmonds and John Stokes.

Photograph © S.J. Simmonds ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

c.1948

This group snap-shot was taken around 1947-49 and is of an unknown occasion but could be the Junior Choir under the conductor-ship of Stanley Simmonds. The location is the room known as the Institute. Doreen Grist, Shirley Thomas, Gloria Hope, Marlene Richards, Ann Brinkley, Frank Loosmore, Colin Wynne, Brian Lewis, Vivienne Richards, June Brooks, Barbara Richards, Betty Simmonds, Marjorie Saunders, Pat Richards, Jean Simmonds, Ann Thomas, Brian Simmonds, Marion Morgan, Gwenda Richards, Morwen Thomas, Iris Boulton, Roy Lawrence, Ron Hayes, Ingley Jones, Ken Rees.

Unknown Photographer ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

1950

THE PASTOR & DEACONS - 1950

For the 100th Anniversary of Hope, the Church commissioned a Centenary Souvenir and Church History. This was compiled by F.T. Arnold, consisting of 54 pages the booklet was printed by Brown’s of Cowbridge. The above illustration is a copy of page 4 of the booklet showing the Reverend George Price and the Deacons serving at that time.

Photographer unknown ~ Booklet courtesy of Rev. D.E. Miles

1950 SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTING

For many years the Sunday School outing was to Porthcawl. This photograph of Hope youngsters was taken on Coney Beach. Not all have been identified but those known are Anthony Loosmore, Brian Lewis, Brian Edwards, Eve and Ann Brinkley, Judy Bernard and Shirley Thomas.

Photograph © S.J. Simmonds ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

1950 SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTING

Photographed at Coney Beach with the Reverend George Price are Morwen Thomas, Gwenda Richards, Ursula Connors, Maureen Sacre, Doreen Grist, Alf Ridout, Frank Loosmore, Colin Wynne, Tom Fear, Arthur Davies and Brian Lewis.

Photograph © S.J. Simmonds ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

1950 SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTING

Photograph © S.J. Simmonds ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

1950 SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTING

Photograph © S.J. Simmonds ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

1950 SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTING

Photograph © S.J. Simmonds ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

1954

THE AUGMENTED CHOIR - 1954

Included in this picture are Mrs Games, Mrs Grist, Rene Lewis, Doreen Grist, Morwen Thomas, Betty Stokes, Maureen Sacre, Pat Richards, Mrs Richards, Stanley Simmonds (organist), Frank Loosmore (choirmaster), Tudor Davies, Catherine McDermot, June Brooks, Mrs Gerrard, Gwen Edwards, Iris Lawrence, Marjorie Stone, Eva Thomas, Mrs Trevor Davies, Mrs Wales, Mrs Vick, Mrs King, Mrs Willie Griffiths, Miss Jones, Mrs Coppins, Miss Neate, Mrs Fred Lloyd, Mrs McTavish, Mrs Hillman, Ann Thomas, Mrs Carver, Mrs Arthur Davies, Lynette Richards, Sandra Jones, Brian Simmonds, John McTavish, Charles Carver, Alf Marsh, Wyndham Thomas, Mrs Thomas, Lewis Morgan, Anthony Loosemore, David Jones, Brian Skiffins.

Unknown Photographer ~ M.J. Stokes Collection

1959

SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTING - 1959

This newspaper cutting shows a group of Hope Sunday School scholars just before their annual trip to Porthcawl. Geoffrey Stokes is fourth from the left in the front row with brother Michael just behind, and Stephen Nicholas to the right of them. Only two other faces are recognisable in this poor photograph - Tony Parsons and Hilary Jones - it would be really interesting to see the original of this print!

M.J. Stokes Collection

1966

SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY - 1966

“Assam Today” - a play written and produced by Stanley Simmonds during the period in the 1960s between Pastors at Hope. From left to right: Back row - Stephen Roberts, Paul Thomas, Robert Jones, Geoffrey Stokes, Stephen Brown, Leighton Griffiths, Ian Williams, Stephen Nicholas, Jennifer Benbow, Helen Cash. Middle row - Jenny Green, Carys Thomas, Mrs Peggy Price, Barrie Phillips, Robert Langdon, Elaine Williams, Susan Brauniger, Frances Powell, Pamela Jones, Mrs Iris Lawrence, Mrs Iris Muir. Front Row - Jacqueline Bell, Linda Phillips, Lynne Lewis, Shan Hopkin, Linda Price, Ann Thomas, Sheila Stokes, Helen Thomas, Catherine Rees, Ann Price, Pamela Lawrence.

Photograph © George Muir ~ S.J. Miles Collection

1968

SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY - 1968

Mary Jones and her Bible was the first Sunday School play produced by Rhonwen Miles in Hope Church. Some of those participating were Kelvin Lewis, Linda Price, Robert Langdon, Bethan Jones, Frances Thomas, Martin Cadogan, Ann Price, Ian Howells, Caroline Simmonds, Jane Hughes, Jenny Green, Helen Thomas, Jacky Bell, Shân Hopkin, Wendy Cadogan, Kim McTavish, Ruth Plow, Helen Cash, Jane Howells, Sheila Stokes, Pamela Lawrence, Annette Bell, Rosalyn Howells and Frances Powell. A number of children in this photograph have not been positively identified. This photograph is a print from a very poor quality colour slide, taken with an ‘Instamatic” camera, a very popular cheap camera in the 1960s.

Photograph © M.J. Stokes ~ Courtesy of Mrs S.J. Miles

1969

SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY - 1969

“Joseph” - a play produced by Rhonwen Miles. Those shown here are; left to right - Helen Thomas, Kim McTavish, Shelagh Watson, Sheila Stokes and Jenny Green. This play, like many other events in the 1960s and 70s, was recorded on audio tape by John Stokes - the microphones used are clearly visible.

Photographer unknown - (presumed to be Stephen Brown) ~ Collection S.J. Miles

1974

THE PASTOR & DEACONS - 1974

A series of photographs in transparency format was commissioned by the Pastor to be shown at the 125th Anniversary Celebrations in March 1975. Photographs were taken of all aspects of Church life and this photograph, reproduced from a colour slide, was taken as part of the commission. Back row - Arwyn Thomas, Frank Loosmore, Frank Terrett, Geoff Hopkin, Tom Morgan, Roy Lawrence, John Howells, Godfrey Howells, Cliff Jones; front row - Doris Neate, R.P. Morgan, S.J. Simmonds (organist), R.J. Jones (secretary), Reverend D.E. Miles (pastor), Charles Carver (treasurer), W.D. Court, Ivor Morgan. It is interesting to note that four of these Deacons were serving on the Diaconate at the time of the 100th Anniversary in 1950, and two, S.J. Simmonds and R.J. Jones had served on the diaconate since the early 1920s.

Photograph © M.J. Stokes ~ Courtesy of Mrs S.J. Miles

HOPE LADIES GUILD TENTH ANNIVERSARY - 1974

The Guild Committee pictured on the occasion of their 10th Anniversary in February. Left to right: back row - Peggy Price, Gwen Jones, Muriel Cradock, Moira Hopkin, Iris Lawrence, Mary Thomas, Cynthia Jones; front row - Gwenda McTavish, Barbara Jones, Hilda Howells, Betty Stokes and June Brauniger.

Photograph © M.J. Stokes

HOPE LADIES GUILD TENTH ANNIVERSARY - 1974

Pat Hughes, Aulwinnie Hopkin, Betty Stokes, Margaret Cash, Mary Thomas, Ivy Rees, Barbara Simmonds, Hilary Thomas, Iris Lawrence, Jean Langdon, Sandra Jones, Edith Hughes, Val, Jessie Smith, Ruth Alcock, Maureen Green, Rhonwen Miles, Barbara Jones, Cora Williams, Grace Lewis, Moira Hopkin, June Brauniger, Dilys Williams, Olive Brewer, Meg Cole, Audrey Coleman, Bessie, Muriel Craddock, Cynthia Jones, Dorothy Dunsford, Gladys Thomas, Peggy Howells, Hilda Howells, Gwen Jones, Peggy Price, Nita Bater, Rosemary Rowe, Judith Sellick, Edna Speck.

Photograph © M.J. Stokes

BOYS BRIGADE - 1974
Leaders Cliff Harman, Bill Gulland and Jonathan Lewis are pictured here with the Boys Brigade in 1974. Among those known in this photograph are Stuart Gulland, Chris Harman, Peter Stone, Nigel Stephen, Martin Langdon, Graham Jones, David Cox.The photographer would be interested in updating this caption if all those depicted can be identified.
Photograph © M.J. Stokes

JUNIOR BOYS BRIGADE - 1974

Bill Gulland, Walter Ellison, Gwynneth Morgan and Cliff Harman pose with the Junior Boys Brigade for this 1974 photograph. Some of those pictured here are Aled Miles, Robert Venice, Chris Morgan, Stuart Bresner, Mark Jones. The photographer would be interested in updating this caption if all those depicted can be identified.

Photograph © M.J. Stokes

SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY - 1974

The play “Everyman” was performed at the evening service of the Sunday School Anniversary in May 1974. This photograph was taken using available light so as not to disturb the service with a flashgun, hence the rather fuzzy appearance. Centre stage is Jeannie McTavish - others in this picture are Shelley Thomas, Jacqui Stephen, Rosalyn Howells, Gwynneth Morgan, Julie Parsons, Catherine Simmonds, Helen McTavish, Sandra Games.

Photograph © M.J. Stokes

BED PUSH - 1974

A group of Hope youth were involved in a sponsored bed-push to raise funds for the British Red Cross. They are pictured here at the Bridgend Carnival & Steam Fair at Newbridge Fields in September 1974 en-route to their destination at Porthcawl. In this photo are Jacqui Stephen, Martin Loveday, Chris Davies, Robert Langdon, Chris Perry, Susan Marlow, Wendy Cadogan and Red Cross representative Peggy Price.

Photograph © M.J. Stokes

CHRISTMAS - 1974

A group of Sunday School youngsters during a dress-rehearsal for the Christmas services of 1974. Some of those shown are Peter Stone, Anthony Jenkins, Aled Miles, Andrew Powell, Mark Jones, Graham Jones, David Lloyd, Chris Harman, Helen McTavish, Harman, Cooke, Cole, Rowe, Martin Langdon, Nigel Stephen, Stuart Bresner, Jacqueline Rowe, Shân Cole, Shân Cooke, Kim Thomas, Stuart Gulland, Diane McTavish, Alison Harwood, Timothy Dunford. The photographer would be interested in updating this caption if all those depicted can be identified.

Photograph © M.J. Stokes ~ S.J. Miles Collection

1975

PALM SUNDAY - 1975

Taken during a choral performance on the evening of Palm Sunday in 1975. Those identified are Sheila Stokes, Helen Thomas, Shelley Thomas, Jeannie McTavish, Kim McTavish, Margaret Davies, Hilary Thomas, Rosemary Rowe, Irene Thomas, Christine Beaman, Patricia Mann, Sandra Jones, Gwenda McTavish, June Cummings, Rhonwen Miles, Amy, Gwyneth Morgan, Dorothy Morgan, Moira Hopkin, Betty Newth, Mrs Viant, Mrs Howells, Mrs Gillard, Grace Lewis, Iris Lawrence, Mary Thomas, Pearl Loosmore, Clarice Terrett, John Howells, Tony Lewis, Frank Terrett, Raymond Davies, Steve Mann, Vincent Thomas, Stanley Simmonds, Maurice Blatchley, Arthur Davies, Idwal Morgan, David Williams, Roy Lawrence, Jack Thomas, Don Thomas, Arwyn Thomas, Tom Morgan, Euros Miles. The organist was Mrs Betty Stokes.

Photograph © M.J. Stokes ~ S.J. Miles Collection

BOYS BRIGADE PARADE - 1975

The Boys Brigade were photographed in April 1975 on a parade from Hope Church, around the town, terminating at the cattle-market, in what is now Tesco car park, and then returning via Quarella Road to Hope. This picture shows the parade passing the Embassy Cinema in Tondu Road at the point which is now taken up by the new roundabout. The boys were shortly to turn right into Brewery Lane and then proceed to the cattle-market.

Photograph © M.J. Stokes

BOYS BRIGADE PARADE - 1975

The Boys Brigade Parade in April 1975 shown as they leave Hope Church and proceed along Derwen Road before turning into Caroline Street. Hope members leaning over the fence observing the procession are Reverend D.E. Miles, Cliff Jones, John Howells, Maurice Blatchley, Betty and Sheila Stokes. Brigade leaders Bill Gulland and Gwyneth Morgan lead the Junior Brigade, the Seniors having passed-by moments before.

Photograph © M.J. Stokes

HARVEST FESTIVAL - 1975

A group of youngsters dressed up in “farmers” clothing performed a small tableau at the Sunday School afternoon service of the Harvest Thanksgiving Services in October 1975. The photographer would be interested in updating this caption if all those depicted can be identified.

Photograph © M.J. Stokes

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