Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 is the date for the 73rd Gymanfa Ganu, an event of singing in Welsh which sort of means "sing gathering," held at Bryn Seion Welsh Church in Beavercreek, Oregon. Welsh immigrants to the United States held community singing events like this in their churches to retain their community, their heritage and their language and these are one particular cultural birthright of Welsh-Americans. Anyone is welcome, whether they're lucky enough to be Welsh or not, and everyone sings together.
We got to go last year and I can't recommend this highly enough. The singing is gorgeous and so is Bryn Seion Church and its surroundings. Come for the singing, the Welsh market and the wonderful people.
The first service is at 11:00am. People come from all over to gather under the trees, on the lawn with picnic baskets and participate. There is a second singing in the evening, traditionally less well attended and the only time you may be fortunate enough to actually find a seat inside.
Bryn Seion Church was founded as a Welsh Evangelical church in 1884. One of the few Welsh churches left in North America, it is today non-denominational and the oldest Welsh church on the west coast with a 120-year unbroken tradition of service in its community.
Bryn Seion is located at 22132 South Kamrath Road, in Beavercreek, Oregon. Try the Rand McNally form below and directions are at the link to the Gymanfa Ganu, above.
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