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Llanfachreth is a small
mountain village 5 miles above Dolgellau, looking
across to the 1300ft 'Moel Offrwm', or 'Hill of
Sacrifice', whose very name suggests early
Druidic rituals. (There are remains of a Druid
encampment on the site.) St Machreth is thought
to have come to these parts in about the 5th
century: a house near the village is called 'Gell
Fachreth' (Machreth's Cell), and is located on
the edge of an oak-grove of the kind favoured by
hermits. So the land and its history radiate a
sense of the sacred. To this day the church -
early 19th century, of simple and
attractive design - dominates the landscape.
Until quite recently the Church was closely
associated with the ancient Nannau estate, with
memorials to the Vaughan family (who funded it)
in evidence. At one time all family servants
would have been expected to attend. That
connection has now been dissolved. The
congregation has dwindled - but at least all
those who go definitely want to do so!
The village itself has some 80 inhabitants, the
catchment as a whole (with surrounding farms etc)
about 150. Forestry at one time provided
significant employment, as did local government;
both now provide only a few jobs between them.
Several houses offer B&B. Many occupants have
reached retirement age, or have retired into the
area. The school (a Church school), with about 30
children of primary age, and 2 teachers, is the
village's most vital hub. Besides that there is a
village hall, a shop, and 2 non-conformist
chapels. In the past there were 3 pubs - the
nearest is now 4 miles away!
Regular members of the congregation of St
Machreth's comprise fewer than a dozen, some of
these coming in from other villages. (The church
is of course used fairly regularly for baptisms,
weddings and funerals.) In spite of this, it is
generally agreed that the quality of worship is
deeply rewarding. There is a fine organ of gentle
tone, and the singing is uplifting. Services are
bilingual (Holy Eucharist at 3.0pm), with an
all-Welsh evensong every 1st Sunday of
the month at 3.0pm. The interior of the building
is conducive to a meditative spirit, with some
richly-coloured Victorian stained glass at the
east end and in the nave. For those seeking a
more intimate and peaceful setting, either just
to visit or for worship, St Machreth's has much
to offer.
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