Dr. Edwards Memorial Congregational Church

05/04/2026

Less trouble, more blessings 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

04/18/2026

The Eisteddfod is a talent competition for children and adults in both music and recitation categories. The children’s competition, which begins at 11 am, is divided into age groups. The competition begins with children under 5 years old and progresses to the 16 to 18 year olds. There is also a piano solo competition, again, divided by age. The adult competition begins at 3 pm and concludes with a chorus competition. Monetary prizes are awarded for the children and adults. Since 2026 is the 250th birthday of our country, the children will be competing with patriotic- themed music and recitations. The Eisteddfod in Edwardsville is the longest continuous event held outside of the country of Wales. This year is our 134th Eisteddfod.
Each category of competition is judged by an Adjudicator, one for music and one for recitation.

04/18/2026

Remember that scholarship applications are now open! Due June 1st. Scan the QR code for the online application. Email [email protected] if you need a paper copy. Diolch!

04/15/2026

The Cynonfardd Eisteddfod committee of Dr. Edwards Memorial Congregational Church of Edwardsville is planning this year’s Eisteddfod scheduled for April 25. The youth session for those 18 years of age and younger will begin at 11AM with the adult session following at 3PM. Bette Lee Devers of Hunlock Creek is Chairperson and Scott Jones of Wilkes-Barre is Vice- Chair.

In the Welsh culture an Eisteddfod is a festival of literature and music. The April 25 event will be the 134th Eisteddfod at Dr. Edwards Church and is the longest running continuous festival outside of Wales. The only break was 3 years during the covid pandemic.

The original Eisteddfod was a gathering of poets and bards. It is a competition or festival in which prizes are awarded in the performance of literature and music and dates back to the 12th century when the first festival was held in Cardiff Wales. The Edwardsville event is called the “Cynonfardd” Eisteddfod in honor of the late pastor Dr. T.C. Edwards. Cynonfardd was his Bardic title.

The youth session begins at 11AM for those under 5 to 18 years of age. Competition categories are vocal and piano solo, chorus and recitations. It has long been the practice to award a small monetary prize in a handmade bag to each child entering the afternoon competition. First, Second and Third place prizes will be awarded by qualified adjudicators.

Adult categories include Recitation and Bible reading. Musical performances include selections for various voice ranges including the challenge solo(all voice categories) and amateur solo which is open to anyone who has not won 1st prize in the Eisteddfod as an adult. Piano solo is also included. First and Second prizes will be awarded.

James Ruck of Wikes-Barre will serve as Adjudicator of Music and Christine Rock of Wilkes-Barre will be Adjudicator of Literature.

THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE and deadline to enter is April 21. The Preliminary Program with details for each category is available now. Please join us at Dr. Edwards Church at the corner of Main and Church Streets in Edwardsville to celebrate the performing arts and a traditional Welsh Eisteddfod.

For additional information call Jean Bonn at 570-678-3976 or Mary Ann Stelma.

03/30/2026

Update: Holy Thursday Service time has changed to 6pm

Good Friday Service still at 7pm on Friday evening.

03/29/2026

You are cordially invited to Holy Thursday Church Service on Thursday, April 2, at 6 pm, featuring Holy Communion.
A Good Friday Service will be held on Friday, April 3, at 7 pm.
Easter Sunday Service will take place on Sunday, April 5, at 9 am.

03/15/2026

03/11/2026

You are respectfully invited to attend the Holy Thursday Church Service, featuring Holy Communion, on Thursday, April 2, at 6 pm. A Good Friday Service will be held on Friday, April 3, at 7 pm. The Easter Sunday Service will convene on Sunday, April 5, at 9 am.