| The chapel of
Llanfair Cilgoed (St Mary at the cell in the
woods) was built in 1843 for people who had
too far to go to the parish church at
Llantilio Crossenny. It replaced a medieval
building which had fallen into ruin in the
eighteenth century. In December 1844,
Mereweather was licensed to the cure of this
new chapel. In 1925, the Llanfair chapelry
was transferred to the parish of Llangattock
Lingoed. In his book of Memoranda
Mereweather described "a few events just
preceding and succeeding [his] ordination as
Deacon":
Nov. 15th [1844]. Received a note from
the Dean of Llandaff appointing the 19th for
examination.
16th. Received my College testimonials from the
Vice with a kind note.
17th. My Si Quis read in the parish of
Abergavenny by the Vicar.
18th. Rode to Llandaff in a hired gig accompanied
by W. Price.
19th. Was examined by the Dean. Passed with
particular facility. Returned to Abergavenny by
night.
20th. Having received my Bristol testimonials
with two Signatures (Mr Hall and Mr Rogers)
countersigned by the Bishop of Gloucester and
Bristol, I got the Vicar to add his name.
21st. Sent off my testimonials, to wit, my
Baptismal Register, Divinity lecture certificate, Si
Quis & 2 Testimonials to the Bishop of Llandaff at
Offwell, near Honiton, Devon.
28th. Had an answer from the Bishop acknowledging
the receipt of my testimonials.
Dec. 8th. Was ordained in the little church of St
Faith in St Paul's churchyard
[London] at 8 a.m. The rector
[Richard Harris Barham],
author of Ingoldsby Legends, assisted the Bishop
[Edward Copleston].
Returned to the Deanery by 9 and breakfasted with
the Bishop. Afterwards attended full service at St
Paul's and received the Sacrament. Paid yesterday to
Mr Burder £2 15s. for fees.
[Jan.] 15th [1845]. Did my first service in
my church Llanvair. Got through much better than I
expected. Had a christening and churching to do after.
The snow covered the ground and the cold was intense.
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