William Haydn Rees

In his later years, he was referenced as "W. Hayden Rees" (having Americanized the spelling of his middle name) and/or "Hayden Rees" but his original full name was William Haydn Rees.

1930's

1931

• "Pottsville Republican" @ Pottsville, Pennsylvania: 5-13-1931

"Baptist Church At Girardville Welcomed Pastor" "The members of the Zion Baptist church welcomed their new pastor in a huge reception in the church. The new minister, Rev. Hayden Rees, was officially welcomed by J.M. Faust, who spoke in behalf of the church, and by G.H. Watkins, superintendent of the Bible School.

The program, prepared by Messrs. G.H. Watkins and Rey Rees, was thoroughly enjoyed by all present and featured several excellent vocal and instrumental selections. The famed Baptist quarter of Thomas Heywood, David Jones, B.J. Reese, and Randall Reese, accompanied by Prof. R.E. Reese, added much to the program with their fitting selections. Samuel Ramsdale, of the Baptist choir, rendered several tenor solos, which were greatly appreciated by the audience. Miss Marion Heywood gave a piano solo, a selection from "II Trovatore". The speakers who took a prominent place in the program were: Rev. C.B. Lindtwed, Girardville Lutheran minister; Rev. J.L. Carr, of the Girardville Methodist Episcopal church; Rev. Isaac Davies, of the Primitive Methodist church; Rev. Rees Morgan, of the Calvary Baptist church at Shenandoah; Rev. Alvin Cooke, of the Shenandoah First Baptist, and Rev. Louthert, pastor of the Ashland Baptist Church. After the official welcome had been given, the new pastor spoke of his appreciation, and also stated that it was his initial reception. When the program had ended those who (were) present repaired to the social rooms of the church, where a delicious luncheon was served by the ladies, and a pleasant time was had by all.

Rev. Rees takes his first pastorate in having the Girardville church. He is a native of Wales, having been born in Treherbert, and having his preliminary education and training at that place. He is a graduate of the Treherbert National School, and immediately after his graduation from that institution became a member of the Pilgrim Preachers, and for three years made a preaching tour of the British Isles. He arrived in this country in 1928, and immediately entered the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary at Phila. for further study. The work of Rev. Rees at the seminary will be completed shortly.

Among those who attended the reception were: Girardville

• Rev. Rees Morgan - pastor @ Calvary Baptist church @ Shenandoah
• Owen Williams - Shenandoah
• Rev. Louthert - pastor @ Ashland Baptist church
• Rev. & Mrs. C.B. Lindtwed
• Rev. & Mrs. Isaac Davies
• Rev. & Mrs. Carr
• Mrs. Elizabeth Cranage
• Mrs. Margaret Allen
• Mr. & Mrs. G.H. Watkins
• Mr. & Mrs. J.M. Faust
• Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Heywood
• Mr. & Mrs. J.T. Whitley
• Mr. & Mrs. R.E. Reese
• Mr. & Mrs. D.J. Reese
• Mr. & Mrs. Harry Brown
• Mrs. Matt. Humes
• Mrs. Edward Calvert
• Mrs. George Bush
• Mrs. Sallie Williams
• Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Ramsdale and son Edward
• Mrs. Thomas Heywood, Sr.
• Mrs. Daniel Anderson
• Mrs. Lawrence Oster
• Mrs. William Bush and children
• Mrs. Robert Schumber
• Mrs. Robert Pryce
• Mrs. Florence Watkins
• Gladys Heywood
• Marion Heywood
• Bertha Whitley
• Florence Ramsdale
• Esther Reese
• Claire Calvert
• Lorraine Davis
• Arlene Heywood
• June Calvert
• Jean Davis
• D.J. Jones
• Harold Watkins
• Clifton Dyer
• Lamont Brown
• Charles Watkins
• Harry Reese
• Lawrence Oster
• Paul Reese
• Thomas Davis
• Joseph Whitley
• Ray Umlauf
• Edward Whitley

Maryland

• Mrs. Randall Reese
• Verna Jones

1932

• "Pottsville Republican" @ Pottsville, Pennsylvania: 5-23-1932

"Rev. Hayden Rees, Pastor of Zion Baptist church of Girardville, preached a farewell sermon last evening, as he will leave on Wednesday for a two months' visit to his home land, Wales. Mr. Rees will also make an extensive trip through the British Isles to fill a number of engagements which have already been booked for him. Rev. Rees is well known abroad, as he traveled with the Pilgrim Preachers, a band traveling by automobile throughout the land. Upon his return he will take up his pastorate here again, as well as his studies at the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Phila."

1935

• "The Evening News" @ Wilkes-Barre, PA: 8-17-1935

"First Baptist Church To Hear Rev. H. Rees" "Rev. Haydn Rees, a native of Rhondda Valley in South Wales, will occupy the pulpit at 1st Baptist Church, city, tomorrow morning at 10:30 DST. Rev. Rees has been preaching in Girardsville for the past four years prior to which he toured the largest cities in Europe as one of the Pilgrim Preachers. He graduated from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia in 1933.

• "The Wilkes-Barre Record" @ Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania: 8-21-1935

"Rev. Haydn Rees at First Baptist: Guest Speaker in Absence of Rev. Dr. Roush" "Rev. Haydn Rees, pastor of Girardville Baptist Church for the last four years, preached at First Baptist Church on Sunday before a large audience. Born in Treherbert, South Wales, he joined the Pilgrim Preachers, a band of itinerant evangelists who toured England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland each year. He came to this country six years ago and was graduated from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1933. George R. Faint, licensed preacher, and registrar of Bucknell University Junior College, will occupy the pulpit for the next two Sundays at First Baptist Church. The pastor, Rev. Charles S. Roush, is at Lake Carey for the month."

1940's

1949

• "The Plain Speaker" @ Hazleton, PA: 9-3-1949

"Men's Federation of Bible Classes Banquet Sept. 21"

"Plans to entertain 400 men and women at the annual banquet of the Men's Federation of Bible Classes of Lower Luzerne and Carbon Counties at the Sechler Auditorium of Emmanuel's Reformed church on Wednesday evening, September 21, were completed today. The innovation of having the women and other family members present indicates that the affair will be a great success.

One of the best speakers in the district has been secured. He is Rev. William Haydn Rees who for the past 12 years has been pastor of the Berwick Baptist church. Entertainment features will be provided and the dinner will be served by the women's organizations of the congregation. The speaker is a native of the British Isles and was educated at the ‎Bible Institute in Wales and the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He went on a world tour with an interdenominational group of Christians from 1926 to 1929, and was stationed at Girardville before taking his Berwick assignment. Rev. Rees is vice-president of the Berwick school board and served two terms as president of the Berwick Ministerial Association.

The subject that the speaker will present will be "Finding Your Own Brother". Chairman Edward Weed who will also act as toastmaster, said that the dinner will start at 6:30 and that tickets are now in the hands of members. The Federation represents practically every Protestant congregation from Berwick to Weatherly and is a growing organization. The idea to have members bring their families this year is to emphasize the unity that the men have obtained in organizing under one leadership. The Sechler Auditorium is one of the best equipped dining places for such a large gathering and the catering staff is already being organized to provide prompt service."

1950's

1952

• "The Evening News" @ Wilkes-Barre, PA: 10-29-1952

"Baptist Youth to Meet at Parsons"

"Baptist Youth Fellowship and Sunday Schools of The Welsh Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania will meet Saturday, at Parsons Baptist Church. Sessions will be conducted in the afternoon at 2:30 and evening at 7 under the direction of Edward Fielding, president. Afternoon conferences will be conducted in children's work under the direction of Dr. Paul Bowling, Philadelphia. Young People's work, Mr. & Mrs. Earl Cole; Young Adult work, Rev. Hayden Reese (sic), Berwick; Adult work, Mrs. Herbert Williams.

Order of service for the evening meetings: Song service, Ralph Evans, chorister; devotions by the Plymouth group; musical selection by the Nanticoke group; solo by Mrs. Peggy Fraley; address by Rev. Hayden Rees; benediction by Rev. Thomas H. Jones. The evening meal will be served by the women of the Parsons Baptist Church."

Sources

• Newspapers.com
  • "Pottsville Republican" @ Pottsville, PA:
    • 5-13-1931; p. 9
    • 5-23-1932; p. 3
  • "The Evening News" @ Wilkes-Barre, PA:
    • 8-17-1935; p. 8
    • 10-29-1952; p. 2
  • "The Plain Speaker" @ Hazleton, PA: 9-3-1949; p. 9
  • "The Wilkes-Barre Record" @ Wilkes-Barre, PA: 8-21-1935; p. 12