Bethesda, Abercwmboi
CountryWales, United Kingdom
DenominationWelsh Baptist
History
Founded1854
Architecture
Architectural typeChapel
StyleClassical
Completed1864
Specifications
Capacity600

Bethesda, Abercwmboi is a Welsh Baptist church in Abercwmboi near Aberdare, South Wales. Services continue to be held in the Welsh language.

Early history

The origins of the cause date back to 1854 when a small group of members from Gwawr chapel, Aberaman began to hold prayer meetings in the locality, which was then known as Cap Coch.[1] In 1856 two houses in Jenkin Street were purchased and converted into a chapel: [1] the chapel was opened in September 1856 at services presided over by the Revs. Thomas Price, T. Nicholas and W. Williams.[2]

The church was incorporated on 14 May 1860 and 39 members came there from Gwawr.[2] The first recorded minister, for a brief time that year, was Robert Owen. James Jones was minister from 1862 until 1869.[3] During his ministry, in 1864, a new chapel was built with seating for 600.[1]

After Rees departed in 1869, a number of ministers served at Bethesda for a relatively short time in the early years, namely Jenkin Rees (1870–71), John Thomas (1872-74) and David Davies (1875–78). W. Ceinfryn Thomas then became minister in 1880 and remained for ten years.[3]

The twentieth century

Mathias Jenkins became minister of Bethesda in 1900 and served for thirty years. After four years without a minister, Arthur G. Llewelyn became minister in 1934 and served until 1960.[3] The building was extensively renovated in 1938 and 1950.[1]

Beyond 2000

In 2019, Bethesda is one of the few remaining Welsh Baptist churches in the locality. The chapel is built in the Classical style, with two storeys, a gable-entry plan and a hall/ Sunday school/ vestry located behind the main building. Bethesda is now Grade 2 listed for its handsome classical facade, unaltered interior with original furnishings and unusual panelled ceiling.[4]

Some members from Calfaria Chapel, Aberdare joined Bethesda when their own chapel closed due to low membership in recent years.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Jones 2004, p. 60-1.
  2. 1 2 Undeb Bedyddwyr Cymru, Y Rhos, Aberpennar (in Welsh). 1947. pp. 26–7.
  3. 1 2 3 Undeb Bedyddwyr Cymru, Aberdâr (in Welsh). 1964. p. 62.
  4. ↑ "Bethesda Welsh Baptist Chapel, John Street, Abercwmboi (14059)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 14 April 2016.

51°41′21″N 3°24′36″W / 51.6891°N 3.4101°W / 51.6891; -3.4101

Bibliography

  • Jones, Alan Vernon (2004). Chapels of the Cynon Valley. Cynon Valley Historical Society. ISBN 0953107612.
  • Parry, R. Ifor (1964). "Crefydd yng Nghwm Aberdar, a Chyfraniad y Bedyddwyr" [Religion in the Aberdare Valley, and the Baptist Contribution]. Undeb Bedyddwyr Cymru, Aberdar (in Welsh): 15–61.
  • Undeb Bedyddwyr Cymru, Y Rhos, Aberpennar (in Welsh). 1947.
  • Undeb Bedyddwyr Cymru, Aberdâr (in Welsh). 1964.
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