Bethania, Abercynon facts for kids

Bethania Chapel was an important church building in Abercynon, Wales. It was a place where people gathered for worship and community events. All services at Bethania were held in the Welsh language.

Bethania Chapel: Early Beginnings

The Bethania Chapel started small, not in a big building. It began as a Sunday School and other friendly meetings. These gatherings took place in people's homes in the local community.

The first chapel building was finished in 1893. However, it quickly became too small for everyone who wanted to attend. Because of this, a new, much larger chapel was built in 1898. This bigger building cost £3,500 and could seat up to 700 people.

The first minister, or leader, of Bethania Chapel was J. J. Williams. He later became a very important figure in Welsh culture, known as the Archdruid of Wales.

Ministers at Bethania

Several ministers led the Bethania Chapel over the years. One of them was W. Caradog Jones, who arrived in Abercynon in 1897. He had moved from Oswestry to take on this role. Caradog Jones served the chapel until 1903.

In 1910, Reverend J. T. Ll. Williams became the new minister. He moved to Bethania from another chapel called Ebenezer in Cefncoed. Evan Jones, a senior deacon at Bethania, shared that the congregation had all agreed on this choice.

Bethania Chapel: 20th Century History

Over time, some members of Bethania Chapel decided to start their own church. They left to form a new place of worship called Mount Zion English Baptist Chapel. This shows how communities can grow and change.

Bethania Chapel continued to serve its community for many decades. However, it eventually closed its doors in the 1970s. The building was later taken down in 1990. In 1991, new flats were built on the same site. These new homes were named Bethania, keeping the chapel's memory alive in the area.