Bethel, Ynysybwl facts for kids

Bethel, Ynysybwl was a special kind of church called a Calvinistic Methodist chapel. It was located in Rock Terrace, a part of Ynysybwl in Glamorgan, Wales. This chapel was an important place for the local community for many years.

The Chapel's Beginnings

The first church building at Bethel started in the late 1700s. It was built in 1786. Later, in 1876, the older buildings were changed into homes. A brand new chapel was built in their place.

Some people say that a famous preacher named Howel Harris visited and preached in the area even before the first church was officially started. It is also believed that John Wesley, another very well-known preacher, preached at Bethel in 1786.

Community Hub

In the late 1800s, Bethel Chapel was more than just a place for religious services. Like many other chapels of its time, it was a busy community center. People gathered there for many different activities.

Public talks and lectures were very popular. These events brought people together to learn and share ideas. The chapel was a central spot for social life in Ynysybwl.

Closing its Doors

Bethel Chapel stayed open for many years, serving the community through the early to mid-20th century. However, it eventually closed its doors in the 1970s.

After closing, the building was changed again. In 1978, it was converted into homes, just like the very first buildings had been.