Bethel Baptist Chapel, Llanelli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bethel Baptist Chapel, Llanelli |
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| 51°40′24″N 4°09′54″W / 51.6732°N 4.1650°W | |
| OS grid reference | SS503993 |
| Location | Copperworks Road, Llanelli |
| Country | Wales |
| Denomination | Baptist |
| History | |
| Founded | 1840 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 3 December 1992 |
| Architectural type | Chapel |
| Style | Italianate classical style |
Bethel Baptist Chapel is a historic church building in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Wales. It belongs to the Baptist faith. The chapel was built a long time ago, in 1840, on Copperworks Road. It was very large for its time. In 1905, it could hold 850 people, which was more than most other chapels in Llanelli.
What is Bethel Baptist Chapel?
Bethel Baptist Chapel was one of the first Baptist churches built in Llanelli during the mid-1800s. This was an important time for Llanelli. The town was growing fast and became a major producer of tinplate and steel.
The Chapel's Design
The chapel has a grand, temple-like front. This front is covered in a special plaster called stucco. It features huge, flat columns called pilasters. There is also a porch with round columns and a decorative railing called a balustrade.
The windows have a beautiful design called Florentine tracery. This means they have fancy patterns in the glass. Inside, the pulpit, where the preacher stands, is very decorative. It has a special top part called a pedimented back. The fronts of the balconies, or galleries, are made of cast iron panels.
Size and Community
Bethel Chapel was known for its large size. As mentioned, it could seat 850 people in 1905. It also had a big Sunday School. This school could teach up to 300 children. Next to the chapel, there is a house for the caretaker.
A Protected Building
On December 3, 1992, Bethel Baptist Chapel became a Grade II listed building. This means it is an important historical building that needs to be protected. It was listed because it is a great example of its type of chapel. It also looks very striking next to Siloah Chapel, which is only about 70 meters away.
The listing includes the old schoolroom next to the chapel. It also covers the iron railings and two sets of gates facing the street. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales keeps all the historical records for this chapel. These records include old photographs and collections from chapel photography groups.
