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 Baptist church located in the town of Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Wales. It was built a long time ago, in 1840, and you can find it on Copperworks Road. This chapel was very big for its time. In 1905, it could hold about 850 people, which was more than most other chapels in Llanelli.
Contents
How It Started
Bethel Baptist Chapel was one of the first Baptist churches built in Llanelli during the mid-1800s. Before Bethel, there was another church called Zion, which was built in 1831. By 1840, Zion had grown very popular, with about 400 members! Because so many people wanted to attend, they decided to build a new, larger chapel in a growing part of town called the Seaside district.
About the Chapel Building
When Bethel Chapel was built, Llanelli was becoming a very important place for making tinplate and steel. Lots of people were moving there, and the town was growing fast.
Its Unique Look
The chapel has a grand front that looks a bit like an ancient temple. It has large, decorative columns and a porch with more columns and a fancy railing. The windows have a special design called Florentine tracery. Inside, the pulpit (where the speaker stands) was very detailed and decorative. The front of the balconies, or galleries, were covered with cool cast iron panels.
Size and Importance
As mentioned, Bethel Chapel was quite large. In 1905, it could seat 850 people. It also had a big Sunday School that could teach up to 300 children! Next to the chapel, there's even a house where the caretaker used to live.
A Special Building
Bethel Chapel is considered a very important building. On December 3, 1992, it was given a special status called "Grade II listed." This means it's a building that needs to be protected because of its history and special design. It's also important because it looks great alongside another chapel, Siloah Chapel, which is only about 70 meters away. The listing includes the old schoolroom next door and the iron fences and gates facing the street.
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales keeps records about this chapel. These records include many digital photos and collections from different photography groups that focused on chapels.
