Bethesda Chapel, Abercwmboi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bethesda, Abercwmboi |
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| Country | Wales, United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Welsh Baptist |
| History | |
| Founded | 1854 |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural type | Chapel |
| Style | Classical |
| Completed | 1864 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 600 |
Bethesda, Abercwmboi is a Welsh Baptist church. It is located in Abercwmboi, a village near Aberdare in South Wales. This church still holds its services in the Welsh language.
Contents
The Story of Bethesda Chapel
How Bethesda Chapel Began
The history of Bethesda Chapel started in 1854. A small group of people from another chapel, Gwawr chapel, began meeting. They held prayer meetings in an area then called Cap Coch. In 1856, they bought two houses on Jenkin Street. These houses were changed into a chapel. The new chapel opened in September 1856. Important ministers like Rev. Thomas Price led the opening services.
Building a New Chapel
The church officially became a separate group on May 14, 1860. Thirty-nine members joined from Gwawr chapel. Robert Owen was the first minister for a short time that year. James Jones served as minister from 1862 to 1869. During his time, in 1864, a brand new chapel was built. This larger building could seat up to 600 people.
After James Jones left in 1869, several ministers served for shorter periods. These included Jenkin Rees (1870–71), John Thomas (1872-74), and David Davies (1875–78). W. Ceinfryn Thomas became minister in 1880 and stayed for ten years.
Bethesda in the 20th Century
Mathias Jenkins became the minister of Bethesda in 1900. He served the church for thirty years. After a four-year period without a minister, Arthur G. Llewelyn took over in 1934. He remained minister until 1960. The chapel building was updated and repaired in 1938 and again in 1950.
Bethesda Chapel Today
As of 2025, Bethesda is one of the few Welsh Baptist churches left in the area. The chapel is built in the Classical style. It has two floors and an entrance at the front. Behind the main building, there is a hall, a Sunday school, and a vestry.
Bethesda Chapel is now a Grade 2 listed building. This means it is a special building protected for its history and beauty. It is recognized for its beautiful classical front, its original inside, and its unique paneled ceiling. Some members from Calfaria Chapel, Aberdare joined Bethesda when their own chapel closed. This happened because Calfaria Chapel had fewer members in recent years.
