Bethesda Chapel, Merthyr Tydfil facts for kids

Bethesda, Merthyr Tydfil was an important chapel in the Welsh industrial town of Merthyr Tydfil. It was one of the first chapels built there. All the services were held in the Welsh language.

Starting a New Chapel

Bethesda Chapel began in 1807. It started when some members of a nearby chapel, called Zoar, decided to form their own church. They wanted to create a new place of worship.

At first, these new members met in different rooms and buildings around Merthyr Tydfil. But by 1811, they decided to build their very own chapel. Methusalem Jones became their minister and helped guide them.

Under Methusalem Jones's leadership, the number of people attending the chapel grew a lot. Because of this growth, they built an even bigger chapel in 1829. Bethesda Chapel also helped start other chapels in the area, like Bethania, Dowlais.

Later Years and Changes

In the 1850s, a famous composer named Joseph Parry was a member of Bethesda Chapel.

Later, between 1858 and 1867, fewer people attended the chapel. This happened because the Penydarren Ironworks, a big factory where many people worked, closed down. Many families moved away to find new jobs.

In the late 1870s, the community decided they needed a new, larger, and more comfortable chapel. The foundation stone for this new building was laid in 1880 by Mrs. W. T. Crawshay. Her husband, William Crawshay, owned the Cyfarthfa Ironworks.

The new chapel was designed by John Williams from Merthyr. It was built by John Francis Davies of Dowlais. This grand new chapel was finished in 1881 and cost about £1,200 to build.

The Chapel Closes

Sadly, Bethesda Chapel closed its doors in 1976. This was because fewer and fewer people were attending services. For a few years, the building was used as an arts center. However, it eventually fell into disrepair and was torn down in 1995.