Capel Heol Awst, Carmarthen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Capel Heol Awst |
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| Location | Lammas Street, Carmarthen |
| Country | Wales, United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Independent chapel |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Designated | 19 May 1981 |
| Architectural type | Chapel |
| Style | Early 19th century |
Capel Heol Awst is a special kind of church called an Independent chapel in the town of Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, Wales. It's a place where people have gathered to worship for a very long time. The building you see today was built between 1826 and 1827.
This chapel is located on Lammas Street, which is called Heol Awst in Welsh. It's considered a very important building. On May 19, 1981, it was given a special status as a Grade II* listed building. This means it's a historic building that needs to be protected because of its unique architecture and history.
Contents
The Chapel's Beginnings
The story of Capel Heol Awst goes back to 1726. But its roots are even older! It's connected to a person named Stephen Hughes (1622–1688). He was known as the "Apostle of Carmarthenshire." He is believed to have started a meeting place for a group called Congregationalists on Lammas Street.
After Stephen Hughes passed away, other leaders continued his work. William Evans and then Thomas Perrott helped the community grow. Thomas Perrott was the one who started building a proper meeting house where the chapel stands today. For many years, the minister (leader) of Capel Heol Awst was also in charge of a special school called the Presbyterian Academy in Carmarthen.
Building a Bigger Chapel
David Peter was the minister at Capel Heol Awst from 1792 until 1835. During his time, the chapel was rebuilt in 1802 to make it larger. But even that wasn't big enough! By 1826, the building was too small for all the people who wanted to attend.
So, the chapel was rebuilt and made even bigger again between 1826 and 1827. This is how the building we see today came to be. It was designed to hold a large number of people, showing how important the chapel was to the community.
What the Chapel Looks Like
The chapel was built by an architect named William Owen from Haverfordwest. Many people think it's one of the most beautiful chapels of its kind in the area. From the outside, it looks quite simple with a large, sloped roof. It has two arched windows above two grand doorways.
Inside, the chapel is very spacious and wide. It has a single deep gallery, which is like a balcony for more seating. The pews, where people sit, are neatly arranged. One of the most interesting features is the pulpit. It's shaped like a wine-glass with a curved set of steps leading up to it! This type of pulpit is very rare today. Another nearby chapel, Capel Heol Dŵr, Carmarthen, built in 1831, has a similar pulpit.
Why It's a Special Building
Capel Heol Awst was given its Grade II* status on May 19, 1981. This means it's recognized as an outstanding example of early 19th-century chapels in Wales. Experts say it has a "strong external architectural character and a good interior."
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales keeps important records about this church. These records include digital photos and color pictures of both the outside and inside of the building. They help us learn more about its history and design.
More Recent Times
In 1948, a minister named Rev. Emrys Jones was invited to become the pastor of Heol Awst. He was known as a rising star in his religious group. This shows that Capel Heol Awst continued to be an important and active place of worship for many years.
