English Baptist Church, Carmarthen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids English Baptist Church |
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Location | 9 Dark Gate, Carmarthen |
Country | Wales, United Kingdom |
Denomination | Baptist chapel |
Architecture | |
Heritage designation | Grade II* |
Designated | 19 May 1981 |
Architectural type | Chapel |
Style | Neoclassical |
The English Baptist Church is a special church for Baptist people in Carmarthen, a town in Wales. This beautiful building was built in 1869. You can find it at 9 Dark Gate on Lammas Street. It's so important that it was made a Grade II* listed building on May 19, 1981. This means it's a very old and important building that needs to be protected.
A Look at the Church Building
The church building is set back from the main road. It sits in a small courtyard where an old inn used to be. A local architect named George Morgan designed the church. He built it between 1869 and 1870. This was one of his first big projects! Records show that building the church cost about £1,400.
Outside the Church
The front of the church looks like an ancient Greek temple. It's made from a special kind of stone called Bath stone. You'll see four tall columns that hold up the front porch. There are also wide stone steps that lead up to the main entrance.
Inside the Church
When you go inside, you'll see a single sloped balcony, called a gallery. Behind this gallery, there's an arch decorated with painted leaves and fancy patterns. The edge of the gallery has a cast iron band and is held up by cast iron columns. The lower parts of the walls are covered with wooden panels. Many of the original church furnishings are still there, including the main seating area. The church also has an organ, but it wasn't put in until 1887.
Why Is It Special?
The English Baptist Church was named a Grade II* listed building on May 19, 1981. This is a very high honor! It means the church is considered "one of the most architecturally-ambitious classical chapels in Wales." This shows how important and beautiful its design is.
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales helps look after the history of this church. They keep records like digital photos and color pictures of the church's inside and outside. They also have a small booklet that tells the church's story.