English Baptist Church, Carmarthen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids English Baptist Church |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 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 the town of Carmarthen, which is in Carmarthenshire, Wales. This beautiful building was built in 1869. You can find it at 9 Dark Gate on Lammas Street. On May 19, 1981, it was officially recognized as a very important building, called a Grade II* listed building.
Contents
About the Church Building
The church building is set back a bit from the main road, in a quiet courtyard. Before the church was built, an old inn called the Black Horse Inn used to be there.
How the Church Was Built
The church was constructed between 1869 and 1870. A local architect from Carmarthen named George Morgan designed it. This was one of his first big projects! Records show that building the church cost about £1,400 back then.
Design and Features
The front of the church looks like an ancient temple. It's made from a special kind of stone called Bath stone. There are four tall columns that hold up the front porch. Wide stone steps lead up to the main entrance.
Inside, the church has a single sloped balcony, called a raked gallery. Behind this balcony, there's an arch decorated with painted leaves and fancy patterns. The edge of the balcony has a cast iron band and is held up by cast iron columns. The lower parts of the walls are covered with wooden panels. The original furniture is still there, including a large main seat with a simple railing. The church also has a special place for an organ, but the organ itself wasn't put in until 1887.
Why It's a Special Building
The English Baptist Church was given its Grade II* listed building status on May 19, 1981. This means it's considered one of the most impressive classical-style chapels in all of Wales. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales keeps important records about this church. These records include digital photos and color slides of both the outside and inside of the building. They also have a small booklet that tells the church's history.
Community Kitchen
In 2022, the church started a special community kitchen and canteen called Cegin Hedyn. It's located in what used to be the church's Cellar Cafe. This kitchen works on a "pay what you can" basis, meaning people pay what they can afford for their meals. In its first year, Cegin Hedyn served more than 3,000 meals to the community!
