Gadlys Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gadlys Chapel |
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| OS grid reference | SN99790315 |
| Location | Railway Street, Trecynon, Aberdare |
| Country | Wales, United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Baptist |
| History | |
| Founded | 1864 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 1 October 1991 |
| Architectural type | Chapel |
| Style | Late 19th century |
| Closed | 1980 |
Gadlys Chapel was a special church for Baptists located on Railway Street in Gadlys, Aberdare, Wales. It started as a smaller church connected to the main Calfaria Chapel in Aberdare.
Contents
Building a New Chapel
The idea for Gadlys Chapel began in 1858. It started as a Sunday school where people met in different houses. Soon, a special schoolroom was built and opened on February 6, 1859.
To form the new chapel, 49 members left Calfaria Chapel in Aberdare. The main chapel building was constructed in 1864. It was built on land rented from Dr. J.L. Roberts. The architect who designed the building was Thomas Joseph, and it cost £675 to build. The first baptism at the chapel happened on April 5, 1863.
A Special Minister: Benjamin Evans
One important person at Gadlys Chapel was Benjamin Evans. He served as the church's minister from 1876 until he passed away in 1900. People often called him the 'Bishop of Gadlys' because of his importance to the community.
The 20th Century at Gadlys
In the 1900s, Gadlys Chapel had several ministers, but none of them stayed for very long.
Early 1900s Ministers
In July 1902, Myles Griffiths became the minister. He came from Neath and had studied at Bangor College. He stayed for four years before moving to Liverpool in 1906.
R. Gwenffrwd Hughes arrived in 1908. During his time, he became involved in local politics. He was nominated for a position on the Board of Guardians in 1910, though he wasn't chosen. He left Gadlys in 1910 to go to Pontlottyn. Soon after, he married Ethel, Benjamin Evans's daughter, at Gadlys Chapel. By 1911, the chapel had 195 members.
Mid-20th Century Changes
David Bassett became the next minister in December 1912 and served for ten years until he died on January 1, 1922. After him, J.H. Jones came from Laleston in 1925. He was minister for four years before moving to Bonymaen.
Thomas Richards, a student from Cardiff College, was inducted in 1933. He served for seven years, moving to Kensington Chapel in Brecon in 1940. In the same year, a new organ was installed in the chapel.
Iorwerth Davies moved from Calfaria, Abercynon, in 1946 and served until 1951. The last minister mentioned was Gwyn Rogers, who served from 1954 until 1957.
Chapel Closes Its Doors
Gadlys Chapel closed its doors in 1980. The building was later changed and converted into flats, which means it became apartments for people to live in.
