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 Baptist church located on Railway Street in Gadlys, a part of Aberdare, Wales. It started as a smaller church connected to the larger Calfaria Chapel in Aberdare.
Contents
The Story of Gadlys Chapel
The idea for Gadlys Chapel began in 1858. At first, it was just a Sunday school where people met in different homes to learn. Soon, they built a proper schoolroom, which opened on February 6, 1859.
Many people from Calfaria Chapel decided to start a new church in Gadlys. The main chapel building was finished in 1864. It was built on land rented from Dr. J.L. Roberts. The person who designed the building was an architect named Thomas Joseph. The chapel cost about £675 to build, which was a lot of money back then! The first special church ceremony, called a baptism, happened on April 5, 1863.
A Special Leader: Benjamin Evans
One of the most important leaders 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 he was such an important and respected figure in the community.
The Chapel in the 1900s
In the 20th century, Gadlys Chapel had several different ministers, but none of them stayed for a very long time.
- Myles Griffiths: He became the minister in July 1902. He was from Neath but had studied in Bangor. He moved away to Liverpool in 1906.
- R. Gwenffrwd Hughes: He arrived in 1908 from Anglesey. During his time, he became interested in politics and was considered for a local government role in 1910. He left for Pontlottyn in 1910. He later married Ethel, the daughter of the former minister Benjamin Evans, at Gadlys Chapel. By 1911, the chapel had 195 members.
- David Bassett: He became the next minister in December 1912 and stayed for ten years until he died on January 1, 1922.
- J.H. Jones: He came from Laleston and became minister in 1925. He served for four years before moving to Bonymaen.
- Thomas Richards: A student from Cardiff College, he started in 1933 and served for seven years. He moved to Brecon in 1940. In the same year, a new organ was installed in the chapel.
- Iorwerth Davies: He moved from Calfaria, Abercynon, in 1946 and served until 1951.
- Gwyn Rogers: He was the minister from 1954 until 1957.
The Chapel Closes
Gadlys Chapel eventually closed its doors in 1980. After it closed, the building was changed and turned into apartments where people now live.
