Jerusalem, Ynysybwl facts for kids
Jerusalem, Ynysybwl was a special kind of church called a Calvinistic Methodist chapel. It was located on Thompson Street in Ynysybwl, a village in Glamorgan, Wales. People who went to Jerusalem Chapel had their church services in the Welsh language.
The Start of Jerusalem Chapel
The story of Jerusalem Chapel began in 1885. At that time, a group of miners started holding meetings in a house in the village. These meetings were the very first steps of the church.
Just three years later, in 1888, a proper chapel building was constructed. It was built by two men, William and Edward Williams, who lived at Cribinddu Farm. They were very important to the chapel. They became deacons, which are like leaders in the church. They also gave a lot of money to help the chapel. The first minister, or pastor, of Jerusalem Chapel was Rev D. Jones.
From the very beginning, Jerusalem Chapel was more than just a place for religious services. It also hosted many cultural events. For example, in 1889, the chapel held an eisteddfod. An eisteddfod is a Welsh festival where people compete in music, poetry, and other arts. It was at this event that a young poet named J.J. Williams became well-known.
Jerusalem Chapel in the 1900s
Many ministers led the chapel during the 20th century. Isaac Morris was the minister from 1913 to 1925. After him, T.M. Lloyd served from 1925 to 1931.
In 1938, the chapel had 270 members. Randall Jones, who used to be a miner, became the minister from 1938 to 1946. Then, H. Glyn Davies led the chapel from 1946 to 1955. J.L. Mathias was the minister from 1955 until about 1970.
Jerusalem Chapel eventually closed its doors in 1976. The people who used to attend Jerusalem Chapel then joined the Baptist church called Noddfa.
