Nebo Chapel, Hirwaun facts for kids
Nebo, Hirwaun was a special church building, known as a chapel, located on Merthyr Road in Hirwaun, Aberdare, Wales. It belonged to a Christian group called the Independents, also known as Congregationalists. This means each church managed itself, rather than being controlled by a larger organization.
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How Nebo Chapel Started
Nebo Chapel began in the early 1800s. At that time, the Hirwaun ironworks were busy, and many people lived in the village. Some of these people were Independents, Calvinistic Methodists, or Baptists. They often traveled to Aberdare for important church services like communion. However, they met for prayer meetings right in their homes in Hirwaun. The Independents in Hirwaun were usually members of a church called Ebenezer, Trecynon.
In 1823, a small chapel was built and named Nebo, or Pennebo. It was used for a few years. Then, in 1830, a religious revival happened. This was a time when many people became very interested in their faith, and lots of new members joined. Because of this, the small chapel wasn't big enough anymore, so a larger one was built. For a while, this new chapel didn't have proper seats or decorations. Finally, in 1836, it was made more comfortable.
Early Ministers
From 1823 to 1835, the minister for Nebo was Joseph Harrison. He was also the minister at Ebenezer, Trecynon. When his time at Ebenezer ended, he also stopped leading services at Nebo.
In early 1836, John Davies from Llantrisant became the minister for both Ebenezer and Nebo. He stayed until 1840, when he moved to a different church in Mynyddbach, near Swansea. After John Davies left, Nebo and Ebenezer each had their own separate ministers.
William Williams' Time as Minister (1841–1877)
William Williams became the minister at Nebo in May 1841. By 1850, the chapel had grown too small for all the people who wanted to attend. So, a much bigger chapel was built! It cost £1,100, which was a lot of money back then. This new building could hold 800 people. It officially opened on March 9, 1851. In 1853, records showed that Nebo had 250 members, and 200 children and adults attended its Sunday School.
William Williams passed away in January 1877. Many other ministers, including Thomas Rees from Swansea, helped with his funeral service.
The Great Revival of 1904-05
During the exciting Welsh Revival of 1904-05, a famous speaker named Evan Roberts visited Hirwaun. Special church services were held at several chapels, including Nebo. People said that Nebo Chapel was completely full by 9:00 a.m., and the crowd stayed in the packed building until Evan Roberts finally arrived later in the afternoon.
Nebo Chapel Closes Its Doors
Nebo Chapel continued to be an active church into the 21st century. However, it eventually closed in 2007. The building was then sold and changed into a home. You might have even seen it on the BBC TV show Restoration Home!
