Soar Chapel, Llwydcoed facts for kids

Soar, Llwydcoed was a Baptist Chapel located in Kingsbury Place, Llwydcoed, a village near Aberdare, in Glamorgan, Wales. This chapel was a special place where people gathered for religious services. All services at Soar were held in the Welsh language, which is the traditional language of Wales.

Soar, Llwydcoed: A Community Chapel

Soar Chapel started as a branch of Heolyfelin, another Baptist chapel nearby. In the beginning, people held their services in houses around the area. This continued until a proper chapel building was constructed in 1859. This first building was quite large, with enough seats for 380 people.

Early Days and Founding

Many Baptist chapels in the area had help from Thomas Price when they were being formed. He was also involved in starting Soar Chapel. Mr. Price preached at the opening services. Benjamin Evans, who was the minister at Heolyfelin, also preached at the opening. Mr. Evans served as the minister for both Soar and Heolyfelin until he moved to Neath in 1861. His successor, William Harris, also looked after both chapels until 1876.

Leaders and Growth

Daniel Jones's Time

Daniel Jones became the first minister who served only Soar Chapel, starting in 1876. He led the chapel until 1898. During his time, a new vestry was built in 1892. A vestry is a room in a church or chapel used for meetings or for the minister to prepare. This new vestry cost £300 to build.

New Beginnings and Challenges

After Daniel Jones left, D.G. Price became the minister from 1900 to 1907. Following his departure, Soar Chapel did not have a minister for ten years. This was a challenging time for the community.

Eventually, Vaughan Pugh became the minister in 1917. Even though his time was short, he was very successful. During his ministry, several parts of the chapel were updated and improved, including another new vestry. After he left, the chapel again went through a period without its own minister. Cynog Williams, from Heolyfelin, then took charge of Soar from 1907 to 1920.

The Chapel's Later Years

In 1938, Christmas Jones became the minister for Soar. He also served at Saron Chapel in Godreaman. During this period, the chapel faced some difficult times. By 1947, it was noted that the number of members was quite small. However, this was also a significant year because Lizzie Anne Rowlands was elected. She was the first woman deacon at Soar Chapel. A deacon is a person who helps the minister and serves the church community.

Christmas Jones served until 1954. D. Meredith Morgan was the very last minister to lead Soar Chapel. The chapel eventually closed its doors in the early 1980s.