Soar Chapel, Llwydcoed facts for kids

Soar, Llwydcoed was a special place of worship called a Baptist Chapel. It was located in Kingsbury Place, a part of Llwydcoed, which is near Aberdare in Glamorgan, Wales. People who went to Soar Chapel would have heard services spoken in the Welsh language.

The Chapel's Beginning

Soar Chapel started as a branch of another nearby Baptist chapel called Heolyfelin. In the very beginning, people met for services in houses in the area. This was before they had their own building.

The first chapel building for Soar was built in 1859. It was quite large, with enough seats for 380 people. A well-known person named Thomas Price, who helped start many Baptist chapels, was involved in setting up Soar. He even preached at the opening services. Benjamin Evans, who was the minister at Heolyfelin, also preached and served as Soar's minister until 1861. After him, William Harris took over as minister for both chapels until 1876.

Early Leaders and Growth

The first minister who served only Soar Chapel was Daniel Jones. He led the chapel from 1876 until 1898. During his time, a new vestry was built in 1892. A vestry is like a room or building attached to a church, often used for meetings or getting ready for services.

After Daniel Jones, D.G. Price became the minister from 1900 to 1907. When he left, Soar Chapel did not have a minister for ten years.

Later Years and Challenges

In 1917, Vaughan Pugh became the minister. Even though his time was short, he helped make several improvements to the chapel, including adding another new vestry. After he left, the chapel again went through a period without a full-time minister. Cynog Williams, from Heolyfelin Chapel, helped to lead Soar during this time (1907-1920).

In 1938, Christmas Jones became the minister for Soar, as well as another chapel called Saron, Godreaman. During this period, there were some differences of opinion within the church community. By 1947, the number of members was reported to be small. It was also during this time that Lizzie Anne Rowlands was chosen as the first woman deacon. A deacon is a person who helps the minister and serves the church community. Christmas Jones served until 1954.

D. Meredith Morgan was the last minister to lead Soar Chapel. The chapel eventually closed its doors in the early 1980s.