St David's Church (Eglwys Dewi Sant), Carmarthen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eglwys Dewi Sant
Location	Picton Terrace, Carmarthen
Country	Wales, United Kingdom
Denomination	Anglican
History
Founded	1835
Architecture
Heritage designation	Grade II
Designated	19 May 1981
Architectural type	Church
Style	Early nineteenth century
Closed	2003

Eglwys Dewi Sant or St David's Church was an Anglican church in Carmarthen, Wales. It was built in the 1830s. For a short time, people thought it might become a new main cathedral for the area. Later, it became the main church for Welsh-speaking Anglican people in Carmarthen. The church closed in the early 2000s because the building was no longer safe to use.

Why Was St David's Church Built?

In the early 1800s, more and more people lived in Carmarthen. The town's only Anglican church, St Peter's, became too small. Many people had to go to other types of churches because there wasn't enough room. So, leaders decided to build a new church.

Finding a Place for the New Church

At first, they planned to build the church on Lammas Street and call it St Paul's. They even laid a special first stone in November 1824. But the person who owned the land wasn't happy because they weren't invited to the ceremony. So, they took back their offer of the land.

By the mid-1830s, a new spot was found on Picton Terrace in Carmarthen. Another first stone was laid in May 1835. The weather that morning was very nice. Many important church leaders were there, including Bishop John Jenkinson. But then, a big thunderstorm started! They had to finish the ceremony very quickly because of the heavy rain.

Building and Opening the Church

The church was built between 1835 and 1837. A builder named Thomas Rowlands from Haverfordwest followed plans made by Edward Haycock. The first church services were held on January 19, 1837. Bishop Connop Thirlwall officially made the church sacred on February 3, 1841. Before the service, the Mayor of Carmarthen and other groups walked in a parade through the town to the new church. That evening, a sermon was given in Welsh.

The Language Debate

After the church opened, there was a long discussion about what language the services should be in. Services were held in both Welsh and English. However, a main reason for building the new church was to have more services in Welsh. This was meant to attract people who usually went to other Welsh-speaking churches. This problem wasn't solved for almost 30 years.

Finally, another church, Christ Church, Carmarthen, was built in 1867. This new church was for the English-speaking people. This meant St David's Church could focus on offering services only in Welsh for its Welsh-speaking members.

Could St David's Be a Cathedral?

When it was first built, St David's Church was a rectangular building with a tower. From 1853 to 1855, a new main part of the church, called a nave, was added. This work was done by John James, following designs by Richard Kyrke Penson. Because of this, the inside of the church was changed.

A church leader named David Archard Williams thought that this new part could become the main section of a brand new cathedral. He hoped it would replace the old, worn-out cathedral in St David's. However, the bishop decided to fix up the old cathedral instead. So, Williams's idea for a new cathedral at St David's Church never happened.

Changes in the 1900s

In 1912-1913, the church had a big repair project. The large West Window was mostly rebuilt. This work was done by E.V. Collier. The church reopened with a special service in March 1913.

More changes happened in 1938. A part of the church called the north transept was removed. The south transept was replaced with a much smaller room called a vestry.

On May 19, 1981, the church was given a special status as a Grade II building. This means it's an important old building. It was recognized as "a prominent C19 suburban church with landmark tower." Its history also showed how the area around it grew.

Why the Church Closed

In November 2003, a storm caused damage to the church building. Because of this damage, the church had to close. In 2011, the building was sold for a very small amount of money.

People were worried about the condition of the church and its graveyard. In 2015, they asked the Church in Wales to take care of the graveyard.

In 2020, permission was given for the church building to be turned into a climbing center.

Today, a charity takes care of the graveyard and the land around the church. They have worked to fix up the grounds and the memorials there. Their website shares the stories of important people buried in the graveyard.