St Matthew's Church, Abernant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Matthew's, Abernant |
|
|---|---|
St Matthew's Church
|
|
| 51°43′12″N 3°26′00″W / 51.720134°N 3.433376°W | |
| Denomination | Church in Wales |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1885 |
| Dedication | St Matthew |
| Architecture | |
| Completed | 1889 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 150 |
| Materials | metal, wood |
| Bells | 1 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Aberdare |
| Deanery | Cynon Valley |
| Archdeaconry | Morgannwg |
| Diocese | Diocese of Llandaff |
St Matthew's Church, Abernant is a special church located in Abernant, Wales. It is part of the Aberdare Parish. This church is quite unique because it's one of the few remaining "tin tabernacles" in Wales.
A tin tabernacle is a church building made from sheets of corrugated iron. These churches were popular in the late 1800s because they were cheap and quick to build. They could be ordered from a catalogue and put together on site!
How St Matthew's Church Started
St Matthew's Church began as a Christian mission. This means it was a place set up by a larger church, St Elvan's Church, Aberdare, to help spread their faith in a new area. Over time, it became a chapel of ease. This is a smaller church that helps a main parish church, making it easier for people in the area to attend services.
From Tent to Tin Church
When the church first started, the people met in a tent! But soon, they decided they needed a proper building. Between 1888 and 1889, the current church was built. A generous person named James Lewis paid for the entire building.
It's thought that the church was ordered by post. It arrived in pieces, ready to be put together, much like a giant LEGO set! This was a common way to build tin churches back then. The church was only meant to be used for about ten years. However, it has stayed in the same spot ever since, serving the community for over a century!
Inside the Church
From the outside, St Matthew's Church looks quite plain and simple. It has a metal shell. But step inside, and you'll find a surprising and warm space!
The floor is covered with rich carpets. The inside of the metal walls is lined with shiny, varnished wood. This makes the church feel cozy and welcoming.
Special Features
The church also has some beautiful, small stained glass windows. These windows let colorful light stream into the building. Even though the church only has one main room, called a nave, it can seat 150 people. It also has a busy Sunday school, where children learn about faith.
The church's font, which is a basin used for baptism, is very old. It dates all the way back to 1827. Before it came to St Matthew's, this font was used in a church in Port Talbot.
