Tabernacle Chapel, Llanelli facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tabernacle Chapel, Llanelli
Location	17 Cowell Street, Llanelli
Country	Wales, United Kingdom
Denomination	Independent
History
Founded	1872
Architecture
Heritage designation	Grade II*
Designated	3 December 1992
Architectural type	Chapel

Tabernacle Chapel is a special church in Llanelli, Wales. It was built in 1872 and is located on Cowell Street. It's known as an Independent (or Congregational) chapel. This means it's a church that makes its own decisions. This chapel is also a 'Grade II* listed building'. This means it's a very important historic building that needs to be protected.

The chapel was built when Llanelli was growing fast. Many people were moving there for jobs in tinplate and steel. They needed more places to worship. John Humphrey designed the chapel. It looks a bit like a temple. Inside, it has a curved roof and a curved balcony. The pulpit is very fancy with detailed carvings. An organ was added in 1901 by Vowles.

The chapel became a Grade II* listed building on December 3, 1992. It was listed because it's a great example of John Humphrey's unique style. It's probably the most detailed chapel in Llanelli. The listing also includes the metal railings and gates outside. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales keeps records about this chapel. These records include many photos.

Why Tabernacle Chapel Was Built

Tabernacle Chapel was started because another church, Capel Als, was too full. There wasn't enough space for everyone who wanted to attend services. The minister, Thomas Johns, noticed that many members lived in the western part of Llanelli. So, they decided to build a new church closer to their homes.

The first stone for the chapel was laid on Good Friday in 1873. The land was given by Sir John Stepney MP. The chapel opened two years later on Easter Sunday. Thomas Johns preached the very first sermon there. By the end of that year, Tabernacle Chapel had 502 members.

John Ossian Davies became the minister in 1876. He stayed for four years before moving to Swansea.

Challenges and New Chapels

After John Ossian Davies, J. Pandy Williams became the minister. During his time, there were some disagreements within the church. These disagreements led to new chapels being built. For example, Ebenezer and Lloyd Street chapels were started because of these divisions at Tabernacle.

The next minister was Wynne Evans. He stayed for ten years. People said his time was peaceful for the church. A local newspaper noted that three ministers in a row had left Tabernacle for churches that used the English language.

Gwylfa Roberts' Time as Minister

Gwylfa Roberts, a famous poet, became the minister in 1899. He stayed until he passed away in 1935. In 1914, he received an honorary doctorate from an American university. This was for his contributions to Welsh literature.

Gwylfa Roberts was a friend of David Lloyd George, who was Prime Minister during World War I. Gwylfa strongly supported the war effort. A total of 142 members from Tabernacle Chapel served in the Great War. Sadly, sixteen of them lost their lives, including a young nurse.

After the war, the church added a new stained glass window. It was made to remember those who died in the war. This window was revealed on March 26, 1920. Special medals were also given to 120 members who returned from serving in the war.

In 1929, a big meeting of Welsh Independent churches was held in Llanelli. Gwylfa Roberts led the main committee. About 700 people visited the town for this event. This was a major moment during Gwylfa's long time as minister at Tabernacle.

Gwyndaf Evans' Time as Minister

E. Gwyndaf Evans was the minister from 1935 to 1957. He was an important person in Welsh life. He later became an Archdruid, a leader in Welsh culture. He was chosen as minister while still a student. He was already famous for winning a poetry prize in 1935.

His time as minister started in 1938, just before World War II began. Unlike the previous minister, Gwyndaf believed strongly in peace. This view caused some disagreements with parts of the church, including some of the deacons (church leaders).

During his ministry, Gwyndaf also had disagreements with the chapel organist, Idris Griffiths. Griffiths was a very talented musician. However, Gwyndaf was not keen on the musical concerts held at Tabernacle. He felt they were not right for a place of worship. This disagreement led to Griffiths leaving Tabernacle in 1948. He then joined the church at Lloyd Street.

Recent History of the Chapel

The ministers who served after Gwyndaf Evans include Richard Gwynedd Jones (1958–70), Emrys Ebenezer (1977-83), Raymond Williams (1987-2003), and Huw R. Thomas (2003–05). Huw R. Thomas sadly passed away suddenly at the age of 56.

See also

• John Ossian Davies, minister of the Tabernacle from 1876 to 1880