Tabernacle Chapel, Roath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tabernacle |
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The church and hall in October 2018
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| 51°29′57″N 3°10′28″W / 51.4991°N 3.1744°W | |
| Denomination | Evangelical |
| Previous denomination | URC, Congregational |
| History | |
| Former name(s) | Roath Park URC, Roath Park Congregational Church |
| Founded | 1897 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 31 March 1999 |
| Architect(s) | Habershon, Fawkner & Co. |
| Style | Neo Gothic |
| Groundbreaking | 21 July 1909 |
| Completed | 1910 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 650 |
| Materials | stone |
Tabernacle, also known as Tabernacl in Welsh, is a special church building in Roath, a part of Cardiff, Wales. It's a historic building, which means it's protected because of its importance.
Contents
A Look at Tabernacle's History
The Early Days: Congregational Church
The church started in 1897 as the Roath Park Congregational Church. At first, it was a simple building made of tin, called a tin tabernacle. This was built to serve the many new people moving into the area. Back then, Roath was changing from a quiet countryside to a busy town.
The church moved to its current stone building in 1910. This new building was designed by architects Habershon, Fawkner & Company. In its early years, the church sometimes struggled to pay its minister. However, many people joined the church after the new building was finished. By 1920, there were 400 members. It was so popular that people often had to arrive early on Sundays to get a seat!
The old tin building was moved next door and used as a church hall. Later, in 1927, a new hall was built just for the church. During World War II, the church was damaged by bombs. It was repaired and reopened in 1950. During these repairs, the tall, pointed decorations on the church tower were removed and not put back.
Becoming the United Reformed Church
In 1972, most Congregational and Presbyterian churches in Britain joined together. This meant the church became the Roath Park United Reformed Church. In the Roath area, there were now many large United Reformed churches close to each other. This included Tabernacle, St Andrew's, and Plasnewydd United Reformed.
At this time, fewer people were attending churches across the country. Roath Park church faced money problems after needing big repairs in the 1990s. Eventually, it joined with another church called Minster Road in 2008. The church building then closed, and its members moved to the Minster Road church.
A New Beginning: Independent Evangelical Church
After closing, the church building was put up for sale. In January 2009, a group called Tabernacle Cardiff bought it. This group had been meeting in a different hall since 2003. They bought the building for over £425,000, thanks to donations and promises from their friends and members.
Worship started again in the building in March 2009. Today, the church is busy and holds services in both English and Welsh.
Why Tabernacle is a Listed Building
In 1999, Tabernacle church was given a special "Grade II Listed" status. This means it's an important historic building. It was listed mainly because of its beautiful inside. The church has a lovely ceiling, strong wooden supports, and elegant balconies. Many of its original features are still there.
About Heath Evangelical Church
Heath Evangelical Church started on November 11, 1900, as the Heath Forward Movement Hall. Its first members joined in January 1901. This church was very active during the 1904-1905 Welsh revival, a time when many people became interested in religion. It was even described as being "alive with Revival fire."
The current Heath Evangelical Church building was built in 1906. In 1907, it was reported that people would sometimes queue up to attend services there. The church also worked hard to spread its message both in Wales and in other countries.
In the 1960s, there was a strong disagreement within the church about new ideas of churches working together. Because of this, the congregation decided to leave the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church on January 1, 1971.
Towards the end of the 20th century, Heath Evangelical Church was one of the most popular churches in Cardiff. In the 1980s, it had 900 members. The church also started special work with students in Cardiff, even hiring someone full-time to help students from other countries in 1981. In 1985, a group of members left to start a new church called Highfields Church. This new church moved into an old Presbyterian church building in 1997.
Gallery
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Church in 2010
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Founding stone for 1909 and 1950
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The 1927 church hall
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Heath Evangelical Church. The business to the left of the church is now a bookshop and cafe operated by the church.
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Highfields Church
