Zion Baptist Chapel, Llanelli facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zion Baptist Chapel |
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| Location | Island Place, Llanelli |
| Country | Wales, United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Baptist |
| History | |
| Founded | 1857 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 3 December 1992 |
| Architectural type | Chapel |
| Style | Classical |
Zion Baptist Chapel, also known as Seion Baptist Chapel, is a historic Baptist church building in Llanelli, a town in Carmarthenshire, Wales. This impressive chapel was built in 1857. You can find it at Island Place, near where Water Street meets Upper Park Street. It has been an important place of worship for the local community for many years.
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The Chapel's Early Days
The story of Zion Baptist Chapel began even before the current building was constructed. The church community first formed in 1831. This was a time when people needed more places to gather and worship. The first leader, or pastor, chosen by the congregation was a man named David Bowen. He served as the pastor until he passed away in 1853.
Building a Grand Chapel
Why Was It Built?
Llanelli was a busy and growing town in the mid-1800s. It was becoming a major center for making tinplate and steel. As more people moved to the town for work, the population grew quickly. This meant there was a big need for new buildings, including churches and chapels, where people could worship together.
Design and Features
The current Zion Baptist Chapel was designed by an architect named Henry Rogers. It was completed in 1857. This chapel is the largest of all the Baptist chapels in Llanelli.
The outside of the building is quite grand. It has a "three-bay façade," which means the front of the building is divided into three main sections. You'll notice tall, arched windows on the upper part. There's also a wooden porch at the entrance. The chapel features large, decorative columns called pilasters. These are made from a greyish-brown local stone. They stand out against the brown sandstone decorations.
Inside, the chapel is a large open space. It has galleries, which are like balconies, on all four sides. The gallery for the organ was added later, in 1929. The people attending services sit in special box pews. Some of these pews are tucked neatly under the galleries. Two schoolrooms, built in 1913 by William Griffiths, are connected to the chapel. These rooms were likely used for Sunday school classes or other community activities.
A Protected Building
Zion Baptist Chapel is considered a very important building. On December 3, 1992, it was given a special status as a Grade II-listed building. This means it's recognized for its historical and architectural importance. It's seen as a great example of the "classical tradition" in chapel design. The railings outside the chapel, facing the street, are also part of this special listing.
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales helps to keep records of this church. They have many historical items related to it. These include old photographs, a black and white postcard, and other important documents.
