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 or Seion Baptist Chapel is a special church building in Llanelli, Wales. It is a Baptist chapel, which means it's a place where Baptist Christians meet to worship. This chapel was built a long time ago, in 1857. You can find it at Island Place, near where Water Street meets Upper Park Street.
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A Look Back: How It Started
The church community that uses Zion Chapel began even before the building was constructed. They first formed in 1831. The people chose a person named David Bowen to be their pastor, or spiritual leader. He led the church for many years, until he passed away in 1853.
Why Was This Chapel Built?
In the mid-1800s, Llanelli was a very busy town. It was becoming important for making things like tinplate and steel. Because of this, more and more people were moving to Llanelli. With so many new people, there was a big need for more places where they could worship. That's why Zion Baptist Chapel was built!
Designing a Grand Building
The chapel was designed by an architect named Henry Rogers. It was finished in 1857. This building is the largest of all the Baptist chapels in Llanelli.
It has a grand front with three main sections. You'll see tall, arched windows at the top. There's also a wooden porch at the entrance. The building features large, decorative columns called pilasters. These are made from a greyish-brown local stone. They stand out against other decorations made from brown sandstone.
Inside the Chapel
Step inside Zion Chapel, and you'll find a very large open space. There are balconies, called galleries, on all four sides of the room. The gallery where the organ is located was added later, in 1929. The people who attend services sit in special box-shaped pews. Some of these pews are tucked neatly under the galleries.
Next to the chapel, there are two schoolrooms. These were built in 1913 by William Griffiths. They provide extra space for the church's activities.
A Protected Building
Zion Chapel is considered a very important building. On December 3, 1992, it was given a special status called Grade II-listed. This means it's protected because it's a great example of a classical style chapel. It's also one of several similar Baptist chapels in Llanelli. Even the railings outside, facing the street, are part of this protection!
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales helps keep records about this church. They have old photos, postcards, and other historical information about Zion Chapel.
