10. Origin of chapel names
Nonconformist Chapels in Wales
Origin of chapel names
Biblical place names
This section gives examples of chapels that are named after Biblical places.Where possible I have tried to show chapels that are currently used for Christian worship.
I have also tried to show a range of denominations and locations and to select those that have descriptions with detailed local information.
Names starting A-B
Abarim
The mountain from which Moses viewed the promised land.
The Lord said to Moses, Go up into this mountain of Abarim and see the land that I have given to the people of Israel. (Numbers 27:12)
Abarim Chapel (Welsh Calvinistic Methodist), Llanfachraeth, Anglesey
Abarim Methodist Chapel was built in 1862 in the Simple Round-Headed and Arts and Craft style of the short-wall entry type. The chapel was renovated in 1908.
by Arthur C Harris
Ainon/Aenon
Meaning "springs". The name of a place near to Salim (not to be confused with Salem) where John baptised. (John 3:23)
All of the chapels with this name are of the Baptist denomination.
Ainon Baptist Church, Gilfach, Caerphilly
The building is dated 1902. Link
by Jaggery
Aenon Baptist Chapel, Hasguard, Pembrokeshire
Tucked away in a small valley just beyond the tidal inlet of Sandyhaven Pill. A datestone in the gable bears the date of 1877.
by Gordon Hatton
Adulam/Adullam
Meaning a hiding place, retreat, refuge. The cave where the future King David sought refuge from King Saul. (1 Samuel 22:1)
Adullam Baptist Chapel, Painscastle, Powys
Built in 1848.
A separate corrugated iron schoolroom/vestry has been added
A separate corrugated iron schoolroom/vestry has been added
Amana
A mountain mentioned in The Song of Solomon 4:8. The name probably means "firm," or "constant."
Amana Chapel, Mynydd Llandegai, Gwynedd - Independent
Chapel in Mynydd Llandegai built in 1868.
By Nigel Williams
Photo in 2006. Demolished by 2008.
The only Welsh chapel with this name.
By Nigel Williams
Photo in 2006. Demolished by 2008.
The only Welsh chapel with this name.
Antioch
Antioch was Paul's starting-point in his three missionary journeys. Here the term "Christian was first applied to the followers of Jesus.
Capel Antioch, Crymych, Pembrokeshire - Calvinistic Methodist
Calvinistic Methodist chapel undergoing some restoration. It was built in 1875 when the railway arrived and settlement started to develop.
by ceridwen
The only Welsh chapel with this name.
by ceridwen
The only Welsh chapel with this name.
Ararat
A mountainous area of northern Turkey, and in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat (Genesis 8:4)
Ararat Baptist Church, Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff
Built in 1824, modified 1836, rebuilt 1851 and 1915.
The only Welsh chapel with this name.
The only Welsh chapel with this name.
Information on welshchapels.wales
Baran
(This name is a mutation of Paran.)
Paran is a wilderness that is mentioned several times in the Old Testament. Eg ‘The people of Israel set out by stages from the wilderness of Sinai. And the cloud settled down in the wilderness of Paran.’ (Numbers 10:12)
Capel y Baran, Independent, Cwmgors, Pontardawe, Rhondda Cynon Taff
Built in 1805, modified, altered or rebuilt 1830 and 1895.
It was probably named ‘Baran’ because of its remoteness on high moorland.
It is the only chapel in Wales with this name.
Berachah
Berachah means blessing. A valley not far from Engedi, where Jehoshaphat overthrew the Moabites and Ammonites
‘And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day.’ (Chronicles 20:26)
Berachah Chapel, Goodwick, Pembrokeshire - Calvinistic Methodist
Located near the foot of New Hill. The building was originally a Calvinistic Methodist
chapel built in 1906-1907 to replace one dating from 1830. Grade II listed in 1999.
chapel built in 1906-1907 to replace one dating from 1830. Grade II listed in 1999.
by Jaggery
Shared Description
Berea
A town in the Roman province of Macedonia. The town is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, where the apostles Paul, Silas and Timothy preached the Christian gospel.
Berea Chapel, Pembrokeshire - Independent
An Independent (Congregationalist) chapel built in 1833 and the neighbouring cottage.
by Robin Drayton
Bethania/Bethany
Bethania is the Aramaic word for Bethany. A village some two miles from Jerusalem near the road to Jericho.
The scene of some of the most important events in the life of Jesus. The home of Mary and Martha and from where he raised Lazarus from the dead.
Bethania, Glanaman, Carmarthenshire - Calvinistic Methodist
Bethany Baptist Church, Risca, Caerphilly
On Tredegar Street opposite the police station. A stone inscription on the front of the building states
BETHANY ENGLISH BAPTIST CHAPEL
BUILT 1858
REBUILT 1875
'English' in its name refers to the language in which services were conducted, in an area where Welsh was the prevalent language in the middle of the nineteenth century. The building was Grade II listed in 1999.
BETHANY ENGLISH BAPTIST CHAPEL
BUILT 1858
REBUILT 1875
'English' in its name refers to the language in which services were conducted, in an area where Welsh was the prevalent language in the middle of the nineteenth century. The building was Grade II listed in 1999.
by Jaggery
Shared Description
Bethabara
A place on the eastern bank of the Jordan river where John baptised (some translations give Bethany). Means ‘house by the ford’. Just two chapels in Wales with this name, both Baptist denomination.
Bethabara Baptist Chapel, Crickhowell, Powys
Bethabara Baptist chapel of 1872 is on the road between Blaenffos and Crosswell.
Bethabara means 'house by the ford' in Hebrew and the chapel stands close to a bridge. A small number of dwellings cluster around the chapel.
Bethabara means 'house by the ford' in Hebrew and the chapel stands close to a bridge. A small number of dwellings cluster around the chapel.
by Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff
Bethabara chapel, Pontyglasier, Pembrokeshire
The first chapel built in 1826, and rebuilt in 1872/3, using pale Cilgerran stone.
The central roundel once showed an "11th hour" clock face.
The central roundel once showed an "11th hour" clock face.
by Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff
Betharran/Betharan
A city east of the Jordan River allotted by Moses to the tribe of Gad. (Joshua 13:27)
Betharan Congregational Chapel, Brynmenyn, Bridgend
Built in 1809 and then rebuilt in 1859 and 1925.
The only chapel in Wales with this name.
Bethcar
A place where the Israelites had a victory over the Philistines And the men of Israel went out from Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and struck them, as far as below Beth-car.(1 Samuel 7:11)
There are two chapels with this name, both in the South Wales valleys, but neither are now used for public worship.
Ystrad English Independent Chapel (Bethcar), Ton Pentre, Rhonda Cynon Taff
Built in 1870, with two stories and a basement.
This picture was taken in 2018.
In 2021 it was up for sale via informal tender.
Bethcar Welsh Methodist Chapel (Wesleyan), Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent
Built in 1808, enlarged in 1830 and rebuilt in 1864.
By 1996 this chapel had been converted for use as a Public Library.
Bethel
Meaning 'House of God. It is first mentioned in The Bible with reference to Abraham who built an altar there.
Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, had his vision at this location of the staircase reaching into the heavens with the angels ascending and descending on it.
Bethel, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion - Baptist
Looking down Upper Portland Street with Portland Street beyond, with the former Town Hall, now Aberystwyth Library.
On the right is Bethel Welsh Baptist Chapel in Baker Street, designed by local architect Thomas E Morgan and opened in 1889, a rebuild of an 1833 building. This in turn was rebuild of a 1797 chapel, the baptists having met in a house in Queen Street for the previous 10 years. Grade II listed - see Link.
On the right is Bethel Welsh Baptist Chapel in Baker Street, designed by local architect Thomas E Morgan and opened in 1889, a rebuild of an 1833 building. This in turn was rebuild of a 1797 chapel, the baptists having met in a house in Queen Street for the previous 10 years. Grade II listed - see Link
.by Ian Capper
Bethel, Clydach Vale Rhondda Cynon Taff - Independent Evangelical
Independent Evangelical church on the north side of Clydach Road.
By Jaggery
Built on the site of Noddfa Baptist Chapel which was erected in 1873 and demolished in the 1990s.
By Robin Drayton
By Jaggery
Built on the site of Noddfa Baptist Chapel which was erected in 1873 and demolished in the 1990s.
By Robin Drayton
Bethesda
Meaning house of grace. A pool in Jerusalem where Jesus performed one of his healing miracles.
Bethesda, Burry Green, Swansea - Calvinistic Methodist
Bethesda Chapel was built in 1813 or 1814 by Diana, Baroness Barham (d. 1823), who also built and established other chapels and schools in the area. During the first years, the Chapel was supplied by ministers of the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion, staying for about two months at a time. The Rev. William Griffiths, the 'father' of Calvinistic Methodism in Gower, was appointed minister of the Chapel in 1824 under the patronage of Lord Barham, and remained there until his death.
The Rev. William Griffiths (1788-1861) was a Calvinistic Methodist minister, born at Clydau, Pembrokeshire. In 1807 he was forced to enlist in the militia and was influenced by the Methodists whom he later joined. In 1817, at the request of Lady Barham, he was sent as a missionary to the English-speaking community of Gower where he founded several churches. He is known as the 'Apostle of Gower'.
The Rev. William Griffiths (1788-1861) was a Calvinistic Methodist minister, born at Clydau, Pembrokeshire. In 1807 he was forced to enlist in the militia and was influenced by the Methodists whom he later joined. In 1817, at the request of Lady Barham, he was sent as a missionary to the English-speaking community of Gower where he founded several churches. He is known as the 'Apostle of Gower'.
by Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff
Bethesda, Llangattock, Powys, - Independent
A chapel which traces its history back to around 1650 in Cromwellian times. In 1673 there were about 49 households in the parish of Llangattock that were Nonconformist. A chapel was built in nearby Lwmws in 1768 and replaced by this one in 1835.
Bethlehem
Meaning House of bread. The birthplace of Jesus. It was also the ancestral home of King David.
Bethlehem Independent Chapel, Pwll-trap, Carmarthenshire
Large Welsh Independent Chapel built in 1765, several renovations, the last in 1908. Extensive graveyard. Still in use, and well looked after.
by lizzie
Capei Bethlehem, Cilan, Gwynedd. Calvinistic Methodist
This was the most southerly chapel on the mainland of the former County of Caernarvon. The chapel on Bardsey Island was 4kms further south. This present chapel dates from 1875.
by Eric Jones
Capel Bethlehem, Tal-y-bont, Gwynedd. Independent
Built in 1825 and rebuilt in 1860. Note the large arch in the facade.
Beulah
Meaning Married. Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzi–bah, and thy land Beulah: for the Lord delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. (Isaiah 62:4 )
Abertridwr Community Church and Beulah Baptist Chapel, Abertridwr
The Thomas Street side of the church on the corner of Cross Street.
In March 2019 the building is used by Abertridwr Community Church Link and Beulah Baptist Chapel. Link
The Welsh inscription on the tablet above the central window is
BEULAH CAPEL Y BEDYDDWYR (Beulah Baptist Chapel) 1905.
In March 2019 the building is used by Abertridwr Community Church Link and Beulah Baptist Chapel. Link
The Welsh inscription on the tablet above the central window is
BEULAH CAPEL Y BEDYDDWYR (Beulah Baptist Chapel) 1905.
by Jaggery
Beulah Baptist Chapel, Little Newcastle, Pembrokeshire
This isolated chapel was originally built in 1808 but rebuilt in 1910 which seems to account for the unusual style of its frontage. It stands beside the Afon Anghof half a mile south of Casnewydd Bach, with paths leading from the direction of both Sealyham and Puncheston. Also beside it stand the intact, sturdy stanchions of a former railway bridge that once carried the North Pembrokeshire line along the valley: sermons must at one time have been interrupted by the occasional rattle of a passing train.
by Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff
Beulah Baptist Church, Rhymney, Caerphilly.
Bozrah/Bozra/Bosra
Bozrah means sheepfold or enclosure in Hebrew and was a pastoral city in Edom southeast of the Dead Sea. According to the biblical narrative, it was the home city of one of Edom's kings, Jobab son of Zerah (Genesis 36:32-33) and the homeland of Jacob.
Bozra, Bosra Penisa-Waun, Gwynedd - Welsh Independent
Bosra, Penysarn, Anglesey - Welsh Calvinistic Methodist
This Grad II Calvinist chapel at the north end of the village was erected in 1865 and it remains open.
by Eric Jones
The Welsh Chapels website Link gives the spelling of this chapel as Bozrah/Bosrah and gives a detailed description of both the exterior and interior of the chapel.
by Robin Drayton
by Eric Jones
The Welsh Chapels website Link
gives the spelling of this chapel as Bozrah/Bosrah and gives a detailed description of both the exterior and interior of the chapel.by Robin Drayton
Brynhyfryd /Mount Pleasant
It is uncertain as to whether this is to a Biblical reference or a local name as the actual words do not appear in the Bible.
It could be from the words of Moses recorded in Deuteronomy 3:25 I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon.
Mount Pleasant, Cwmbran, Torfaen - Baptist
Located alongside The Incline. Link
Inscribed in stone on the chapel is the name of the chapel and BUILT 1876. The pebbledashed wall of the single-storey structure on the left side of the chapel (perhaps a church hall) strikes a jarring contrast with the plain stones of the chapel.
Inscribed in stone on the chapel is the name of the chapel and BUILT 1876. The pebbledashed wall of the single-storey structure on the left side of the chapel (perhaps a church hall) strikes a jarring contrast with the plain stones of the chapel.
by Jaggery
Mount Pleasant - Evangelical Baptist Church, Maesycwmmer, Caerphilly
The opening services for this building were held on February 5th 1905. The congregation had moved from Link .
by Robin Drayton
Mount Pleasant - Elim Pentecostal. Holyhead, Anglesey
Formerly: Brynhyfryd - Congregational
This is the former Brynhyfryd Congregational Chapel. The present building dates from 1906.
by Eric Jones
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