15.
Nonconformist Chapels in Wales
Biblical personal names and themes
BabellBabell is Welsh for ‘tent’, so its use as a name for a chapel is similar to Tabernacle.
This does lead to some confusion with Babel as the descriptions for the following photos show.
Babel Chapel, Groesfaen, Rhondda Cynon Taff - Calvinistic Methodist
Babel appears to be the name by which the chapel is currently known, e.g. on the bus-stop near it, and the bus time-table. This surprising name for a place of worship (in the Book of Genesis the tower of Babel came under God's judgment as expressing man's rebellion against God) is a corruption of the Welsh word Babell, meaning a tent, presumably a reference to the Tabernacle, Israel's place of worship. Babell was originally a Welsh Calvinistic Methodist chapel, but is now used by the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church.
by John Lord
Babell Chapel, Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire - Calvinistic Methodist
This strikes me as an unusual name for a chapel as its connotations are not positive.
by Bill Boaden
Barachiah
Barachiah means ‘blessed by God’.
He was the father of Zechariah. (Matthew 23:35)
Capel Barachiah, Cwm-y-Glo, Gwynedd - Calvinistic Methodist
Originally built in 1804, then rebuilt in 1822 and 1904.
By 1997 it had fallen into disuse.
This picture was taken in 2006.
By 1997 it had fallen into disuse.
This picture was taken in 2006.
Benaiah
Benaiah is a common name in the Bible. One, son of the chief priest Jehoiada, is listed as one of David’s mighty men 1 Chronicles 11:22 .
Benaiah Independent Chapel, Talybont-on-Usk, Powys
Built in 1836 rebuilt/modified in 1858 and 1902.
This is the only chapel in Wales with this name.
Cornerstone
Cornerstone (or corner stone) refers to Jesus Christ.
‘Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.’ Ephesians 2;19
This name has come into use from the late 20th century onwards by some churches that are independent of the traditional denominations.
Cornerstone Church, Cwmbach, Rhondda Cynon Taff
In January 2019 Cornerstone Church is part of the Elim family of churches. The inscription Link in Welsh on the tablet below the round window records that the building is the 1908 renovation of Ebenezer Calvinistic Methodist Chapel built in 1864.
by Jaggery
Emmanuel
Emmanuel means 'God with us'.
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23
Emmanuel Baptist Church, Gabalfa, Cardiff
On the corner of Gabalfa Avenue and Llanidloes Road.
by Jaggery
Emmanuel church, Penyffordd, Flintshire
Emmanuel Church on Vounog Hill, in Pen-y-ffordd, was built in 1959. The church was extended and refurbished in October 2011.
by Eirian Evans
Emmanuel Christian Fellowship, Ystrad, Rhondda Cynon Taff - Independent Pentecostal
Church on the corner of Redfield Street and Cross Street.
By Jaggery
Formerly Tabernacle
By Jaggery
Formerly Tabernacle
Gad
Jacob’s seventh-born son and forefather of the tribe of Gad.
Capel Rhos-y-Gad, Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll, Isle of Anglesey - Calvinistic Methodist
This Calvinistic Methodist chapel, which seats 450 people, is now a united chapel, embracing members of other Nonconformist congregations.
by Eric Jones
Gad Chapel, 3 km from Tycrwyn, Powys - Welsh Calvinistic Methodist
No picture on Geograph.
The Coflein website
has a picture taken in 2003 and describes it as ‘It is a small rural chapel with an attached cottage.’Gideon/Gedion
Gideon was one of the judges of Israel around 1160BC. His story is in the book of Judges starting at 6:11.
Gideon Chapel, Dinas Cross, Pembrokeshire - Independent
Built in 1830, restored in 1930 and in 1960.
Grade II listed.
It is the only chapel in Wales with this name.
Graig/Rock
There are many references to God as a rock in the Old Testament; about 24 times in the book of Psalms, eg: Jehovah is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; My God, my rock, in whom I will take refuge (Psalm 18:2). In the New Testament the reference is to Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4).
Y Graig Baptist chapel, Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire
Handsome 1875 building enhanced by the splendid iron railings; the light blue paintwork is a nice touch. Above the entrance gate hangs a four-sided glass lantern: this appears to be a feature of the town as there are several others to be found.
An earlier chapel was built here in 1776.
An earlier chapel was built here in 1776.
by Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff
Graig Chapel, Briton Ferry, Neath Port Talbot - Calvinistic Methodist
Rock chapel, Pwll-y-Glaw, Cwmavon, Neath Port Talbot - Welsh Congregational
A plaque above the door is inscribed 'Rock Capel y Annibynwyr 1836-1931'
Capel y Annibynwyr is Welsh for Congregational Chapel.
Capel y Annibynwyr is Welsh for Congregational Chapel.
by Jaggery
Hephzibah
Hephzibah means ‘my delight is in her’, and is the name of King Hezekiah’s wife.
Hephzibah Baptist Church, Bedwas, Caerphilly
Erected between 1840 and 1844, this was the first Baptist church built in Bedwas. The year 1844 Link is inscribed in stone above the doorway. Various enlargements and alterations have been made, such as a new baptistry in 1911.
by Jaggery
Hope/Gobaith
Christian 'hope' has a special meaning. It is not about wishful thinking but a firm assurance of things that are unseen and are in the future.
Hope Chapel, Porthcawl, Bridgend - Free Congregational
This is the 1887 rebuild of the original Hope Free Congregational Chapel built in 1827.
by Jaggery
Hope Baptist Chapel, Gilwern, Monmouthshire
Gilwern's Hope Baptist Chapel, built in 1878.
by David Roberts
The Welsh for hope is gobaith and there were two chapels with this name; one has been demolished and the other has changed its name.
Previously Gobaith Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Cwmdare, Rhondda Cynon Taff
The chapel shown here was built in 1861 and then rebuilt in 1875.
In 1977 it was refurbished, renamed, and taken over by the congregation of Nebo Baptist chapel when their building was demolished.
As can be seen, the adjacent houses still have the name Gobaith.
Jabez/Jabes
He is mentioned in the Bible in 1 Chronicles 4:9&10.
‘And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil.’
Jabes Chapel, Pontfaen, Pembrokeshire - Baptist
The chapel was built in 1803 and restored in 1903.
It has an outdoor baptistery.
The only chapel in Wales with this name.
Jubilee
Every 50th year for the Israelites was to be exceptional. And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan. (Leviticus 25:10)
There are three chapels, all Methodist, that are recorded on the Welsh Chapels website Link
as having the name Jubilee. None of these are now used as chapels.Jubilee Chapel, Chepstow Road, Caldicot, Monmouthshire - Methodist
Built in 1851. By 1995 this chapel had been converted for use as a restaurant.
There is little left to show that this was once a chapel. The recess above the entrance probably contained the name and date of the chapel.
Indian takeaway in Chepstow Road. Next door are the premises of Philip Blatchly & Son Ltd,
funeral directors and monumental masons.
funeral directors and monumental masons.
by Jaggery
King’s
Jesus is referred to as a king.
‘Our Lord Jesus Christ, … he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.’ 1 Timothy 6:14,15.
King’s Church, Newport
Taken on New Years Day and unusually devoid of parked cars.
The building in the centre is occupied by King's Church.
In 1850 it was used by a coal proprietor and merchant.
The building in the centre is occupied by King's Church.
In 1850 it was used by a coal proprietor and merchant.
by Robin Drayton
Mair (Mary)
The mother of Jesus.
Aethant ar frys, a chawsant hyd i Fair a Joseff, a'r baban yn gorwedd yn y preseb.(Luc 2:16)
All chapels with this name belong to the Independent denomination.
Capel Mair Chapel St Clears, Carmarthenshire - Independent
Capel Mair Welsh Independent Chapel, Lower St Clears. Built in 1820, rebuilt in 1862. Sister chapel to Bethlehem, Pwlltrap, with whom it shares a graveyard and registers.
by lizzie
Capel Mair, Cardigan, Ceredigion - Independent
Viewed across Feidrfair from the corner of Priory Street. This is the 1870-1871
rebuild of the original chapel which opened in 1803. Grade II listed in 1992.
rebuild of the original chapel which opened in 1803. Grade II listed in 1992.
by Jaggery
Shared Description
Noddfa
Welsh for haven or refuge. A place of peace and welcome.
Noddfa Baptist Church, Abersychan, Torfaen - Baptist
The church, built in 1846, is set back from the north side of Church Road.
Noddfa is Welsh for a place of refuge, a sanctuary.
by Jaggery
Rebuilt in 1880
Noddfa is Welsh for a place of refuge, a sanctuary.
by Jaggery
Rebuilt in 1880
Noddfa Chapel, Lampeter, Ceredigion - Baptist
Erected in 1898 as Noddfa Baptist School Chapel. In May 2019 the Welsh information board Link shows CAPEL Y BEDYDDWYR Noddfa (Noddfa Baptist Chapel).
by Jaggery
Noddfa Capel y Bedyddwyr, Porthcawl, Bridgend - Baptist
A Welsh chapel in Porthcawl, founded in 1939.
by Alan Hughes
Paraclete
Paraclete is found in the Greek New Testament and refers to the Holy Spirit. Its English translation is ‘counsellor’, ‘advocate’, ‘helper’ or ‘comforter’. It first appears in the Bible in (John 14:16) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.
Paraclete Chapel, Newton, Swansea - Congregational
Rebuilt 1880 and modified 1900.
Currently the Paraclete Christian Fellowship.
It is the only chapel with this name in Wales.
More information on the Welsh Chapels website Link
Currently the Paraclete Christian Fellowship.
It is the only chapel with this name in Wales.
More information on the Welsh Chapels website Link
Providence
The continuous activity of God in His creation by which He preserves and governs. providence" is defined in the dictionary as "the care or benevolent guidance of God.".
Providence Church, Ystrad, Rhondda Cynon Taff - Community Church
At the southern end of Trafalgar Terrace. There is a cross on the building but no name sign.
by Jaggery
Providence Baptist Church, Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taff
The Union Street church has PROVIDENCE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH inscribed in stone above the doorway. The nameboard at the February 2014 date of this view shows Providence Baptist Church.
by Jaggery
Providence Independent Chapel was built in 1865 and closed in 1989. In 2002 it opened as a Baptist Chapel.
by Robin Drayton
by Jaggery
Providence Independent Chapel was built in 1865 and closed in 1989. In 2002 it opened as a Baptist Chapel.
by Robin Drayton
Providence Baptist Chapel, Howey, Powys
Sammah
This is probably from Yahweh Shammah which is the Hebrew name for God meaning, the Lord is there. This name appears once in the Old Testament and it can be found in Ezekiel 48:35.
Sammah Welsh Independent Chapel, Cwm-Llinau, Powys,
Built in 1819 and extended in 1861.
This is the only chapel in Wales with this name.
Up for sale July 2022
Tabernacle/Taberbacl
The tent that served as a place of worship by the Israelites.
Tabernacle Chapel, Dolgellau, Gwynedd - Independent
Tabernacl Independent Chapel was stone built in 1868. The chapel has a basement schoolroom and is Grade 2 Listed.
Tabernacle chapel, Llanvaches, Newport - Independent
Located on the corner of Tabernacle Road and the A48, about 700 metres south of the main residential area of Llanvaches. Now a part of the United Reformed Church, Tabernacle dates its origins to 1639,
the first non-conformist chapel in Wales. The 1639 chapel was in the neighbouring hamlet of Carrow Hill. It was rebuilt in Llanvaches in 1802. The chapel seen here dates from the 1920s.
the first non-conformist chapel in Wales. The 1639 chapel was in the neighbouring hamlet of Carrow Hill. It was rebuilt in Llanvaches in 1802. The chapel seen here dates from the 1920s.
by Jaggery
Tabernacle Baptist Chapel, Cardiff
The inscriptions in black at the top of the church in The Hayes show that it was built in 1821, rebuilt in 1865. The name in the inscription is the English spelling Tabernacle, but the blue name boards at street level show the Welsh spelling Tabernacl. Tabernacl is the only Welsh language Baptist church in Cardiff. The building was Grade II* listed in May 1975.
by Jaggery
The first edition of Songs of Praise, the longest running religious television program in the world, came from here in October 1961.
by Jaggery
The first edition of Songs of Praise, the longest running religious television program in the world, came from here in October 1961.
Tabernacle chapel, Maenclochog, Pembrokeshire - Welsh Independent
Originally built in 1847, rebuilt 1884 with an interesting stuccoed frontage. This chapel, which stands behind the converted Yr Hen Gapel, is still in active use.
by Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff
Capel Tabernacl, Llandudno, Conwy, - Welsh Baptist
Capel Tabernacl (Tabernacle Welsh Baptist Chapel) is Grade II listed Link
The building erected in 1875 replaced an earlier chapel on the corner of Llewelyn Avenue and Vardre Lane. The first Tabernacle chapel in Llandudno, dating from 1815 was itself rebuilt in 1835. The chapel was extended in 1902 by G.A.Humphries to incorporate the schoolroom, the ionic-pillared portico and a new main entrance. It ceased to be used as a church in 2006. The adjoining schoolroom is used as an exhibition centre.
A plaqueSH7882 : Lewis Valentine (1893-1986 ) records that the chapel's minister, the Rev Lewis Valentine was one of the three Welsh nationalist activists who made an arson attack on the RAF Bombing School at Penyberth, Pwllheli on 8 September 1936.
The building erected in 1875 replaced an earlier chapel on the corner of Llewelyn Avenue and Vardre Lane. The first Tabernacle chapel in Llandudno, dating from 1815 was itself rebuilt in 1835. The chapel was extended in 1902 by G.A.Humphries to incorporate the schoolroom, the ionic-pillared portico and a new main entrance. It ceased to be used as a church in 2006. The adjoining schoolroom is used as an exhibition centre.
A plaqueSH7882 : Lewis Valentine (1893-1986 ) records that the chapel's minister, the Rev Lewis Valentine was one of the three Welsh nationalist activists who made an arson attack on the RAF Bombing School at Penyberth, Pwllheli on 8 September 1936.
by Gerald England
Trinity
The coexistence of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.
Trinity Chapel, Penyffordd, Flintshire - Primitive Methodist
Viewed in February 2018 when this chapel is shared by Methodists (for whom this is part of the Buckley and Deeside Methodist Circuit) and Presbyterians. The overpainted namestone shows Primitive Methodist Chapel 1872. Link
by Jaggery
Trinity Chapel, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taff - Welsh Presbyterian
Grade II listed Welsh Presbyterian chapel on the corner of Canon Street and Weatheral Street.
Built in 1867, renovated in 1894 and extended in 1909.
Built in 1867, renovated in 1894 and extended in 1909.
by Jaggery
Chapels named after their location
While most Welsh chapels are named after biblical places or themes, there are those that take their names from the place in which they are located. Here is a selection of these.
Rhondda Fach Methodist Church, Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taff
Chepstow Baptist church
Baptism had taken root in Chepstow since the times of Cromwell, but it wasn't until the early 1800s that a proper place of worship was built. Local man Walter Watkin was asked to fashion the church on "a part and parcel of an orchard then in the occupation of John Penn near the Churchyard" (the yard being referred to is the nearby St Mary's Priory). The church officially opened its doors in 1816; subsequent extensions were made in 1867 and a small Sunday school added - education being a particular mission for the ministers here.
by Neil Owen
Mumbles Methodist Church, Swansea
Located on the corner of Mumbles Road and Dunns Lane.
There has been a place of worship here since 1814 when a Methodist Preaching House was built in the garden of a house. It soon became inadequate and a second building was opened on July 7th 1861. Within 3 years the congregation rapidly increased and a larger building was again being considered. However it was not until 1877 that the foundation stone of the present building was laid, on July 12th. The church opened on May 23rd 1878.
There has been a place of worship here since 1814 when a Methodist Preaching House was built in the garden of a house. It soon became inadequate and a second building was opened on July 7th 1861. Within 3 years the congregation rapidly increased and a larger building was again being considered. However it was not until 1877 that the foundation stone of the present building was laid, on July 12th. The church opened on May 23rd 1878.
by Jaggery
Mumbles Baptist Church, Swansea
Located on the corner of Newton Road and Langland Road, Mumbles. The church was built in 1910.
by Jaggery
Swansea Unitarian Church
It escaped the bombing of Swansea in 1941 and now sits tucked away next to the Argos store on High Street.
by Deborah Tilley
Esgairdawe chapel, Carmarthenshire - Independent
The cause began in 1690 and the first chapel was built in 1755, being rebuilt in 1844/6 and renovated in 1910
Rhosson Chapel, Pembrokeshire - Calvinistic Methodist
I'm not sure if this erstwhile Methodist Chapel is still used as a place of worship. There is an Ordnance Survey benchmark on its western face. See SM7225 : Benchmark on Rhosson Chapel, near St Justinian's, Pembrokeshire for photo.
by Becky Williamson
Gaerllwyd Baptist Chapel, Monmouthshire
Cadw records that this very small rectangular chapel opened in 1842 as Mount Zion, a Welsh Calvinistic Methodist chapel. It was later transferred to the Presbyterians and finally to the Baptists. Grade II listed in 2001.
by Jaggery
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