Nonconformist Chapels in Wales
Contents
Calvinistic Methodists / Presbyterians (2)
For more information from Addoldai Cymru (Welsh Religious Buildings Trust)
The origins of the Calvinistic Welsh Methodists, being within the Anglican Church, meant that their chapel building began at a later date from the Independents and Baptists. It was in 1795 that they applied to be recognised under the Toleration Act and that their meeting places were formally recognised under the law. However, despite differences, many remained committed to the Anglican Church. It was in 1811 that they separated from the Church of England and became a Nonconformist denomination generally referred to as Welsh Presbyterian or English Presbyterian depending upon the language used for worship.
By 1851 they had 807 places of worship.
The following are a selection of chapels of different dates and in various parts of the country.
Ty Hen Gapel John Hughes / John Hughes Memorial Chapel, Pontrobert, Montgomeryshire
The Calvinistic Methodist cause in this area started around 1795 and in 1800 a small chapel was built here and housed a circulating school. In 1806 it was replaced by the building shown here. The right hand part of the building is the chapel itself while to the left is the minister’s residence. The congregation outgrew the chapel and a replacement (Capel Newydd) was built nearby in 1865. This building was then disused and in 1925 became a wheelwright’s workshop. The building’s historic significance being recognised, it was rescued in 1983, restored and then reopened as the Centre for Christian Unity and Renewal in 1995.
It is Grade 2 listed.
It is named after John Hughes who initially taught here in the circulating school before being ordained into the ministry in 1814 and serving here for 40 years until his death in 1854. He was well known as a preacher and hymn writer.
More about John Hughes can be seen at Link
It is Grade 2 listed.
It is named after John Hughes who initially taught here in the circulating school before being ordained into the ministry in 1814 and serving here for 40 years until his death in 1854. He was well known as a preacher and hymn writer.
More about John Hughes can be seen at Link
Tabernacle Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Aberdovey, Gwynedd
This building is easily passed by without being recognised as a former chapel.
Compared to many other areas of Wales, nonconformity was slow in coming to this part of Merionethshire. It was in 1790 that a group of Calvinistic Methodists came to meet together in premises about a mile outside Aberdovey. They met with some opposition, details of which can be seen here Link . Around the turn of the century, the growth of the port led to more adherents coming into the area. They were the first Nonconformist denomination to build a chapel in Aberdovey when, in 1828 they obtained a plot of land and built the chapel shown here. A gallery was added in 1855.
A replacement for this chapel was built in 1864 and is shown below.
Compared to many other areas of Wales, nonconformity was slow in coming to this part of Merionethshire. It was in 1790 that a group of Calvinistic Methodists came to meet together in premises about a mile outside Aberdovey. They met with some opposition, details of which can be seen here Link
. Around the turn of the century, the growth of the port led to more adherents coming into the area. They were the first Nonconformist denomination to build a chapel in Aberdovey when, in 1828 they obtained a plot of land and built the chapel shown here. A gallery was added in 1855.A replacement for this chapel was built in 1864 and is shown below.
Built in 1864 and renovated in 1910.
It closed as a chapel in 1988 and was converted into 7 flats.
It is Grade II Listed as a well-preserved mid 19th century front making it a prominent feature of Aberdyfi townscape.
It closed as a chapel in 1988 and was converted into 7 flats.
It is Grade II Listed as a well-preserved mid 19th century front making it a prominent feature of Aberdyfi townscape.
Babell Chapel, Cwmfelinfach, Caerphilly
Although the entrance to the chapel is not currently on this side of the building, it looks as though this was originally the front of the chapel.
There is an upper plaque that says 'BABELL 1823' and under that a plaque seems to have gone missing. Below that there looks to be the original door lintel.
The entrance door is now on the right hand side of the building Link .
The graveyard has encroached right up to this side of the building.
The tall memorial on the left is for the Reverend William Thomas (1832-1878) who was the Calvinistic Methodist minister for the chapel. He is better known as a poet by his bardic name of Islwyn taken from the nearby Mynyddislwyn.
There is an upper plaque that says 'BABELL 1823' and under that a plaque seems to have gone missing. Below that there looks to be the original door lintel.
The entrance door is now on the right hand side of the building Link .
The graveyard has encroached right up to this side of the building.
The tall memorial on the left is for the Reverend William Thomas (1832-1878) who was the Calvinistic Methodist minister for the chapel. He is better known as a poet by his bardic name of Islwyn taken from the nearby Mynyddislwyn.
by Robin Drayton
Park Chapel, Cwmparc, Rhondda Cynon Taff
Welsh Methodist/Presbyterian chapel on the corner of Park Road and Park Terrace. The inscription in Welsh in a roundel above the triple windows shows that the building was erected in 1873 as Park Calvinistic Methodist Chapel.
by Jaggery
Salem Presbyterian Chapel (Welsh), Pwllheli, Gwynedd
Built in 1862, remodelled and enlarged in 1893.
Grade II listed.
A detailed description can be seen here Link .
A later Presbyterian chapel in the same town, but with an English speaking congregation, is shown below.
Grade II listed.
A detailed description can be seen here Link
.A later Presbyterian chapel in the same town, but with an English speaking congregation, is shown below.
Ala Road Presbyterian Church (English), Pwllheli, Gwynedd
Built in 1894.
A prominent feature of this chapel is the flanking turrets.
A prominent feature of this chapel is the flanking turrets.
Ysgwyddgwyn Presbyterian Church, Deri, Caerphilly
Viewed across Bailey Street. This is the 1868 rebuild of the original dating from 1808 when Deri was known as Ysgwyddgwyn. The village was renamed Deri later in the 19th century after many incomers to the area, who had come for work in the colliery, could not pronounce Ysgwyddgwyn.
by Jaggery
Park Place Presbyterian Chapel, Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent
The former Presbyterian Park Place Chapel is now Venue 1, a party & conference venue and also the home of Kidz R Us, where a wide variety of weekly classes for children take place. There are classes for drama, street dance, choir & vocal coaching, karate, Zumba etc.
by Jaggery
Built in 1870 and modified in 1876.
by Jaggery
Built in 1870 and modified in 1876.
Caersalem Welsh Presbyterian Chapel, Flint, Flintshire
Viewed across Chapel Street. The Welsh title means Caersalem (Jerusalem) Welsh Presbyterian Church, Flint. This is the 1877 rebuild of Caersalem Methodist Chapel which was built in 1836.
The information board Link is in Welsh only.
The information board Link is in Welsh only.
by Jaggery
Bwlch-Llan Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Ceredigion
The first Calvinistic Methodist Chapel was built in Bwlchllan in 1841; this was renovated and extended in 1876-1877, as seen here. It is now a Presbyterian Church of Wales.
by Roger D Kidd
Capel Moreia, Calvinistic Methodist, Llangefni, Isle of Anglesey
Built in 1898.
For another view and a detailed history see Capel Moreia - the John Elias Memorial Chapel Link.
For the chapel that preceded it see The W. R. Davies Ford Agency, Bridge Street Link.
For another view and a detailed history see Capel Moreia - the John Elias Memorial Chapel Link.
For the chapel that preceded it see The W. R. Davies Ford Agency, Bridge Street Link.
Bethesda Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Lower Chapel, Powys
![SO0235 : Lower Chapel [1] by Michael Dibb](https://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/04/61/15/4611572_a45de9f8_213x160.jpg)
Originally built in 1810, then rebuilt a short time later in 1815 and subsequently in 1857.
In 1910 a porch entrance was added to the gable end with the original side entrance closed off.
This chapel’s situation, in relation to a much older chapel a few miles to the north, gives its name to the small village.
For a closeup of the plaque on the side of the chapel see
Link.
In 1910 a porch entrance was added to the gable end with the original side entrance closed off.
This chapel’s situation, in relation to a much older chapel a few miles to the north, gives its name to the small village.
For a closeup of the plaque on the side of the chapel see
Link.
English / Wesleyan Methodists (2)
For more information from Addoldai Cymru (Welsh Religious Buildings Trust)Seion Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Glyndyfrdwy, Denbighshire
Built in 1824, rebuilt in 1869 and again in 1903.
The plaque on the front of the chapel reads:
Addoldy trefnytddion Wesleyaidd
Adeiladwyd 1869
Ailadeiladwyd 1903
Bible Christians
The Bible Christian Church was an offshoot of the Wesleyan Methodists that originated in the north of Devon in 1815. A number of chapels were established in south-west England. Migration of adherents led to chapels being established across South Wales. They eventually became part of the United Methodist Church in 1907.
There are 39 Bible Christian chapels listed on the Welsh Chapels website. One remains in use as Methodist, two are other nonconformist chapels but the remainder have been demolished or have other uses.
Hope Methodist Chapel, Earlswood, Monmouthshire
It appears that this is the only one in Wales that is still a Methodist chapel.
This chapel was built between 1854 and 1860 and it is thought to have developed from an earlier meeting of Bible Christians who met at 'Fisher’s Place'. The Bible Christians merged with the Methodists in 1909.
By Andy Scott
More information on the Welsh Chapels website Link
By Andy Scott
More information on the Welsh Chapels website Link
New Testament Church of God, Commercial Road, Newport
Formerly Commercial Road Bible Christian Chapel
Viewed in June 2018. Kelly's Directory (1901 edition) lists the occupiers of the building as English Baptist Church and Bible Christian Church. The Kwik Save name remains on the building Link on the left, more than a decade after Kwik Save ceased trading nationwide in 2007.
By Jaggery
More information on the Welsh Chapels website Link
By Jaggery
More information on the Welsh Chapels website Link
Cowbridge Road Bible Christian Chapel
Now a Salvation Army Citadel
Located on the corner of Cowbridge Road East and Grosvenor Street.
The Salvation Army's Canton Community Shop is on the opposite side of the road. Link
By Jaggery
More information on the Welsh Chapels website Link
The Salvation Army's Canton Community Shop is on the opposite side of the road. Link
By Jaggery
More information on the Welsh Chapels website Link
Former Bible Christian church, Abersychan, Torfaen
The inscription inside a wreath high up on the facade is BIBLE CHRISTIAN AD 1860 Link. The building was in use as a book publisher's premises for some years in the early 21st century. Its current use, if any, was not indicated on the premises.
By Jaggery
More information on the Welsh Chapels website Link
By Jaggery
More information on the Welsh Chapels website Link
Another former one, Newport. The Old Chapel Business and innovation centre.
The building is on the corner of Hereford Street and Exeter Street.
Current occupiers are A2Z Computing Ltd and Lewis and Lewis international cost consultants.
The Bible Christians, or United Methodists, opened a mission chapel here in 1893. Kelly's 1901 Directory records the premises as Bible Christian Chapel. Later it was known as Hereford Street Methodist Church.
It continued in use as a chapel until the early 1960s when it was sold to become a tyre sales depot.
Current occupiers are A2Z Computing Ltd and Lewis and Lewis international cost consultants.
The Bible Christians, or United Methodists, opened a mission chapel here in 1893. Kelly's 1901 Directory records the premises as Bible Christian Chapel. Later it was known as Hereford Street Methodist Church.
It continued in use as a chapel until the early 1960s when it was sold to become a tyre sales depot.
by Jaggery
More information on the Welsh Chapels website Link
Gilgal Bible Christian Chapel, Mynydd Alltir-fach, near to Llanvaches, Monmouthshire.
The first chapel in this remote location was built in 1828.
70 years later it was replaced by this building which fell into disuse towards the end of the 20th century.
70 years later it was replaced by this building which fell into disuse towards the end of the 20th century.
Primitive Methodists
During the 19th century, the Wesleyan Methodist Church experienced many secessions, with the largest of the off-shoots being the Primitive Methodists, who had a particular mission to the working class. They united with the Wesleyan Methodists in 1932.
Background information can be found here Link
An article on the Welsh Chapels website mentions that they have a strong and interesting distribution pattern in Wales. This can be seen here Link
For Information on Primitive Methodist chapels in Wales here Link
Here are some that are still in use.
Ebenezer Methodist Chapel, Bettisfield, Wrexham
Bryn Methodist Church, Alltami, Flintshire
This is the oldest Primitive Methodist chapel still in use in North Wales.
More information here Link and Link
More information here Link
and Link Primitive Methodist chapel at Cefn, Powys
In 1808 the Methodist lay preacher, Hugh Bourne was expelled from the movement. Bourne and his 200 or so followers became known as Primitive Methodists. Bourne adopted the name from a statement that had been made by John Wesley in 1790: "I still remain a primitive Methodist." Bourne's followers were also called Ranters.
Unlike the Wesleyan Methodists, the Primitive Methodists encouraged women evangelists. They also provided many leaders of the trade union movement in the late 19th century.
Unlike the Wesleyan Methodists, the Primitive Methodists encouraged women evangelists. They also provided many leaders of the trade union movement in the late 19th century.
by Eirian Evans
Built in 1881. More information on the Welsh Chapels website Link
Ebenezer Methodist Church, Upper Cwmbran, Torfaen
A faded tablet above the windows shows EBENEZER PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHAPEL REBUILT 1865.
By Jaggery
More information here Link and Link .
By Jaggery
More information here Link
and Link .Grit(t) Methodist Chapel, Corndon Hill, Montgomeryshire
The Primitive Methodist Magazine, June 1865 says ‘Atthe Grit we have built a good substantial chapel, which has cost about £180, and which is the only place of worship in the neighbourhood. The work of conversion is going on gloriously’.
More information on this chapel can be found at Link and Link.
Although in Wales, it is very close to the border with England and was included in a Shropshire Methodist circuit.
More information on this chapel can be found at Link
and Link.Although in Wales, it is very close to the border with England and was included in a Shropshire Methodist circuit.
Unitarians (3)
For more information from Addoldai Cymru (Welsh Religious Buildings Trust)For more information from the GENUKI genealogy website
Bwlch-y-fadfa Unitarian Chapel, Ceredigion
The 1851 Religious Census showed 27 returns for Unitarian congregations, this one dating from 1813.
The current chapel, dated 1905, is of unusual design with an integral tower.
More information can be seen on the Welsh Chapels website Link .
The current chapel, dated 1905, is of unusual design with an integral tower.
More information can be seen on the Welsh Chapels website Link
.Open Brethren (1)
Most of the following is taken from Wikipedia.The Open Brethren, sometimes called Christian Brethren, are a group of Evangelical Christian churches that arose in the late 1820s as part of the Assembly Movement. They originated in Ireland before spreading throughout the British Isles, and today they have an estimated 26,000 assemblies worldwide.
The Open Brethren form independent, autonomous assemblies and the name "Open" is given to them to distinguish them from "Exclusive Brethren", with whom they share historic roots.
They typically describe themselves simply as "Christians" gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus rather than adopting a denominational title.
Their meeting places have names such as a "Gospel Chapel," "Gospel Hall," "Bible Chapel," "Christian Assembly," or other similar term.
In the list (2010) of Registered Places of Worship in England and Wales, assemblies have used a variety of terms to designate the affiliation of their meeting places. Such as: ‘Brethren’, ‘Christian Brethren’, ‘Open Brethren’, or, the more intimidating, but probably more accurate, ‘Christians not otherwise designated’.
Adamsdown Gospel Hall, Cardiff
It is recorded that a meeting of Christians commenced in 1852 in a house in Nelson Street who call themselves brethren, or Christians who gather only in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This building was opened in 1887.
Adamsdown was the first assembly in South Wales, and possibly in the whole of Wales.
This was originally the main entrance to the building but is now the back.
Former Gospel Hall, George Street, Swansea
The former Gospel Hall in George Street is now owned and run by Exousia Trust. It is a multipurpose venue used for the Trust's work, primarily Zac's Place - "A Church For Ragamuffins".
By Jaggery
This building was built in 1891 as a meeting place for Plymouth Brethren.
The current owners state:
‘In 2003 we bought an old Gospel Hall, in Swansea city centre, which had shut its doors the previous year. Over the next few years Zac’s Place became known as A Church For Ragamuffins continuing on the same principles that it started with; an open door and a warm welcome to all. Bible teaching, discipleship and serving the poor and vulnerable continue to be the mainstays of activity. It continues to be a mission church very much at home on the margins.’
Salvation Army (1)
The Salvation Army and the work that it is involved in worldwide is well known.The founder William Booth’s connection with Wales has been mentioned in the previous section Industrial Chapels & Benefactors - John Cory & Richard Cory
Their meeting places are often referred to as citadels.
Here are some established in the 19th century.
Salvation Army Citadel, Morriston, Swansea
The Salvation Army's early meetings in Morriston were held in a room above a cobbler's shop in Clyndu Street before the Corps moved to this building in May 1889.
by Jaggery
Shared Description
Salvation Army Hall, Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent
The Welsh Chapels website states:
Abertillery Salvation Army Hall was built in 1885 in the Simple Round-Headed style. The chapel has a gable-entry plan with the long side parallel to Hill Street.
Salvation Army Hall, Tenby, Pembrokeshire
The following is taken from the Welsh Chapels website:
Tenby Baptist Chapel was built in 1830 in the later Vernacular style of the gable-entry type. By 1845 the building was in use as the Sunday School and in 1854 the denomination changed to Primitive Methodist and in 1881 the building became a Salvation Army Citadel.
![Creative Commons Licence [Some Rights Reserved]](https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/somerights20.gif)
Images used on this page, © Copyright Jaggery, Eric Jones, Jeremy Bolwell, Eirian Evans, Richard Law, Robin Drayton, Roger D Kidd, Michael Dibb, Philip Halling, Andrew Shannon, John H Darch, Cered, John Lord and Ian S;
licensed for re-use under a Creative Commons Licence. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/( Page < < prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ... next >> )
