7. 20th century
Nonconformist Chapels in Wales
Contents
20th century
A century of change
The Welsh Chapel’s website states :Despite the successes of the 19th century and the hopes raised by the 1904 revival the 20th century was to witness a catastrophic decline in Welsh Nonconformity. Membership of each of the main denominations peaked early in the century
With the decline of the main denominations and also chapel attendance, the appearance of non-denominational churches, ie one that isn’t associated with a traditional denomination, is a notable feature as the century progressed. The use of the word chapel as a description for a place of worship faded out and was replaced by church or another form of description. Some of these churches are part of a larger group which might be reflected in their name. Others use a word such as ‘Pentecostal’ or ‘Evangelical’ and some do not use the word church but another description such as ‘Mission Hall’ or ‘Christian Centre’. These all can be regarded as part of the legacy of Nonconformist Chapels in Wales. A number of these churches describe themselves as ‘independent’, meaning that they are self governing rather than governed by an outside body. They are not to be confused with the earlier Independent/Congregational denomination.
1904-5 Revival
The 1904-5 Welsh Revival has been well documented. The Wikipedia article commences:The 1904–1905 Welsh Revival was the largest Christian revival in Wales during the 20th century. It was one of the most dramatic in terms of its effect on the population, and triggered revivals in several other countries.
Blaenannerch Chapel, Ceredigion
The Welsh Chapels website Link
states:‘Blaenannerch Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church was built in 1794 to house a cause begun in 1740; it was later enlarged in 1808, rebuilt in 1838 and remodelled to the design of J.Jones of Rhydlewis in 1896. This chapel is associated with the major religious revivals of 1859 and 1905, the latter of which was lead by Evan Roberts whose spectacular 'conversion' took place in the first pew to left of pulpit.’
Moriah Chapel, Loughor, Swansea
The Welsh Chapels website Link
states:
‘This chapel has important historical associations with Evan Roberts and the religious revival of 1904-5 because it was in the schoolroom that Roberts addressed the youth meeting of 31 October 1904, marking the beginning of the Revival.’
Located in front of Moriah Chapel. Link
Evan Roberts (1879-1951), preacher and revivalist, was a leading figure in the 1904–1905 Welsh Revival. Hundreds of people flocked to Revival Meetings to hear him preach.
He is buried at the rear of the main chapel building, together with the rest of his family.
Evan Roberts (1879-1951), preacher and revivalist, was a leading figure in the 1904–1905 Welsh Revival. Hundreds of people flocked to Revival Meetings to hear him preach.
He is buried at the rear of the main chapel building, together with the rest of his family.
by Jaggery
Pisgah Chapel, Loughor, Swanseau
Pisgah is a historic chapel where Evan Roberts first began preaching at the start of the Welsh Revival. It has attracted visitors from all over the world.
The huge tie bars in the picture hint that the building is in need of renovation. Indeed it is now claimed that it is too costly to maintain. Planning permission has been sought to demolish it and build dwellings in its place.
By Nigel Davies
Subsequent to this photo, which was taken in 2012, the chapel was saved from demolition and has been restored. It is now owned by Cornerstone Community Church, Singapore.
As of 2021 there is no recent photo of this building on the Geograph website.
Capel Soar, Calvinistic Methodist, Llanelltyd, Gwynedd
The Welsh Chapels website Link
states:‘Soar Methodist Chapel was built in 1846 then altered and re-roofed in 1886. Following the Revival of 1904-5, land was gifted and a new chapel built.’
Harmoni/Harmony Welsh Baptist Chapel, Pencaer, Pembrokeshire
Harmony Baptist Chapel was built in 1828.
Following a large increase in membership during the 1904/5 revival, it was decided in 1908 to build a new chapel (shown here). A plot of land on the opposite side of the road was donated free of charge for this purpose.
The National Monuments Record of Wales (Coflein) website Link
gives details of the effects of the revival in this area.Bethania Calvinistic Methodist Church, Glynneath, Neath Port Talbot
Located on the south side of High Street, between Whitting Street and Bethania Street.
The inscription on the roundel near the top of the facade reads BETHANIA AD 1905.
By Jaggery
Grade 2 Listed as a large religious revival chapel, well detailed externally and with very fine internal woodwork.
Hope English Baptist Chapel, Gelli, Rhondda Cynnon Taff
Located near the SW corner of Gelli Park, on the corner of Park View and Lon-y-parc. The English in its name describes the language of worship, to distinguish it from churches in the area where Welsh is or was the language of worship.
This is the original chapel, built in 1902. It became the school room to a larger chapel consecrated in 1906. The larger chapel closed in 2003 whereupon the congregation worshipped here again.
This is the original chapel, built in 1902. It became the school room to a larger chapel consecrated in 1906. The larger chapel closed in 2003 whereupon the congregation worshipped here again.
by Jaggery
Bethania Welsh Baptist Chapel, Maesteg, Bridgend
Built in 1908 on the site of a previous chapel.
The Welsh Chapels website states:
‘ Wales was convulsed by the Revival associated with the preaching of Evan Roberts. In that one year, 1904, 158 new members were baptised at Bethania. It was in this atmosphere of revival that Sir William Beddoe Rees, a Cardiff based architect born in Maesteg, was commissioned to design the present chapel. Costing £6,000, it is recognised as one of his greatest achievements.’
Grade ll* listed and in the care of the Welsh Religious Building Trust.
Independent / Congregational (4)
For more information from Addoldai Cymru (Welsh Religious Buildings Trust)United Reformed Church
The United Reformed Church resulted from the 1972 union of the Presbyterian Church of England and the Congregational Church in England and Wales. In 2021, the United Reformed Church National Synod of Wales consists of over eighty URC congregations.
Here is a selection:
Gilwern United Reformed Church, Monmouthshire
Opened in 1886 as Gilwern Congregational Church.
Became Gilwern United Reformed Church in 1972.
St John’s United Reformed Church, Flint, Clwyd
The nameboard shows St John's Flint with Bagillt United Reformed Church, part of the Dee Valley Pastorate. Foundation stones in the wall are dated September 28th 1927.
by Jaggery
United Reformed Church, Newtown, Powys
The church on the corner of Park Street and New Church Street was formerly known as the English Congregational Church. It is the 1876 rebuild of the 1822 original. Grade II listed in 1988.
by Jaggery
Shared Description
Congregational Federation
Some Congregational churches did not join the United Reformed Church and as at 2021 there are 29 churches affiliated to the Congregational Federation in Wales.
Here is a selection:
Tabernacle Congregational Church, Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent
Town centre church located in Chapel Street.
At the June 2013 date of this view, the church was one of 35 churches in Wales affiliated to the Congregational Federation.
By Jaggery
The original chapel was built in 1855 and then rebuilt in 1875.
At the June 2013 date of this view, the church was one of 35 churches in Wales affiliated to the Congregational Federation.
By Jaggery
The original chapel was built in 1855 and then rebuilt in 1875.
Emmaus Chapel, Pontnewynydd, Torfaen
Located on Freeholdland Road.
The chapel is one of 35 chapels or churches in Wales which are affiliated to the Congregational Federation.
On the left is Chapel House Link.
By Jaggery
Originally known as Machine Meadow Independent Chapel, it was built in 1894
The chapel is one of 35 chapels or churches in Wales which are affiliated to the Congregational Federation.
On the left is Chapel House Link.
By Jaggery
Originally known as Machine Meadow Independent Chapel, it was built in 1894
Congregational Chapel, Markham, Caerphilly
The chapel, built in 1922, is located between Abernant Road and Pen-y-werlod Road.
by Jaggery
Calvinistic Methodists / Presbyterians (3)
For more information from Addoldai Cymru (Welsh Religious Buildings Trust)Forward Movement
It was towards the end of the 19th century, with the increase in the population and poor living conditions in the rapidly expanding towns, that some in the Calvinistic Methodists/Welsh Presbyterians had a concern for evangelising amongst the English speakers. Three men, John Pugh, Seth and Frank Joshua, took up open air preaching and tent missions to achieve this purpose. In the early 1890s following a mission in Cardiff a permanent building was erected and the Calvinistic Methodist denomination officially adopted what was known as the Forward Movement.
Here are some of the mission halls and churches that were subsequently established by the Forward Mission.
Neath Mission Hall, Neath Port Talbot
Erected in 1884 on the north side of High Street, known as the Lesser Hall.
The church was affiliated to the Forward Movement. Such was the growth of the
church that within a few years this building was too small for the size of the congregation.
In 1903 the foundation stone was laid for the chapel which adjoins the Lesser Hall on the left. Link
The church was affiliated to the Forward Movement. Such was the growth of the
church that within a few years this building was too small for the size of the congregation.
In 1903 the foundation stone was laid for the chapel which adjoins the Lesser Hall on the left. Link
by Jaggery
Welsh Evangelical Church, Cardiff
Originally built in 1887 as Harriet Street Mission English Presbyterian Church (Kingsway Hall).
Nearby, in 1898, a Forward Movement Mission was established in Fitzroy Street. By 1930 the premises were inadequate and the congregation moved and occupied this building until 1993.
In 1998 it was reopened as a Welsh-speaking evangelical church.
Heath Evangelical Church, Cardiff
Viewed across Whitchurch Road, between Llanishen Street and Manor Street.
The Church was founded in 1901 by the Reverend John Pugh. The building was opened on June 20th 1906.
By Jaggery
The first building on this site was a Forward Movement Hall.
By 1915 Heath, with a membership of over 400, had become the largest of the Forward Movement halls in Wales and it continued to grow despite the strains imposed by wartime conditions.
The church’s attachment to the Forward Movement ended when it was transferred to the Glamorgan Presbytery in 1946.
In 1971, the church seceded from the Presbyterian Church of Wales and since then has been an independent evangelical church.
The Church was founded in 1901 by the Reverend John Pugh. The building was opened on June 20th 1906.
By Jaggery
The first building on this site was a Forward Movement Hall.
By 1915 Heath, with a membership of over 400, had become the largest of the Forward Movement halls in Wales and it continued to grow despite the strains imposed by wartime conditions.
The church’s attachment to the Forward Movement ended when it was transferred to the Glamorgan Presbytery in 1946.
In 1971, the church seceded from the Presbyterian Church of Wales and since then has been an independent evangelical church.
Malpas Road Evangelical Church, Newport
On the west side of Malpas Road, opposite the junction with Brynglas Road. Present name was adopted in 1976 - previously known as Malpas Road Presbyterian Church.
The date on the foundation stone is August 3rd 1896.
By Jaggery
Originally a Forward Movement hall.
The date on the foundation stone is August 3rd 1896.
By Jaggery
Originally a Forward Movement hall.
Bethlehem Evangelical Church, Sandfields, Aberavon, Neath Port Talbot
Originally a Forward Movement church. The outstanding preacher Martyn Lloyd-Jones, for many years minister at Westminster Chapel in central London, was previously pastor here 1927-1938.
By John Lord
The original Forward Movement Mission Hall is the Lesser Hall of the current building which dates from 1914.
By John Lord
The original Forward Movement Mission Hall is the Lesser Hall of the current building which dates from 1914.
Former Forward Movement Church, Swansea
Viewed across Port Tennant Road. A cross remains as part of the structure of the large window above the entrance, but there was no name on the building at the November 2013 date of this view.
The following notes are based on details in the Archives Network Wales.
The Forward Movement was the response of Calvinistic Methodists to a perceived loss of empathy with the poor in the late 19th century. Port Tennant Road Forward Movement Hall was established in 1895 at 181 Port Tennant Road in the St Thomas area of Swansea. During the Second World War, the chapel was destroyed during a bombing raid, and it appears that services were held at Burrows Forward Movement Hall until the premises were moved temporarily to Wern Terrace, Port Tennant.
The chapel was rebuilt here in another part of Port Tennant Road in the 1950s.
The archives do not state when this building was last used for worship.
The latest year for which archives are held for the church is 1988.
The following notes are based on details in the Archives Network Wales.
The Forward Movement was the response of Calvinistic Methodists to a perceived loss of empathy with the poor in the late 19th century. Port Tennant Road Forward Movement Hall was established in 1895 at 181 Port Tennant Road in the St Thomas area of Swansea. During the Second World War, the chapel was destroyed during a bombing raid, and it appears that services were held at Burrows Forward Movement Hall until the premises were moved temporarily to Wern Terrace, Port Tennant.
The chapel was rebuilt here in another part of Port Tennant Road in the 1950s.
The archives do not state when this building was last used for worship.
The latest year for which archives are held for the church is 1988.
by Jaggery
Bethel Presbyterian Church, Llwynhendy, Carmarthenshire
Viewed across Heol Gwili. The nameboard at the edge of the doorway shows Bethel Presbyterian Church.
The inscription on the tablet over the doorway shows BETHEL FORWARD MOVEMENT CHAPEL 1955.
By Jaggery
Subsequent alterations were made to the front of the building later in the 20th century.
The inscription on the tablet over the doorway shows BETHEL FORWARD MOVEMENT CHAPEL 1955.
By Jaggery
Subsequent alterations were made to the front of the building later in the 20th century.
English / Wesleyan Methodist (3)
Shaftesbury Methodist Church, Newport
Located in Shaftesbury Street, between Malpas Road and the city centre.
In addition to religious services, the church is where the local U3A (University of the Third Age) meet, currently (January 2013) from 10am to 3.30pm each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
In addition to religious services, the church is where the local U3A (University of the Third Age) meet, currently (January 2013) from 10am to 3.30pm each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
by Jaggery
This chapel is early 20th century with later additions. In March 2023 it is up for sale.
North Cornelly Methodist Church, Bridgend
Located at 5-7 Heol Fach, North Cornelly, the church is part of the Neath Port Talbot Methodist Circuit.
The church website records that in the early 1920s Ebenezer Primitive Methodist Church took root. A group of enthusiastic evangelists from Bethel Primitive Methodist Church in Port Talbot came to Cornelly and held services, sometimes in the local school, sometimes in the open air in the surrounding fields. It was from that fellowship that the present church grew.
The first building was erected in 1924. During the 1940s, it was used as a cinema on Saturday mornings for the local children to view cartoons. A minute in the records of 1952 stated that the use of the church was granted (free of charge) to the Ministry of Food for the distribution of ration books.
In 1966 the building was extended and further amenities were included.
In 2017 the building has a loop induction system and is wheelchair friendly.
The church website records that in the early 1920s Ebenezer Primitive Methodist Church took root. A group of enthusiastic evangelists from Bethel Primitive Methodist Church in Port Talbot came to Cornelly and held services, sometimes in the local school, sometimes in the open air in the surrounding fields. It was from that fellowship that the present church grew.
The first building was erected in 1924. During the 1940s, it was used as a cinema on Saturday mornings for the local children to view cartoons. A minute in the records of 1952 stated that the use of the church was granted (free of charge) to the Ministry of Food for the distribution of ration books.
In 1966 the building was extended and further amenities were included.
In 2017 the building has a loop induction system and is wheelchair friendly.
by Jaggery
Baptist (4)
Membership of Baptist chapels, in common with the other main denominations, peaked early in the century. They appear to have reached their highest figure as early as 1906 with 143,584 members. By 1982, a census of the churches in Wales showed that the Baptists then had 50,200 members in 699 chapels. In 2008 it was estimated that there were 557 Baptist congregations.
Here are some Baptist chapels that were built or rebuilt in the 20th century.
Baptist Chapel, Franksbridge, Powys
The church was formed in 1824 and the first chapel built in 1835. It was rebuilt in 1909.
Tabernacle Chapel, Llandudno, Conwy
Addition of schoolroom 1902
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 Vadre 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. The chapel closed in 2013. The adjoining schoolroom has been used as an exhibition centre.
As part of Llawn03 the Tabernacl Vestry was used by world renowned choreographer Jonathan Burrows Link and composer Matteo Fargion SH7882 : Both Sitting Duet as the venue for a performance of "Both Sitting Duet" Link
The building erected in 1875 replaced an earlier chapel on the corner of Llewelyn Avenue and Vadre 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. The chapel closed in 2013. The adjoining schoolroom has been used as an exhibition centre.
As part of Llawn03 the Tabernacl Vestry was used by world renowned choreographer Jonathan Burrows Link
and composer Matteo Fargion SH7882 : Both Sitting Duet as the venue for a performance of "Both Sitting Duet" Linkby Gerald England
Shared Description
Rumney Baptist Church, Cardiff
Rumney Baptist Church was established in Tyr-y-sarn Road in the 1920s.
It is also known as the Alfred Tilly Memorial Chapel, named for the minister of Bethany Church, St Mary Street, Cardiff, 1857-1861, and minister and founder of Tredegarville Baptist Church, The Parade, Cardiff, 1861-1893.
By Jaggery
The following is from the chapel’s website:
Baptist’s meetings in this area commenced in a private house in 1882. Land nearby was acquired and a church building was erected in 1889. Following much growth, this building was erected nearby and opened in 1929.
We are part of Baptist Together Great Britain and the South Wales Baptist Association.
Bethel Baptist Church, Hawthorn, Rhondda Cynon Taff
According to the chapel’s website, this building was erected in 1907 (not 1904 as stated on the Welsh Chapels website). It arose through the concern of worshipers at Calvary Baptist Church, Treforest, that there was no English Chapel between Treforest and Taffs Well. Eventually, in 1904, they obtained a house in Hawthorn and converted it into a Baptist Mission House. They soon outgrew this and obtained a site where the current chapel was built and opened in 1907. A vestry extension was added in 1933.
Ackhill Baptist Church, Dolley Green, Powys
Ackhill Baptist Church was born out of the 1904 Welsh revival.
The first place of worship was a "Tin Tabernacle" that was built in 1905.
The current red brick chapel was built in 1930 with the former building retained as a school room.
The chapel is on the Offa’s Dyke long distance footpath.
By Robin Drayton
Capel Noddfa, Welsh Baptist, Porthcawl, Bridgend
Noddfa Welsh Baptist chapel was built in 1939 at a cost of £5000, and opened on the 7th August 1940.
Tywyn Baptist Church, Gwynedd
Built in 1991 with a later addition to the front.
Its website states:
We are an independent Baptist church, affiliated to and accountable to both the Baptist Union of Great Britain and the North Western Baptist Association
Gaer Baptist Church, Gaer Estate, Newport
Located on Shakespeare Crescent. Its non-religious uses include as a polling station Link for about 1,650 local residents.
by Jaggery
The Gaer Estate was one of the new estates that were created in Newport following World War II. It is on a hilly location on the west side of Newport. By 1949 it was nearing completion and in 1951 it received an Award of Merit in the Festival of Britain Architectural Competition.
The Welsh Chapels website records this building as late 20th century.
by Jaggery
The Gaer Estate was one of the new estates that were created in Newport following World War II. It is on a hilly location on the west side of Newport. By 1949 it was nearing completion and in 1951 it received an Award of Merit in the Festival of Britain Architectural Competition.
The Welsh Chapels website records this building as late 20th century.
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