Bethesda, Abercwmboi
Bethesda, Abercwmboi is a Welsh Baptist church in Abercwmboi near Aberdare. The origins of the cause date back to 1854 when a small group of members from Gwawr, Aberaman began to hold prayer meetings in the locality.[1]
In 1860 two houses in Jenkin Street were purchased and converted into a chapel. Four years later a new chapel was built with seating for 600.[1] The building was extensively renovated in 1938 and 1950.[1]
It is now one of the few remaining Welsh Baptist churches in the locality. The chapel is built in the Classical style with two storeys, a gable entry plan and a hall/ Sunday school/ vestry is located behind the main building. Bethesda is now Grade 2 listed for its handsome classical facade, unaltered interior with original furishings and unusual panelled ceiling.[2]
Some members from Calfaria, Aberdare joined Bethesda when their own chapel closed due to low membership in recent years.
References
- 1 2 3 Jones 2004, p. 60.
- ↑ "Bethesda Welsh Baptist Chapel, John Street, Abercwmboi". Coflein. Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales. Retrieved 14 April 2016.
Bibliography
- Jones, Alan Vernon (2004). Chapels of the Cynon Valley. Cynon Valley Historical Society. ISBN 0953107612.