Gadlys Chapel
| Gadlys Chapel | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
 | |
| OS grid reference | SN99790315 |
| Location | Railway Street, Trecynon, Aberdare |
| Country | Wales, United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Baptist |
| History | |
| Founded | 1864 |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 1 October 1991 |
| Architectural type | Chapel |
| Style | Late 19th century |
| Closed | 1980 |
Gadlys Chapel was a Baptist chapel in Railway Street, Gadlys, Aberdare, Wales. It was built as a branch church of Calfaria Chapel in Aberdare.
History[edit]
The cause of its formation began in 1858. It began as a Sunday school held in various houses until a schoolroom was built and opened on 6 February 1859.[1] 49 members were released from Calfaria, Aberdare to form a new chapel at Gadlys. It was built in 1864 on a land leased from Dr. J.L. Roberts of Gadlys Uchaf Estate.[1] The architect of the building was Thomas Joseph and the building cost were £675.[1]
Its first baptism took place on 5 April 1863.
Benjamin Evans at Gadlys[edit]
He was the church's minister from 1876 until his death in 1900. he is also known as the 'Bishop of Gadlys'.
Twentieth Century[edit]
The history of Gadlys in the twentieth century was characterized by a series of comparatively brief ministries, none of which lasted for more than ten years. Myles Griffiths from Bangor College, but a native of Neath was inducted as minister in July 1902 at a service at which William Harris of Heolyfelin presided.[2] He moved to Liverpool in 1906.[3]
R. Gwenffrwd Hughes arrived from Valley and Caergeiliog in Anglesey in 1908.[4] During his time at Gadlys, Hughes became involved with Liberal Party politics and was nominated as a candidate for a seat on the Board of Guardians in 1910. although he was not selected.[5] After a brief ministry departed for Pontlottyn in 1910.[3] Shortly afterwards, Hughes was married at Gadlys Chapel to Ethel, daughter of the late Benjamin Evans.[6] In 1911 the membership stood at 195 members.
David Bassett, became the next minister in December 1912 and remained for ten years until his death on January 1, 1922.[7] then after him J.H. Jones came from Laleston beame minister in 1925 and remained minister for four years before moving to Bonymaen.[7] He was followed by Thomas Richards, a student from Cardiff College who was inducted in 1933 and served for seven years before moving to Kensington Chapel, Brecon, in 1940.[7] A new organ was installed in 1940.[1]
Iorwerth Davies moved from lower down the valley at Calfaria, Abercynon, in 1946 and served until 1951.[7] The minister from 1954 until 1957 was Gwyn Rogers.[7]
Closure[edit]
The chapel closed in 1980 and was later converted into flats.
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d Jones. Chapels of the Cynon Valley. p. 115.
- ^ "Induction Services at Gadlys". Aberdare Leader. 2 August 1902. p. 1. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
- ^ a b Undeb Bedyddwyr Cymru, Y Rhos, Aberpennar (in Welsh). 1947. pp. 35–6.
- ^ "Gadlys New Pastor. Recognition Services of Rev R. Gwenffrwd Hughes". Aberdare Leader. 21 November 1908. p. 6. Retrieved 21 July 2019.
- ^ "Gadlys Ward Elections. Liberal Candidates Selected". Aberdare Leader. 5 March 1910. p. 6. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
- ^ "Interesting Wedding". Aberdare Leader. 17 December 1910. p. 5. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
- ^ a b c d e Undeb Bedyddwyr Cymru, Aberdâr (in Welsh). 1964. p. 62.
Bibliography[edit]
- Jones, Alan Vernon (2004). Chapels of the Cynon Valley. Cynon Valley Historical Society. ISBN 0953107612.
- Parry, Jon (1989). "Labour Leaders and Local Politics 1888–1902: The Example of Aberdare" (PDF). Welsh History Review. 14 (3): 399–416. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
- Parry, R. Ifor (1964). "Crefydd yng Nghwm Aberdar, a Chyfraniad y Bedyddwyr". Undeb Bedyddwyr Cymru, Aberdar (in Welsh): 15–61.
- Undeb Bedyddwyr Cymru, Aberdâr (in Welsh). 1964.