Bethel Chapel, Ynysybwl

Church

Bethel, Ynysybwl

Denomination| Congregationalist
History
Status| Closed
Founded| 1786
Architecture
Years built| 1876
Closed| 1970

Bethel, Ynysybwl was a Calvinistic Methodist chapel in Rock Terrace, Ynysybwl, Glamorgan, Wales.

## Early history

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The church at Bethel dated from the late 18th century, although the older buildings were converted into dwellings in 1876 when the new chapel was built.[1] It is claimed that Howel Harris preached in the area before the original cause[clarification needed] was established.[1] John Wesley is claimed to have preached at Bethel in 1786.[1]

During the late 19th century, Bethel, like so many nonconformist chapels, played a wider role in the life of the community than in a purely religious sphere. Public lectures were very popular, such as that delivered by the renowned poet-preacher Evan Rees (Dyfed) in 1899 on "The Land of the Negros", a popular theme at the height of British colonial activity. The lecture was apparently appreciated by a full house.[2]

## Twentieth century

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The chapel remained open into the late 20th century, but closed in the 1970s.[1] The building was converted for domestic use in 1978.

## References

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1. ^ a b c d Jones. Chapels of the Cynon Valley. p. 3.
2. ^ "Ynysybwl". Glamorgan Free Press. 29 April 1899. Retrieved 18 May 2015.

## Bibliography

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* Jones, Alan Vernon (2004). Chapels of the Cynon Valley. Cynon Valley Historical Society. ISBN 0953107612.

## External links

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* Coflein database entry

51°38′37″N 3°22′23″W﻿ / ﻿51.6436°N 3.3731°W﻿ / 51.6436; -3.3731