Calfaria Chapel, Abercynon
Calfaria, Abercynon was a Baptist chapel in Glancynon Street, Abercynon, Mid Glamorgan, Wales. Services at Calfaria were conducted in the Welsh language.
Early history
[edit]The first recorded baptisms at Abercynon were reported in 1835. Services were being held at the New inn in 1850 but the chapel was not established until 1888.[1] The first building was known as Glancynon and built in 1888 at a cost of £285.[1] However, within a few years it was considered too small. The new chapel was built in 1894 at a cost of £1800 and enlarged in 1904 at a cost of a further £2000. It was one of the largest chapels in the Cynon Valley.[1] The first minister was J.F. Williams
Twentieth century
[edit]In 1905, Benjamin Howells of Gelliwen, St Clears, a native of Llanelli, accepted a call to minister the church and the induction services were held in December of that year, At the time the church had a membership of 250.[2]
After twelve years at Abercynon, Benjamin Howells moved to Letterston, Pembrokeshire, in 1918.[3]
The last service at the chapel was held on 8 October 1981. The building was demolished in 1983[1] and in 1987 flats were built on the site.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Jones. Chapels of the Cynon Valley. p. 14.
- ^ "Calfaria, Abercynon. Cyfarfodydd Sefydlu". Seren Cymru. 15 December 1905. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ^ "Calfaria, Abercynon. Cyfarfod Ymadawol". Seren Cymru. 1 March 1918. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
- ^ "Calfaria, Glancynon Terrace, Abercynon (9763)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
Bibliography
[edit]- Jones, Alan Vernon (2004). Chapels of the Cynon Valley. Cynon Valley Historical Society. ISBN 0953107612.