Gadlys Chapel

Gadlys Chapel was a Baptist chapel in Railway Street, Gadlys, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales. It was formed as a branch of Calfaria, Aberdare

Gadlys Chapel
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

Early history

The cause began in 1858 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 the new chapel at Gadlys, which was built in 1864 on land leased from Dr J.L. Roberts of Gadlys Uchaf Estate.[1] The architect was Thomas Joseph and the building cost £675.[1] The first Baptism had taken place on 5 April 1863.

Benjamin Evans at Gadlys

The minister from 1876 until his death in 1900 was Benjamin Evans, known as the 'Bishop of Gadlys'.

Twentieth Century

The history of Gadlys in the twentieth century was characterised 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 nominayed 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, the "Bishop of Gadlys".[6] In 1911 the membership stood at 195 although the chapel could seat 600.

David Bassett from Penparc, Cardigan, became the next minister in December 1912 and remained for ten years until his death on January 1 1922.[7] J.H. Jones came from Laleston in 1925 and remained 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]

Later history

The chapel closed in 1980 and was later converted into flats.

References

1. Jones. Chapels of the Cynon Valley. p. 115.
2. "Induction Services at Gadlys". Aberdare Leader. 2 August 1902. p. 1. Retrieved 11 July 2019.
3. Undeb Bedyddwyr Cymru, Y Rhos, Aberpennar (in Welsh). 1947. pp. 35–6.
4. "Gadlys New Pastor. Recognition Services of Rev R. Gwenffrwd Hughes". Aberdare Leader. 21 November 1908. p. 6. Retrieved 21 July 2019.
5. "Gadlys Ward Elections. Liberal Candidates Selected". Aberdare Leader. 5 March 1910. p. 6. Retrieved 11 August 2019.
6. "Interesting Wedding". Aberdare Leader. 17 December 1910. p. 5. Retrieved 30 July 2019.
7. Undeb Bedyddwyr Cymru, Aberdâr (in Welsh). 1964. p. 62.

Bibliography

• 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.
• Parrry, R. Ifor (1964). "Crefydd yng Nghwm Aberdar, a Chyfraniad y Bedyddwyr". Undeb Bedyddwyr Cymru, Aberdar (in Welsh): 15–61.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
• Undeb Bedyddwyr Cymru, Aberdâr (in Welsh). 1964.

External links

• Coflein entry