Grant will restore 'iconic' Welsh Baptist chapel 

The condemned building of a Welsh Baptist fellowship is to be restored thanks to a National Churches Trust grant, enabling the thriving congregation to increase its community activities and outreach

Bryn Sion Baptist Fellowship in Aberdare, Wales, has been forced to rent other buildings in the area as its Grade II Listed chapel was condemned six years ago due to the risk of sections of the ornate ceiling becoming detached and falling.

However, a £30,000 National Churches Trust Grant will now help to pay for urgent ceiling repairs.

Reopening its chapel will enable the church to accommodate and even expand the many community groups it runs locally. Bryn Sion is currently running toddler groups, youth groups and groups for elderly people in other premises, and all are oversubscribed. It wants to open new ones too, such as a mental health support group.

The fellowship has also become increasingly well known in recent years for family outreach events such as Messy Church and After School Family Fun. Each Christmas it attracts attention in the community with an illuminated display of the nativity scene in a large wooden stable, with many passers by taking selfies of family groups and friends.

Minister Ian Ross said, 'We are absolutely thrilled to receive this funding from the National Churches Trust. It will enable us to carry out the work necessary to reopen our chapel for the benefit of the community.

'In recent years our congregation size and the many opportunities to serve our community have increased. 

'We have had to limit numbers attending events due to a lack of space. But having our chapel reopened will enable us to expand our activities and welcome greater numbers of people from our local community into these.

'For many years chapels in our valley have closed and often gone into disrepair. We are so happy that Bryn Sion will now remain open as an accessible, warm, welcoming chapel in the heart of the village of Trecynon. Thank you.'

 

The ornate plasterwork of the Grade II Listed chapel ceiling, being of considerable architectural heritage interest will be reinforced and made safe again; this will include renewing sections that have become water damaged, detached and warped.
 

The chapel is situated on the main road through the village of Trecynon, Aberdare, and has a fascinating history. It was the first chapel to experience the 1904-1905 Welsh Revival outside of Evan Roberts’ hometown of Loughor, Swansea. Upon his visit with his team, many hundreds of people reportedly experienced spiritual conversion in the area.

Gareth Simpson, Support Officer for Wales/Cymru at the National Churches Trust, said, 'The chapel is an iconic landmark in Trecynon, Aberdare and we are thrilled that Bryn Sion Baptist Fellowship have detailed plans not only to make the building safe again, but to open it up for further community use.'

The grant is part of a £497,120 urgent funding pay-out from the National Churches Trust. 

Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said, 'The National Churches Trust is excited to be able to support Bryn Sion Baptist Fellowship to enable them to carry out urgent ceiling repairs to their building. 

'Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help the church to get this chapel open again and serving local people.

'Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.'