Carmel(1857)

Welsh Independent / Congregational, Baglan Street, Treherbert

Built: 1858 [Sittings: 678]

Naturally it was the discovery of the rich coal seams in Trehebert in the 1850s that resulted in the increase in population. Other than the initial meeting in a house at Penyrenglyn, which they quickly outgrew, the congregation soon formed a regular church and met in the more spacious 'long room' of the Bute Hotel. Initial membership was some 28 persons.

  Image © Copyright Glamorgan Archives - Reference: MGCS/CS/54.134

Little time was wasted by the congregation in building their chapel which opened in 1859 at a cost of ₤1,850.
    Two of Carmel's ministers require mention. After a few short stays, Carmel's third minister, John Rees, finally, at the third attempt of asking, accepted the call and was to serve the church faithfully for the better part of 30 years. And even when he gave up his charge his flock would not totally let him go and would continue to serve communion until his successor was found.
    This story is echoed in Carmel's longest serving Emrys M. Jones who for part of his ministry also served Siloh, Pentre. Even when the Rev. Jones annouced his retirement his flock held on to him. The older photograph shows the adjoining vestry which the MGCS article erroneously named 'Bethel'. Actually Bethel was a remote school-room built at Jones, Terrace. When the vestry was demolished, the church planted a memorial garden to the Rev. Jones.
    Carmel still holds ervices to this day (2024). With the closure of Bethany, the remaining members now worship here and the World War memorial plaques for this chapel have found a fitting home.

Document Sources:-

MGCS 54/134.
Hanes Yr Achos 1857 - 1957.