Noddfa(1869)

Welsh Baptist, High Street, Treorchy

Built: 1869 , Extended or Rebuilt: 1876 [Sittings: 1150]

The first attempt in forming a Baptist cuase in Treorchy was done under the auspices of Libanus, Treherbert around 1859. Meetings were at various places such as a converted stable at Tylacoch farm and a room above the Cardiff Arms Hotel. These early efforts do not appear to have taken root as by 1866 no trace of them remained.

  Commercial and other sources

However in that year the erstwhile minister of Nebo, Ystrad, J. 'Rufus' Williams formed a branch cause with initial members coming from his church and Libanus.
    Whilst the first chapel of 1868 could seat 700 persons, it soon proved to be too small and by 1876 the Baptist 'cathedral' was ready of occupation. There persists a legend that whilst the outer walls of the second chapel were constructed, the congregation continued to meet in the first one.
    Noddfa's first minister, William Morris 'Rhosynog' served from the recognition of the church in 1869 to 1922. Shortly before his death. An absolute pillar of local society. His almost 'brotherly' association with the then Vicar of Ystrayfodwg, Canon William Lewis, is well documented.
    Noddfa returned the compliment afforded to her by Nebo and mothered the churches of Cwmparc (Bethel), Pentre (Moriah) and Ainon, Ynyswen. It also formed English causes in Treorchy (Horeb) and Ynyswen (Providence).
    Membership fell steadily from its peak of 750. When Noddfa closed in 1982 it could still boast over 100 members but probably not enough to support such a large building.
    Noddfa suffered the fate of severe damage caused by fire vandalism in 1986 although I do not know what plans there existed for it at that time. Subsequently demolished with Noddfa Day Centre and sheltered accommodation built on its site in 1994.

Document Sources:-
MGCS 54/129
Trafodion 1996 pg 46.
Braslun O Hanes 1866-1966 William Joseph Rhys.