Horeb(1870)

English Baptist, Chapel Street, Treorchy

Built: 1874 , Extended or Rebuilt: 1908 [Sittings: 650]

The initial meetings of this cause were in a loft above the stables of Ystradfechan Farm. It is mentioned that Dr. Morris of Noddfa preached the last sermon at this location and would continue to supervise this flock, jointly with Henry Rosser of Bethany, Treherbert, at their school-room for a few years until their main chapel was built.

  Image © Copyright Glamorgan Archives - Reference: MGCS/CS/54.128

As written in the history of Bethel, Cwmparc, it was Horeb who established this daughter cause. However the loss of many members to their daughter caused financial difficulties at Horeb and for a time had to share the services of their minister.
    Horeb was also a member of the Upper Rhondda Baptist Group so it shared its ministers with the other members viz Bethel, Providence and Zion.
     The last service to be held in the chapel was in December, 1990 as the building had been deemed to be unsafe for continued use. At that time there were but 12 members remaining and for the next three years the congregation met at the olf Tabernacle chapel which was also accommodating the Methodists (Wesleyan). Subsequently, those members still remaining either worsipped at Providence or Bethel.
   &nsp;On a side-note, Horeb's building was set a little way back off the road so from the main crossroads in Treorchy one could only see the side-wall of the house next door. And in a reminder to those who could be tempted to attend its name was painted on that side-wall.
    The chapel was sold in 1991 and demolished. A new building occuppies the site. The initial occupants were doctors and if memory serves it was then known as 'Horeb Surgery'. Sadly, this is not the case at the present time.

Source documents:-
MGCS 54/128.
Referenced to in 'Zion English Baptist 1865-2005' - D.F. Brownnutt.