Horeb(1898)

Welsh Baptist, r o Henfrefodwg Street, Tylorstown

Built: 1898 , Extended or Rebuilt: 1901 [Sittings: 650]

Horeb was a 'Daughter' of Hermon, Pontygwaith which organised a Sunday School at a room at East Road owned by Tyler and Co., the colliery owners used during the week as a library.

  Image © Copyright Glamorgan Archives - Reference: MGCS/CS/54.071

It was soon appreciated that larger premises were required. They initially met at purchased houses at Hendrefodwg street whilst a new school-room was built in the rear gardens on a quite steep slope. This building sussequently became the vestry incorporated into the main 1901 chapel. It is stated that this was the last Welsh Baptist chapel to be built in the Rhondda Fach. The building had cost of ₤2,000. Total debts were not cleared until 1949.
    Horeb's last minister, and its longest serving, was Handel Bowen who shared his duties with Salem Newydd, Ferndale and later with Salem, Porth.
    And whilst the church continued beyond the retirement of the Rev. Bowen and due to dwindling attendance she closed in 1997. The remaining members which numbered 7 transfered to Ainon, Ynyshir.
    The main chapel had ceased to be used since the 1980's was sold in 1998. I do not know what use was made of it after that but what is known is that it burnt down in 2009.

Document Sources:-

MGCS 54/71
Trafodion 2001 pg 35.