Bethlehem(1866)

Welsh Calvinistic Methodist, High Street, Treorchy

Built: 1868 , Extended or Rebuilt: 1881 [Sittings: 850]

There is no coincidence as to the naming of this chapel since meetings were originally held in the old stable of Tylacoch Farm.

  Image © Copyright Glamorgan Archives - Reference: MGCS/CS/54.118

When it came to the building of a permanent home its location was somewhat deliberate being between Horeb, Treherbert and Jerusalem, Ton-Pentre. The initial chapel was built to a budget of ₤950 compared to the latter building at ₤2,058. Bethlehem also shared the services of the minister of Horeb for its early years although there is no indication that it was a branch of Horeb.
    Bethlehem, itself, nurtured several 'Daughter' causes at Cwmparc and also at Gosen in upper Treorchy. The MGCS document states that membership in the late 1970s stood at 153. Still a quite respectable figure. Naturally age and infirmity would affect that over the years and when I did visit the chapel during my initial research attendance appeared in single figures. Yet on a personal note I was most surprised to see my old general science teacher from my days at Pentre Grammar as the then secretary. Maybe he was being kind that he could remember me given that was over 40 years previous.
    And whilst I can not be certain I fear that regular services are no longer held (a further visit is sure required) although the chapel still hosts funerals.

Source Document - MGC 54/118.