Cymer(1740)

Welsh Independent / Congregational, High Street, Cymmer

Built: 1870 [Sittings: 1050]

Whilst the second Capel Y Cymer had been built in 1834 the rapid rise in attendance, and despite new causes being established elsewhere, meant that the old chapel 'Hen Capel' was too small. But the church had the foresight that rather than demolish to build afresh . A new location was procured and the old chapel retained.

  Image by permission of The History Press/Glyn Rudd

The new chapel was built in 1870 almost opposite the old. But the old was still to play its part in the overall history of the cause. As with most chapels, attendance fell and by the 1950's membership had 'peaked' to 140 and down to only 40 by 1963. Prior to this, the congregation had moved back to the old chapel with the new sold off and put to commercial use.
    It would appear that Cymer chapel ceased around 1990. The old chapel still stands to this day but is in a sorry state. It is said that there were plans to remove it to the Heritage Park at Trehafod. But it was discovered that its interior had been vandalised, a fate not uncommon with abandoned buildings, and nothing came of this. And all that is left are sad memories.

Document Sources:-
MGCS 54/016
Braslun o'i Hanes 1738-1938 - Mihangel Ap Rhys
Morgannwg Vol 25 (1981) "Capel y Cymer" - I.G.Jones (after E.D.Lewis)