150th Anniversary of Opening

To remember and celebrate 150 years since the building of Jerusalem Chapel, Neath Road, Resolfen there was a very special recent gathering at the Chapel.

The evening was presided over by the Rev W Rhys Locke who had family and emotional connections to the building and who has memories of his grandmother who spoke fondly about the Chapel.

The sound of the hymn singing was enjoyed and enhanced by the good attendance at the meeting. Some of the hymns were written by composers associated with Jerusalem Resolfen such as ‘Penmachno’ by T. Hopkin Evans and Dr Caradog Roberts, (well known to the Chapel membership) and whose hymn ‘Rachie’ was first sung in Jerusalem Chapel.

The Organist for the evening was Mrs Ann Jones.

During an interesting and long history of the Welsh Independent Religious sector in the area, the Rev. Locke gave a comprehensive account of why the Mother Chapel was built at Melincwrt in 1799 and because of the change from rural and agricultural population to a more industrial community aided with the addition of the railway station close by, in 1875, a larger building was needed and required and was to be erected in a field near the station to accommodate the rising membership.
The Architect was Thomas Thomas of Landore and the building built by the ‘Herbert Bros’ of Resolven had a capacity of 600 with very good acoustics. The first minister for the impressive Chapel in 1875 with 200-300 members was the Rev D. Gains Morgan from Stockton-on-Tees.

Due to the increasing membership again, Jerusalem Chapel was extended to seat approximately 900 and renovated in 1902-03 with an additional Gallery behind the Pulpit wall, to accommodate a choir with a pipe organ installation. A large Vestry was added below the Gallery. The Rev. R.E. Williams from Cilfynydd took over the Ministry in 1902 until 1934.

Organ recitals were later played on this organ by the afore mentioned Dr Caradog Roberts, Dr William Rhys Herbert amongst many others.

The Rev. Lynn T Walters was the Minister from 1938 until 1984

During the Celebration evening, The Rev. Rhys Locke read out some special facts and memories written by Ken Lewis, Deacon/Secretary of Jerusalem Chapel at present. He stated that the membership has dropped considerably in recent times but that the building particularly the Vestry is now being shared with ‘Home Church’ who have made several alterations and updates which have been instrumental in improving the facilities.

To conclude the celebrations, Mr Emyr Jones was invited to the pulpit to join the congregation in prayer.

After the Service, the Congregation moved to the Vestry for refreshments and to share their stories and personal reminiscences of the Chapel. All who attended enjoyed a memorable occasion.

The Rev. W Rhys Locke was a major part of this celebration evening and he also sent in a report of the 150 years Celebration Service to the Welsh language newspaper ‘Y Tyst’ Papur Wythnosol yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg, Rhif 44 – published on 30 October 2025, copies of which can be purchased for 50pence from Ty John Penri, 5 Axis Court, Riverside Business Park, Swansea Vale, SA7 0AJ

~ ~ ~

Presentation and Photographs by Hugh & Lorna Lewis

~ ~ ~ ~