Rhondda Valley, South Wales (19. Carmel Welsh Independent Chapel)

Chapels were among the most important buildings in the valley towns. Almost everyone went to chapel and chapel activities brought people together.  Besides worship, Bible readings and Sunday school were concerts and outings. The chapels were also a focus for Welsh language cultural gatherings, such as the Eisteddfod (‘festival of the arts’) and the Gymanfa Ganu (‘hymn singing festival’). The Non-Conformist movement was popular in Wales because it was more equal and democratic and had rejected the rituals and symbolism of the established Church. From the 1850s the number of Non-Conformist chapels soon surpassed Anglican and Catholic churches. Carmel is the oldest chapel in Penrhiwceiber and the first of five Non-Conformist chapels built on Penrhiwceiber Road. When this chapel opened in 1881 it was Congregational (Independent) with services in the Welsh language. Jennifer: “Emily was born in 1885 and belonged to the days when stories from the Bible and chapel hymns influenced everyday life. There were many biblical references in her speech. ‘Iesi Mawr’ (Big Jesus) she would say when she was impatient with something. ‘Ask and it will be given you’ she would say when, as children, we hung around not saying what we wanted.” Directions Return up the steps to Woodfield Terrace and turn left, where it becomes Church Street. After about 300 metres, turn right round the corner of the former school building into Cross Street, and then take the first left into Morris Avenue. Stop outside Number 56 on the right.