Sardis Chapel, Ystradgynlais

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button_lang_welshSardis Chapel, Ystradgynlais

This Independent chapel opened in 1861 and reopened in 1887 after alterations. It replaced an earlier chapel on the site, dating from 1841. The main building is no longer used for worship but regular services are held in the schoolroom vestry. The schoolroom was built in 1926.

Originally the services were in Welsh. The chapel was a venue for eisteddfodau and cymanfaoedd canu (hymn-singing festivals). The vestry was sometimes used for inquests.

ystradgynlais_moses_roperFugitive slave Moses Roper (1815-1891), pictured right, gave a talk at the Independent chapel in Ystradgynlais. He was born in North Carolina, USA, after his slave mother was raped by her owner. He was persecuted and tortured before fleeing to freedom in 1834, after more than 15 failed attempts. He published an account of his “adventures and escape” in Britain in 1839 and spoke about his experiences in chapels and other venues. By 1844, 4,000 copies had been sold of the Welsh translation of his book.

In 1904 “passive resisters” held a meeting here, following a sale of possessions in lieu of rates withheld in protest against the Education Act 1902. They were part of a campaign of civil disobedience (supported by future Prime Minister David Lloyd George). Nonconformists saw the legislation as an attempt to diminish their say in local schools and increase support for Anglican and Catholic schools.

Sardis Chapel’s congregation was boosted in 1905 by the Christian “revival” sparked by the Rev Evan Roberts of Loughor. Although the chapel could seat 1,100 worshippers, it was often overcrowded. Many of the 230 new members who attended couldn’t speak or understand Welsh!

In the First World War, Sardis deacon David Price sat on the local military tribunal where he represented the farming community. He himself farmed at Palleg. The tribunal listened to local men’s arguments for exemption from compulsory military service and decided whether they should go to the war or not. After his death in 1919, David was praised for his “fine judgement” in tribunal cases which needed tactful handling.

In September 1917 a reception was held in the vestry for four men who had joined the army. One of them, Private DJ Davies, had lost an arm. Another, Private Isaac Roberts, was a medical orderly behind the front line in France and died of wounds after an air raid on his hospital in June 1918.

 With thanks to Dr Hannah-Rose Murray for Moses Roper information

Postcode: SA9 1JY    View Location Map

To continue the Ystradgynlais in WW1 tour, walk west on Heol Giedd and turn left. Cross the river, follow Commercial St to its end, turn right, follow Heol Eglwys to the church car park
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