Blaenau Gwent Baptist Movement and Chapel – Ty Nest Llewellyn

Blaenau Gwent Baptist Movement, Chapel and Schoolroom.
Blaenau Gwent goes far back in the history of our county of Gwent. Gwlad Gwent used to include the counties of Monmouthshire, Hereford and Gloucester. The center of this region was the fortified city of Caerwent (Caer Gwent) this city gave its name to the county around it. As the people of Gwent were systematically conquered, its name became more limited, so that later the county of Monmouthshire became divided into upper and lower Gwent, the low land and hill country of Gwent.

These were troubled times after the fall-out between the church and the Pope, it was reported that the Baptists had fought with the Protestants against the Pope and with the Puritans against the Royalists, with the early Presbyterians, Quakers and Congregationalists against the King being the head of the church, and in favour of liberty of conscience. Although they were Protestants, Puritans, Dissenters and Nonconformists, they were all Baptists, there were cruel laws against them on the continent and even in Britain they were the special objects of the hatred of Henry VIII.

Mr John Penry.
Mr John Penry a noble apostle and martyr of Wales, a native of Brecon was a Baptist. He preached and held baptisms at and near Olchon, Pontrilas. It was said he was the first to preach openly and publicly to his countrymen after the reformation. It was also said he was the first that administered that ordinance by immersion upon a profession of faith. Mr John Penry was hung like a criminal on May 29th, 1593.

In 1611 a “Baptists Confession of Faith” was printed and in 1618 the “Book of Sports” was published and ordered to be read in all churches, this drove Mr Walter Bradoc, Mr William Orbury and Mr William Wroth of Llanvaches from the church and they went out preaching and establishing Nonconformist churches. In 1639 the church at Llanvaches was formed and there were many Baptists in this church.

In 1641 the House of Commons helped in the evangelization of Wales, in 1649 it appointed several itinerant preachers and many of these were Baptists.

Mr Edmund Jones wrote that during the commonwealth many eminent men used to preach at Blaenau Gwent and named the following – Mr Jenkin Jones; Mr Morgan Lloyd; Mr Walter Cradoc and Mr Vivasor Powell: Probably Mr Vivasor Powell was the most enthusiastic and had suffered more from persecution and imprisonment than most. Through all this it was said that Mr Powell had formed as many as 20 Baptist Churches. There was a close connection between Blaenau Gwent and Olchon and was stated that there was a church there from 1633.

Blaenau Gwent Baptist Movement.
The Baptist movement inception in Blaenau Gwent dates back to the early part of the 17th century and in 1649 a small band of Baptists and Independents commenced worshipping in Gelli Grug. The Farmhouse was tenanted by Ioan ap Ioan. (It was stated that the old Farmhouse was on the site that Mr William Stewart J.P. and mining engineer, manager of the Penybont Tillery Colliery, later had a house built – Mr Stewart lived at Duffryn House, Gelli Grug).  At this time, it was a mixed church and Rev Ambrose Mostyn and Rev Walter Jones had an influence in the movement at Gelli Grug. Rev Ambrose Mostyn from North Wales had visited Blaina to preach though had a very hostile reception from the locals, he was dejected and had to try and convene the meeting in a field close by, the people mocked and threw dead hedgehogs at him which had been hanging up in the Yew trees on the western side of the valley. Mr Mostyn fled Blaina and went to Gelli Grug.

In 1660 King Charles II came to the throne and one of the first things he did was to restore the clergy but there was one clause in that Act which prevented Baptists from participating in its benefits. During the reigns of Charles II and James II the Baptist Church passed through many a dark day. Under the Act of Uniformity, Five Mile Act, Corporation Act and Conventicle Act they often had to meet by night or early morning, on mountain tops or even in caves, anywhere and everywhere where they were concealed from their persecutors. Mr William Pritchard of Llanwenarth and Mr Lewis Thomas did much service to the church during this period.

Nest Llewellyn.
In 1660 Rev Lewis Thomas of Swansea came to preach and through his influence the Baptists decided to separate themselves from the Independents. After this separation the Baptists worshipped wherever they could, mostly in the home of Mrs Nest Llewellyn, whose ruins can still be seen on what is now the west bank of the Cwmtillery Reservoir, (as seen in the featured image above) and also Nest Prosser. Mrs Nest Lewellyn was the daughter of Nest Prosser and was seen as a heroine of the period, she suffered much persecution, it was noted that she was the real founder of the Baptist movement in the district and was possibly the starting point of the chapel. After the death of Mrs Nest Llewellyn the meetings were held at the home of Mr Watcin Harri. Mr Harri was said to be one of the noblest and holiest men of the district.

Rev Abel Morgan.
After the passing of the Toleration Act in 1689 the difficulties of worshipping lessened and in 1696 the election of a pastor was decided upon. The gentleman chosen was Rev Abel Morgan, an able and scholarly man and the gifted compiler of the first Welsh Concordance which later became the basis of Mr Peter Williams’ Concordance. Rev Abel Morgan was invited to Blaenau Gwent in 1699 and came in 1700, he was the first resident Pastor at Blaenau Gwent until 1711 when he left for America. During the twenty-two weeks voyage he lost his wife and child, both were buried at sea. Rev Morgan went to Pennepack, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and was connected with the Pennepack Baptist Chapel.

The following is Link to – The History of the Pennepack Baptist Chapel.

Rev William Phillips.
After the departure of Rev Abel Morgan, Rev William Phillips was elected to the pastorate, Mr John Harri was chosen to assist him. Up to this time meetings were still being held in houses or any other convenient places though it was now resolved to erect a proper place of worship. The fact that the pastor was a builder made the task less difficult.

The First Chapel.
In 1715 the chapel was constructed, members at this point numbered from 80 to 90. In this same year the wife of Mr Watcin Harri sadly passed away and that was the first burial in the cemetery at Blaenau Gwent.

In 1717 a census was taken to ascertain the strength of Nonconformity in the country, the figures obtained for this district were as follows – In Aberystruth & Rhassar? County voters 123; Voters in boroughs 26; Farmers 98; Tradesmen 55; Miscellaneous workmen 246: These together with their families totalled about 1,000 members. Between 1724 and 1727 forty-eight people were baptised.

Rev’s John and Morgan Harri.
In 1729 Rev William Phillips resigned the pastorate, it was given to Rev John Harri, with Morgan Harri his son as his assistant. In 1729 the Baptist Chapel members at Blaenau Gwent totalled 170.

In 1741 the chapel membership continued to increase, the membership was up to 210 made up as follows – Aberystruth 70; Bedwellty 71; Mynyddislwyn 18; Trefddin 12; Pontypool 13; Llanover 4; Goitre 2; Brynbiga 1; Glascoed 1; Llaniddal 7 and Llanwenarth 11:

Rev Edmund Watkins.
In 1747 Rev Edmund Watkins succeeded to the pastorate and in 1756 Mr Evan Harri was appointed to assist him.

In 1770 Rev Maurice Jones became a preacher with the chapel, he resigned the post in 1782 and Rev Evan Harri took over as pastor. The chapel began to decline from this point and Mr Thomas Moses of Penygarn was called in to assist Mr Harri.

In 1794 Rev Evan Harri passed away after being a member of the chapel for 50 years. The chapel roll was now 125 members.

Rev Joseph Price.
A while later Rev Joseph Price of Llanwenarth was the next pastor and he was succeeded by Mr Harri Harri (son of the old pastor Evan Harri) who in turn was followed by Rev William Thomas of Penymain in 1830.

The Schoolroom.
In 1830 Rev William Thomas started the first Chapel School at Blaenau Gwent. Prior to this school the only other one in the district was the school that had been established at St Iltydds Church in 1748 where there were 43 children being taught from the surrounding area, no other church school was recorded until Blaenau Gwent in 1830.

Rev John Lewis.
In 1837 the new pastor was Rev John Lewis of Brynmelyn, he lived at the Manse, Tyr-Bryn. It was said that he saw himself as an overseer of Gods creations, he awoke each morning at 4.00am to offer his mornings spiritual sacrifices like the priests in ancient temples.

The first members baptised by him were Mr Benjamin Williams and Miss Margaret Samuel, a sister of Mr Daniel Samuel, Mr Enoch Rogers was mentioned as being part of the chapel at this period in time. Rev Lewis was reported to not have missed a prayer meeting anywhere from Crumlin, Blaenavon, Cwm and Nantyglo. He said, “To lose a meeting was to lose a blessing”.

Chapel Rebuild of 1839.
In 1839 the chapel (as seen right) was rebuilt at a cost of £500. On this early map from 1840 can be seen the chapel and schoolroom (center), the Crown Inn along-side Cox’s Cottage (upper left, the Crown Inn was later rebuilt closer to the road in its present position in 1901), and the Clyn Mawr Ganol (middle left) the home of Mr Edmund James Esq, landowner, (Grosvenor Home now Penybont Care Home). The road running (diagonally) was originally linking the three Clyn Mawr Farms, Isaf, Ganol and Uchaf which later led to the Manse and Cwmtillery West Side, this road is now Portland Street, at the bottom of the map leading to the (right) is what is now Preston Street.

The Blaenau Gwent Baptist Chapel School.
The first Blaenau Gwent Chapel School was established in the vestry of the Blaenau Gwent Baptist Chapel in the year of 1840 and there were 14 scholars attending. There were two from Ty Sammy’s, one from Green Meadow, two from Clynmawr, two from the middle Green Meadow, two from Blaenau Gwent, two from Blaentillery, one from the Gwrhyd and two from Gwastad Ffynonan. The next few paragraphs contain all the headmasters involved with the school

Mr Duggan.
The first master at the Blaenau Gwent Baptist Chapel School was Mr Duggan, a man with only one arm. His wages were 12s. per week and the money was collected by a Mr Joshua Davies a tailor, of Blaenau Gwent. Mr Joshua Davies was seen as a great educational enthusiast of his day. Mr Duggan taught the 14 children for two years and left the area.

Mr Andrew Oppenhagen
In 1843 Mr Andrew Oppenhagen took over the teaching duties at the Blaenau Gwent Baptist Chapel School after the departure of Mr Duggan. Under the tutorage of Mr Oppenhagen, the number of scholars increased to 20.
N.B. Amendment – Newspaper reports stated the second school teacher at Blaenau Gwent was Mr Andrew O’Benegan, there must have been a mistake as information now suggests he was in fact Mr Andrew Oppenhagen, a teacher, as listed on the 1851 census living at Brynmawr at that time.
(More information on Mr Oppenhagen below).

Mr James Powell.
In 1846 Mr James Powell was the next master and took over at Blaenau Gwent Baptist Chapel School. During his time at Blaenau Gwent no new pupils enrolled and there seemed to be a general lack of interest. Mr Powell was the master until 1850.

Mr Thomas Bevan.
In 1850 Mr Thomas Bevan came to Blaenau Gwent and taught at the old vestry on a wage of 18s. per week. During this time many inhabitants felt it was time to secure better educational facilities for the children, a few got together and called on Rev W. Roberts (Nefyd) of Blaina for assistance. Mr Roberts was occupying an official position under the British School Society, he came to the assistance and formed a committee which was composed of the following gentlemen – Mr Watkin Rowland; Mr Phillip Mills; Mr Joseph Edmunds; Mr Joshua Davies; Mr Thomas Bevan; Mr William Prosser; Mr Edward Jones (Post Master); Mr William Harris; Mr Edmund Williams and Mr David Jones of Ty Sammy: The committee decided to build a new school and that it would be called the British School.

The Chapel Enlargement.
In 1880 the chapel was again slightly enlarged to cope with the population (as seen on the map below), the cost on this occasion being again £500.

The Resignation of Reverend John Lewis.
In 1882 it was stated that Rev John Lewis had resigned after 45 years of service. The members ledger of 1885 shows Rev Lewis still as a reverend and T. Towy Evans as a minister, numbered 1 & 2 respectively. It seems that at that time, even though Reverend Lewis had resigned he was still at the chapel or still involved within the church.

Rev Thomas Towy Evans.
In 1882 the pastorate of Blaenau Gwent Chapel was given to Mr Thomas Towy Evans (as seen in the image left) he initially resided at Clyn Mawr Ganol now known as (Penybont Nursing Home) although later took up residence at the Manse, Tyr Bryn. From the start he worked untiringly and to great effect. 

Mr Thomas Towy Evans 1854-1916.
Mr Thomas Towy Evans was born at Carmarthen on Saturday 20th of March 1852. At the age of eight years old he started work at the Carmarthen Tin Plate Works. In 1877 he started to preach and entered upon a course of studies at the Preparatory School at Cardiff. In 1878 he entered the Baptist College at Pontypool. He was given the pastorate at Blaenau Gwent Chapel in 1882 after the resignation of Rev John Lewis in the previous year.

In that same year Mr Towy Evans married Miss Mary James of Carmarthen. They had three sons – Lieutenant Myrddyn Evans B.A.; Master Tegfryn Evans who was a pupil at the Intermediate School Abertillery and Cadet Towy Evans B.A. a certified teacher under the Abertillery Education Committee and two daughters – Miss Eva Evans B.A. at Derby and Miss May Evans, a student at Aberystwyth Training College:

Rev T. Towy Evans saw a chapel that was in need of change, as until 1882 all services at the chapel were conducted in the Welsh language but Rev Evans wanted to phase it out and gradually change the language from Welsh to English to accommodate the increasing English-speaking population that came to the district to work in the many coal mines. 

The Increased Accommodation.
In 1885 increased accommodation to the chapel was added and a larger schoolroom was erected.

The Blaenau Gwent Members Ledger.
Following is a Link to – Blaenau Gwent Members Ledger 1885 to 1920.

The Colliers Hall, Cwmtillery.
In 1894 it was reported that the Blaenau Gwent Baptists had opened a new cause at the Colliers Hall, Cwmtillery. The services held by Rev T. Towy Evans were well attended and it was hoped to start a Sunday School at the same premises.

The New Chapel.
In July 1894 the committee at Blaenau Gwent wanted to rebuild the Blaenau Gwent Chapel and were receiving tenders from local builders for the construction. The following are the builders and tenders received – Messrs Gaen Bros £1,247. 0s. 0d.; Messrs J. Monks & Co of Crumlin £910. 0s. 0d.; Messrs Phillips & Hall £ 900. 0s. 0d. and Mr A. P. Williams £860. 0s. 0d.: The contract was given to Mr A. P. Williams for £860. 0s. 0d. The contract was given to Mr A. P. Williams. The work was carried out by Mr Williams manager Mr W. Bazzard.

The New Chapel Opening.
In February 1896 the new chapel at Blaenau Gwent had been completed and was opened.

Description of the New Rebuild.
The new chapel accommodated 800 persons. Messrs Alger and Son of Newport supplied the high-pressure heating apparatus at a cost of £50. The decoration was done by Mr R. J. Ayers of Abertillery and the brass standards and gas fittings were by Mr Frank Dredge. In addition to the improvements a wall was built around the three-acres of land at a cost of £250. for the purpose of extending the cemetery. It was also stated that the chapel authorities gave permission for 300 trees to be planted in the cemetery.

One of the most prominent features was the addition of a fine new organ, which was situated behind the platform. The instrument cost £250. and was supplied by the firm of Messrs Conacher and Sons of Huddersfield. The choir was much better provided for than in the old building, being placed in semi-circular seats on a gallery immediately in front of the organ and behind the pulpit. The seating arrangements were new curved pews, a new baptistry was provided and was situated under the “seat vawr”. Underneath the organ gallery two new classrooms were provided for adult bible classes and there was a large new schoolroom filled with rising galleries capable of holding 200 infants built behind the chapel.

In 1901 even more alterations costing about £300 were carried out, though with the 1895 rebuild and recent alterations the chapel was still fairly small for a fast-growing population.

Mr James Gunter.
In October 1901 there was a special presentation made to Mr James Gunter of Oak Street, Abertillery. Mr Gunter was honoured for his 38 years of service to the chapel in the position of choir master.

The Phasing Out of the Welsh Language at Sermons.
As mentioned above, Rev T. Towy Evans saw a need to phase out the Welsh language at the services to encourage the growing English population into the chapel, his tact, patience and determination overcame the difficulties of this controversial change and in 1903 it was reported that all services were conducted entirely in English. After this transition the chapel membership rose from 150 to nearly 600.

The New Church 1905.
On Tuesday 30th of April 1905, following the revival in the chapel members decided to have a much larger church erected adjacent to the old chapel and schoolrooms. (There is a consensus that the difference between a chapel and a church is – a chapel is a small place for Christian worship that may be attached to a schoolroom, a church is a much larger place of worship which is detached from any other building).

No time was wasted and a “Ways and Means” committee, representative of the various branches of chapel activity was set up to consider the whole question. The pastor Rev T. Towy Evans was chairman, Mr G. Gunter was secretary and Mr W. Jones was treasurer. The idea was approved and it was decided to ask Mr Neander Gasenius Lewis, architect, who was a member, to prepare plans for the proposed new church and Messrs Linton Bros of Newport were the contractors.

On Monday 22nd of May 1905, the building work for the new addition to the church began. The groundwork had been done voluntary by the members of the chapel.

Ceremony of the Laying of the Foundation Stones.
On Monday 10th of July 1905, the ceremony of the laying of the Foundation Stones took place. There were too many stone layers and observers to write in this file. If anyone wants information on any particular person for family records, I can provide names of individuals.

The New Church Opening.
On Sunday 13th of May 1906, the new church (as seen in the image below left) was officially opened.

Description of the new Church Building.
The building was of Gothic design, the front elevation was faced with pitched-faced shoddies and the whole of the dressings, windows, steps etc were of grey Forest of Dean stone. The chief features externally were seven light tracery windows with turrets right and left rising forty-five feet above ground level. Access was by means of four entrances into lobbies. The internal measurements of the church were 66′ feet 3″ inches by 51′ feet 4″ inches. It was stated that the new building would accommodate 1,200 people. The interior woodwork was of pitch-pine and the roof partly open and boarded. The grave diggers cabin was placed at the lowest level with direct access to the graveyard. Within this cabin were the heating chambers.

The Contractor and Architect.
The contractors were Messrs Linton Bros Ltd of Newport, Mr William Augustus Linton (their story can be seen below). The architect was Mr N. Gasenius Lewis F.I.A.S. a member of the church. 

The School Board.
In 1913 Rev T. Towy Evans became an active member of the Aberystruth School Board and in 1916 had become the head when he beat fourteen candidates with a majority of 1,131 votes.

The Death of Thomas Towy Evans.
Mr Thomas Towy Evans sadly died at his residence the Manse at Tyr Bryn August 13th 1916, his obituary was reported and published on two and a quarter pages in the South Wales Gazette.

The Reverend Ivor Evans.
The Reverend Ivor Evans came to Blaenau Gwent in 1918 when he succeeded his father-in -law the late Rev Towy Evans in the pastorate. Rev Ivor Evans was only the third pastor since 1837, his predecessors being Rev John Lewis (1837-1880) and Rev T. Towy Evans (1882-1916. He took a leading part in the relief work in Abertillery during periods of strikes and depression. In 1921 he was secretary of the Abertillery Relief Committee and between 1928 and 1929 he held a similar position on the Ministers and Clergy Town Relief Committee.

In 1925 Rev Ivor Evans became chairman of the Abertillery and District Youth Employment Committee and retained that office for quite a while.

In 1937 he was president of the English Assembly of the Baptist Union of Wales and Monmouthshire, he was a member of a deputation representing the clergy and ministers from the whole of Wales who met the Prime Minister at the House of Commons to urge him to help the depressed areas.

Mr Evans had been the President of the Monmouthshire Baptist Association and the Western Valley Christian Endeavour Union and a member of the Committee of the Standing Conference for Wales of Voluntary Youth Organisations and the National Council for Wales of the Lords Day Observance Society.

The Fire at the Old Blaenau Gwent Baptist Chapel.
On Thursday 8th of November 1945, the old Blaenau Gwent Baptist Chapel which adjoins the new building was gutted by fire in the early hours of Thursday morning. The old chapel had been used for week-night services and Sunday School activities. The alarm was raised by a passer-by and Rev Ivor Evans the pastor of Blaenau Gwent was quickly at the scene, he personally removed important documents and records which were kept in the building. The Abertillery Fire Brigade arrived and confined the fire which raged for an hour and a half to the building, with the assistance of the Ebbw Vale and Abercarn Fire Brigades. The efforts of the fire brigades saved the present chapel and the neighbouring row of cottages. The cause of the fire was unknown.

The Building Fund.
In 1955 a building fund began and a target of £4,000 was set.

The Rebuilding of the Old Chapel.
On Wednesday 1st of May 1957, Mrs Eva Evans, the widow of the Rev Ivor Evans and daughter of his predecessor in the pastorate of the historic chapel Rev Towy Evans opened the new hall. Mrs Evans pointed out the there was a plaque of wood 242 years old, a part of the first chapel built in 1715 stands above the doorway of the new chapel hall. The door was opened by Mrs Evans with a key presented to her by the builder Mr E. Roles who was also a member of the Sunday School at a time her husband was pastor of the chapel. Mr Trevor Jones presided over a celebration tea and the speakers at the ceremony were as follows – W. H. Jones J.P., (Chairman of the Abertillery Council); Mr H. J. Williams (Clerk of the Abertillery Council); Mrs Eva Evans; Rev C. J. Thomas and Miss J. Hall:

Contractor and Architect.
Mr Edward George Roles of Kings Head Row, Abertillery was the contractor and Mr A. H. Holmes was the architect.

Reverend Ivor Evans O.B.E.
In 1948 Rev Ivor Evans was recognised for his public work and was awarded the O.B.E. when King George VI appointed him an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

The Death of Rev Ivor Evans O.B.E.
Rev Ivor Evans O.B.E. passed away on Wednesday 6th May 1953 and was interred at Blaenau Gwent Cemetery on Monday 11th May 1953.

The Reverend Clifford J. Thomas B.A., B.D.
On Wednesday 15th of September 1954, Rev Clifford J. Thomas B.A., B.D. was ordained at Blaenau Gwent Baptist Chapel. In 1964 Rev Clifford J. Thomas left Blaenau Gwent to become minister of the Orchard Place Baptist Church at Neath.

The Reverend Gordon Heath.
In January 1966 the Rev Gordon Heath became the new Pastor at Blaenau Gwent. The Heath family were from Scotland, before entering the ministry Mr Heath was a company director in a firm of millers and corn merchants his wife Greta Heath was brought up in a family drapery business in Scotland and while at Abertillery Greta Heath owned a shop, a boutique in Market Street called “Diannes” named after their daughter Miss Dianne Heath. They also had a son Jonathan Heath.

The Later Years.
On Thursday 27th of June 1985, the Gwent Gazette reported that the members of the Blaenau Gwent Baptist Chapel wants to demolish the old chapel and to erect a new chapel with a sheltered housing complex for the elderly. The existing chapel, built in 1905, had been damaged by water penetration and was deemed unfit for purpose as it also suffered from a type of wood rot. As of a shortage of money, the council recommended investigating the possibility of demolishing the old building under a W.D.A. Land Reclamation Scheme.

The Demolition and Housing Project.
In 1986 the new building project in connection with the demolition, clearing and the rebuilding of the Blaenau Gwent Baptist Chapel began, it’s unclear as to whether there was any help via the W.D.A. Land Reclamation Scheme or if they were involved at this time? It was later stated that at the time of the project the congregation used to meet at the Abertillery Comprehensive School.

The Demolition of the Chapel.
The Chapel was demolished in 1987-1988. (More information to come).

The Sheltered Housing Scheme.
On Thursday 8th of June 1989, the Gwent Gazette reported “The Church to be Replaced”, plans to build a sheltered housing complex on the site of the old Blaenau Gwent Baptist Church have been announced by the Baptist Housing Association. It was also announced that they were to replace the church building, in order to carry out the proposals, the schoolrooms which have been used by church members will have to be demolished.

The New Pastor.
On Thursday 8th of June 1989, the Gwent Gazette announced – As from July 23rd 1989, Reverend Clive Rich is to be inducted as the new Pastor at Blaenau Gwent, he will live in the new Manse, Yew Tree House, Lower Royal Lane, Abertillery.

Headstone and Tombstone Removal.
On Thursday 20th of December 1990, the Gwent Gazette printed an order by the council to remove headstones and tombstones from the disused cemetery in order for a lawn cemetery to be laid out.

The Construction of the New Church.
In April 1993, the new church building (as seen right) was under construction. It was planned that it would be opened by the Easter of 1994 though the contractors believed it would be ready for the Christmas of 1993.

The Contractor.
The contractor working to construct the new church at Blaenau Gwent was Edward Davies Constructions Limited of Penarth.

The First Funeral at the New Church.
On Thursday 3rd of February 1994, the Gwent Gazette reported on the death of Mr Edward John Miller (Dusty). Mr Miller had died on January 11th 1994 and his funeral service was held on Tuesday 18th of January 1994. It was stated that Mr Miller’s funeral was the first funeral held at the new Baptist Church at Blaenau Gwent.

The Solomnising of Marriages.
In July 1994, The London Gazette issued a notice that as from the 25th of July 1994 the new Blaenau Gwent Baptist Church was registered to solomnise marriages.

Corban Court.
In July 1994, the Gwent Gazette reported on the naming of the sheltered housing complex on the site of the old church at Blaenau Gwent. The housing association had requested it be named “Corban Court” and it was agreed to, they stated that the name “Corban” was an old Hebrew word meaning “Gift to God”.

The church, the old chapel and schoolroom buildings were all demolished and a new much smaller compact church was built with a housing complex, named Corban Court. The new church, a much smaller building, was erected closer to the road and is built on the exact site as the original chapel that was built way back in the early 1700’s. 

(More information to come).

 

Points of Interest –
Baptist Chapel or Church.
The place of worship at Blaenau Gwent was known as and reported as being the Blaenau Gwent Baptist Chapel and also the Blaenau Gwent Baptist Church.

Mr Andrew Oppenhagen.
Mr Andrew Oppenhagen, born on the 26th of January 1811, at Somerset, England, the son of Andreas and Elizabeth Oppenhagen of Denmark. He worked as a teacher and also a clerk and cashier for the Rhymney Iron Company. In January 1843, Andrew Oppenhagen married Miss Mary Ann Russell of Tupsley, Hereford, sadly Mary Ann died in November 1843 and in 1851 Andrew married Miss Ann Williams of Bedwellty. After the departure of Mr Oppenhagen and his family from Wales, he moved to America. On the 1880 US census he and his family consisting of – Andrew, Annie, with their daughters Emilia and Clara were living at Hamilton, Ohio, USA with Albert and Annie Meyer, Annie being their married daughter. At this time Andrew Oppenhagen and Albert Meyer were listed as working as railway agents in Ohio, USA. 

Rev William Roberts (Nefydd).
Reverend William Roberts was born in 1813 at Bryngoleu, Llanefydd, Denbighshire, the son of Mr and Mrs Robert and Anne Roberts. At a young age William Roberts took after his father and became a shoemaker at Denbighshire, though in 1834 he moved to Liverpool and began to preach. In 1837 he became a minister and was ordained at the Welsh Baptist Church at Stanhope Street, Liverpool.

Mrs Jane Roberts.
While at Liverpool he met his wife Mrs Jane Roberts nee Jones, daughter of Rev Daniel Jones a minister at Liverpool. The couple had a daughter Miss Elizabeth Jane Roberts, born in about 1845. Soon after the family moved to Blaina, Monmouthshire and Rev William Roberts served as a preacher at the Salem Baptist Church, Blaina.

The Death of Mrs Jane Roberts.
Not long after settling at Blaina, Mrs Jane Roberts sadly passed away.

Mrs Mary Edwards.
In the late 1840’s Rev William Roberts met Mary Edwards, the widow of Mr Jenkin Edwards. They were married soon after.

Rev William Roberts at Blaina.
On the 1851 census Rev William Roberts his wife Mary and family were living at an address somewhere between Henwain Row and the Tilers Arms at Blaina. It was reported that Rev William Roberts was a preacher, author, eisteddfodwr, printer, publisher, educationalist and collector of rare books. Reverend Roberts was also agent for the British and Foreign Schools and was also the first to conduct night schools at Blaina and in the 1850’s was chairman of the Blaina Instruction Society.

Rev William Roberts Printing Business.
In 1864 he set up his own printing press at Blaina and it was stated it was one of, if not the first of its kind in Monmouthshire. For four years he published “Y Bedyddiwr” The Baptist.

On the 1871 census Rev William Roberts was living at No1. Roberts Row, Blaina, was described as a Baptist Minister. His wife Mary was not listed, though living with him were the following – Mr William Rawley Roberts, son, aged 18 and was listed as a Private Compositor (one who arranges type for printing). Mr Robert Henry Roberts, son, aged 16 and listed as a Stationer and Printer. Miss Elizabeth Jane Roberts, a daughter, aged 26 and Mr Roberts sister Mrs Anne Davies aged 56. Also at the same address was Miss Leah Rees, a servant girl aged 43, from Blaina.

The Death of Rev William Roberts.
On 18th of June 1872, Rev William Roberts passed away. It had been arranged for Mr Roberts to be buried at Blaenau Gwent Baptist Chapel graveyard. It was later planned to acquire funding from the Newport Eisteddfod for a monument in his honour to be erected upon his grave.

Nefydd Cottage, Blaina.
At the time of Rev William Roberts death, he lived at Nefydd Cottage. The sale report stated the cottage was a half-a-mile from Blaina Station on the side of the road leading from Blaina to Abertillery. The cottage was said to have been built in 1860 and its land area was measured at 1,030 square yards.

The Rev William Roberts Monument and Memorial.
On Monday 30th of October 1876, the monument which had been funded by the Newport Eisteddfod from money given in 1873 was unveiled at Blaenau Gwent Baptist Chapel. It was arranged to have the Right Hon Lady Llanover perform the unveiling though she was unable to attend. The unveiling was presided over by Rev Jno. Griffiths, the rector of Neath. Amongst those who witnessed the proceedings were as follows – Mr Benjamin Evans of Newport; Rev Llewellyn Jones of Abertillery; Rev D. Bevan Jones of Caerleon; Rev J. Williams of Brynmawr; Rev M. James of Brynmawr; Rev J. Lewis of Risca and Rev W. R. Richards of Machen: Mr Jones of Blaina; Dr Rees of Swansea and Lewis Evans; Mr H. Russell Evans; Mr Benjamin Lewis; Mr Thomas Evans of Blaina; Mr T. L. Davies; Mr J. Morgan of Aberystwith; Mr L. Richards of Abertillery:

The train arrived from Newport at mid-day and a large number of people gathered to form a procession through town and up to the Baptist Chapel at Blaenau Gwent. The monument in the form of an obelisk was sculptured in Forest of Dean stone, executed by Mr Winter the monumental mason of Newport. At the unveiling Rev John Lewis opened the proceedings with a prayer, after which Rev Jno. Griffiths unveiled the monument.

The monument had upon it an inscription in English and Welsh – “Adgof uwch anghof – This monument, from the proceeds of the Newport Eisteddfod 1873 is erected to the memory of Rev William Roberts LL.D., born March 8th, 1813, at Llanefydd in the county of Denbigh; Died June 18th, 1872, at Blaenau. He was highly esteemed as an able and earnest preacher of the Gospel and ministered as pastor of the Church at Salem for a period of 26 years. Being thoroughly conversant with the literature of his country he distinguished himself as a ripe Welsh scholar and writer of works of antiquarian importance. An ardent promoter of education he laboured hard and successfully for many years as inspector under the British and Foreign School Society. In all the relationships of life, domestic, social and public, his sincerity of heart, amiability of disposition and Christian integrity, made him universally beloved, admired and respected.”

Nantyglo Secondary School.
In October 1934 Capt. Evan Silk the headteacher at the Nantyglo Secondary School received an inscribed photograph of Rev William Roberts (Nefydd) as a gift to the school library. The donor was Mr Caleb Lewis of Glanyravon, Abertillery Road, Blaina, whose late wife Mrs Elizabeth Jane Lewis nee Roberts was the daughter of Rev William Roberts.

Mr John Davies 1844-1923.
Mr John Davies 28 Victoria Street, one of the most well-known inhabitants of Blaenau Gwent. He was the eldest son of Mr Joshua Davies. His father Mr Joshua Davies was a tailor by trade based at Blaenau Gwent, who was one of the pioneers of education in the town and one of the founders of the British School. As a young man he worked underground and later became a colliery overman at the Cwmtillery Collieries. On January 18th 1868, he married Anna Crowder from Newport. He later became a contractor under the South Wales Colliery Company, in his capacity as a contractor he excavated the ground for the Cock n Chick School, Cwmtillery, to be built. Afterwards went to work at the Rose Heyworth Colliery.

Later he was the licensee of the Royal Exchange Public House, Blaenau Gwent. He was a member of the Ancient Order of the Foresters. In 1904 he became the Schools Attendance Officer, was also a member of the first Technical Instruction Committee. In later life he was the senior deacon of Blaenau Gwent Baptist Church and was also the president of the Abertillery Sunday School Union.

At his time of death in 1923 his wife Anna and his 4 children survived him – His children – Mr John W. Davies who worked as an official under the Ebbw Vale Co; Mr Fred M. Davies; Mr T. H. Davies an Overman at the Rose Heyworth Colliery and Miss Esther Jane Davies a teacher at the Blaenau Gwent Infants School:

Mr Joshua Davies Jnr 1855-1930.
Mr Joshua Davies Jnr, brother to Mr John Davies. Born at Abertillery in 1855. Mr Joshua Davies attended school with Rev Fuller Mills, a Baptist Minister and later Mayor of Carmarthen. Upon leaving school at an early age Mr Davies stated work in the local collieries and worked as a miner for 63 years including twenty-five years as an official at the Vivian Colliery, Abertillery and was also a Sunday School teacher at the church. His son was Mr Howell J. Davies, Manager of the Rose Heyworth Colliery, Abertillery. Mr Davies lived at 24 Victoria Street, Blaenau Gwent, Abertillery and passed away in February 1930 at the age of seventy-five.

The Linton Family.
John and Sarah Linton.
Mr John Linton was born in 1796 in Thorn Falton, Somerset, England. His wife Mrs Sarah Linton was born in 1806 at Somerset, England. Their family consisted of Miss Jane Linton, born in 1826; Master Thomas Linton, born in 1832; Miss Mary Linton, born in 1835; Miss Anna Linton, born in 1837; Master Edwin Linton, born in 1839 and Master John Linton born in 1841: The father John Linton was a carpenter by trade and the family later moved to St Woolos, Newport.

The Linton Bros Building Company.
While at St Woolos, Newport, two of the sons Mr John Linton and his brother Mr Thomas Linton formed a building company called the Linton Bros. Mr Thomas Linton was later foreman at the company. They became one of the largest building contractors in Newport and they were responsible for the construction of many buildings in the town and district.

Mr John Linton.
Mr John Linton Jnr was born in 1841 at Creech St Michael, Taunton, Somerset. Mr John Linton was the head of the building company. He married Miss Sarah Reynolds and later lived at 3 Stow Park Circus, Newport. They had a son Master Maples Linton, born 1875 who became an architect and a daughter Miss Beatrice Linton, born 1894. Mr John Linton became a magistrate and councillor for Newport, he passed away in May 1903 at his home The Woodlands, Stow Park Circus, Newport.

Mr Thomas Linton.
Mr Thomas Linton was born in 1832 at Creech St Michael, Taunton, Somerset. He later married Miss Mary Ellen and lived at Christchurch, Newport. Their family consisted of the following – Master William Augustus Linton (Builder); born 1859; Master Edwin George Linton, born 1861; Master John Linton, born 1864; Miss Sarah Ann Linton, born 1866; Master Thomas Benjamin Linton, born 1870; Master David Charles Linton, born 1873; Miss Jane Linton, born 1875 and Master Albert Edward Linton, born 1877: Mr Thomas Linton Snr was a building contractor and licensee, he held the licence to the Ivy Bush Inn, Clarence Place, Christchurch, Newport for over 30 years. Mr Thomas Linton passed away in December 1908 at his home Netherton Villa, Chepstow Road. He left £5,919 in his will.

The Children of Thomas and Mary Ellen Linton.
Mr William Augustus Linton.
Mr William Augustus Linton was born in 1859 at Newport, Monmouthshire. Was a building contractor and may have may have been in the engineering company with his brother John Linton. In 1887 he married Miss Sarah Elizabeth Wright. Mr William A. Linton constructed the new Blaenau Gwent Church, Abertillery in 1905-1906. He later became an Alderman, Justice of the Peace and later Mayor of Newport during 1920-1921.

Mr Edwin George Linton.
Mr Edwin George Linton was born in 1861 at Newport Monmouthshire. Mr Edwin George Linton was a coach builder by trade. On the 1911 census he was living with his sister-in-law at 28 Marlborough Road, Newport and was listed as an aeroplane constructor.

Mr John Linton.
Mr John Linton was born in 1864 at Newport, Monmouthshire. In 1885 he married Miss Sarah Emma Reynolds. Mr John Linton founded the Linton Bros Engineering Company. He was later Pastmaster of the Albert Edward Prince of Wales Lodge of Freemasons and of the Keystone Lodge of Mark Masons and registrar of Marks. In 1934 he became First Principal of St Woolos Royal Arch Chapter. Mr Linton died in 1939 at his residence at 15 Queens Hill, Newport. Mr Linton left £11,707 gross, £6,254 net in his will.

The Company.
According to the newspapers in 1903 the company was names John Linton & Co Limited, after the death of Mr John Linton the company was known as Linton & Co. 

The Linton family contractors in one form or another were responsible for constructing many outstanding buildings in the district including – 1879 the Nantcoch House, a mansion on Risca Road, Newport. 1884 the Newport Town Hall, the new Westgate Hotel and the new County Police Station and Magistrates Courts, Newport. In 1887 the Newport Market extension into Dock Street and in 1888 St Marks Church and School House and School at Newport and many more.

The Historic Information.
The information on the history of the Blaenau Gwent Baptist Movement and Chapel came from various sources, mainly the South Wales Gazette, Gwent Gazette and the Monmouthshire Merlin newspapers.