King Street Baptist Chapel

King Street Baptist Chapel.
In the mid 19th century English speaking Baptists at Abertillery held their prayer meetings at the homes of the various members, mostly at the home of Mr Watkin Rowlands at Forge Row, Abertillery.

Mr Hill.
On Sunday 4th of April 1852, a sermon was preached by Mr Hill, a student at Pontypool College.

The Founders of the Chapel.
In June 1852 services were held in the home of Mr Nelms who was one of the organisers, among the other founders were – Mr Watkin Rowlands; Mr William Rosser; Mrs Bevan; Mrs Francis; Mr & Mrs Philip Mills and Mr John James: Funds to pay the preachers were given by the means of contributions paid by the members at 5s. per month. As the membership grew the houses were becoming too small to hold the meetings and to worship in. The organisers applied for a room at the Abertillery Tin Works and permission was granted for the Baptists to use the accounting room for their prayer meetings.

The Tin Works.
In December 1852 of the same year, the chapel at the works was properly organised, the first communion was conducted by Rev G. Thomas of Pontypool College. Services were held regularly with Mr J. James leading the singing assisted by Messrs Rowlands and Mills and later Mr G. Jones of Pontypool College. While services were held at the tin works, it was said that baptisms took place in the feeder between the railway lines and the boundary wall of St Michael’s Church.  

The Bush Inn.
A short while later the Baptists were given notice to move from the tin works as they were interfering with the workforce on Sundays. They again used the home of Mr Watkin Rowlands at Forge Row. This removal notice from the tin works had discouraged the movement at Abertillery but a revival was brought about in an address given by Mr E. Davies of Pontypool and the movement secured the permission to use the Bush Inn for their meetings. Services there continued until the members felt the necessity of building a place of their own.

The New Building Proposal.
In September 1855, Mr Rowlands invested £100 in the funds and a promise of £140 was made by Rev W. Roberts of Blaina. Following upon this, a site was secured on what was to become King Street and plans were drawn up. The foundations and groundwork were done by the members. Canvassers were appointed to appeal for funds which was met with a great response with a total of £635 being raised.

The Opening Date Contradiction.
In an edition of the South Wales Gazette dated December 1938, there was a brief history of the chapel printed, with an opening date of 1857, although a later publication of the South Wales Gazette in October 1952, in regard to the centenary of the founding, Mrs P. Newell-Lewis, a well respected historian and secretary of the chapel wrote an account of the chapel’s history and stated that the King Street Baptist Chapel had actually opened in 1855. The original newspaper accounts of the money collections and services held in connection with the founding of a chapel building (few as they are) points to the earlier opening date of 1855, as confirmed by Mrs P. Newell-Lewis. (More information to come).

The following information was taken from the South Wales Gazette, December 1938.
Rev M. Phillips.
Rev M. Phillips, the first minister occupied the pastorate of the church from May 1862 to September 1862.

The Introduction of Oil Lamps.
In 1862 candles were displaced by oil lamps, for lighting purposes.

The Harmonium.
In 1862 an harmonium was purchased at a cost of £19. 19s. 0d.

Rev Rhys Jenkins.
In 1867, £3. 12s 6d. was paid for the lease of the church. At this time Rev Rhys Jenkins began his ministry with 78 members on the books. Rev Jenkins left the church in 1869.

Gas Installation.
In 1871 the accounts for candles and oil were disposed of when gas was first used.

Rev L. T. Jones.
In 1872 Rev L. T. Jones began his ministry at the church.

A License to Solomnise Marriages.
In 1874 King Street Baptist Church obtained its license to solomnise marriages.

The First Wedding.
In 1875 the first wedding at King Street Baptist Church took place when Mr Thomas Williams married Miss Emma Davies of Blaina. The marriage is confirmed with B.D.M. – Births Deaths and Marriages.

The Departure of Rev L. T. Jones.
In 1876 Rev L. T. Jones left the church to preach at the Ebenezer, Abertillery.

Rev T. Griffiths.
In 1878 Rev Thomas Griffiths took over the pastorate.

The School Room.
In 1879 a school room was built at a cost of £335. 5s. 0d.

The New Organ.
In October 1892 a new organ was obtained.

The Death of Rev T. Griffiths.
In 1904 Rev Thomas Griffiths passed away.

Rev J. Morris Evans.
In 1905 Rev J. Morris Evans took over the ministry at King Street Baptist Church.

The New Class Rooms.
The South Wales Gazette, who published the history of the church 1938, stated that up until 1906 there were dwelling houses beneath the church, though in 1906 those houses were turned into classrooms at a cost of £387. 12s. 5d.

The Departure of Rev J. Morris Evans.
In July 1909, Rev J. Morris Evans left the church.

Rev Thomas Reeves.
In 1920 Rev Thomas Reeves took over at King Street although left in 1933.

The Acquisition of the Freehold of the Church.
On Wednesday 7th of December 1938, a service was held by the members of the church on the acquisition of the freehold of the King Street Baptist Church. To enable the purchase, £350 was to be found and a freehold appeal was launched. The money was contributed by past and present members of the church and for the occasion of its acquisition. At a service, Mr H. G. Prosser (Secretary) presided and the devotions were led by Rev E. T. Samuel, pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. A sermon was given by the Right Hon William Brace P.C., former M.P. for Abertillery and one time miners leader.

The Presentation Ceremony.
At the presentation ceremony, Mr J. Head presided. An inscribed Westminster clock was presented by Mr Frank Evans to Mr Frank Powles on the occasion of his departure to Cardiff, the secretary of the church for the past fifteen years. On Behalf of the Sunday School, Mr J. Smith presented Mr Powles with a fountain pen and Mr George Jenkins made a presentation of a bible. A bible was also presented to Mrs Nancy Powles by Mr George Jenkins. Tributes were paid to Mr Luther Evans who retired from his position as organist after 25 years service. Mrs J. Head presented Mr Evans with an inscribed Westminster clock The ceremony was followed by various services.

King Street Chapel Sunday School.
On Friday 26th of October 1951, the South Wales Gazette reported on the progress of the Sunday School classrooms that were under construction at King Street Chapel. It stated the work was being done voluntary by members of the chapel and the materials used were being purchased from the Sunday School Building Fund. Rev Kenneth Hibbs and Mr C. O. Lee installed the lighting and William and Emrys Briscoe had done all the carpentry work.

The Fire.
In June 1987, the Gwent Gazette reported on a fire that broke out at the King Street Baptist Chapel. It was said to have caused £25,000 of damage and the original bible that had been kept at the chapel since it was constructed, was destroyed in the blaze.

The Closure of the King Street, Baptist Chapel.
I am not sure of the date the chapel closed. 
(More information to come).

The Sale of the King Street, Baptist Chapel.
In September 2021 the old King Street Chapel building was sold at auction for £116,000.

The Conversion into Flats.
During the summer of 2023, the old chapel building was remodelled and converted into luxury flats and was named King Street Apartments.

(More information to come).