The New Presbyterian Chapel – Six Bells

The New Presbyterian Chapel Six Bells.
The new Presbyterian Chapel building was proposed in 1903. The old original iron structured chapel on Bridge Street was becoming too small for purpose and a new much larger chapel was planned. Just two years later the chapel attendance reached 180 worshippers and the schoolroom attendance was 220 pupils.

Following is a Link to – The Old Presbyterian Chapel.

Tenders for the Construction of a New Chapel.
In 1905 tenders were invited from builders and the planning for a new chapel (as seen in the featured image above) was started.

The Ceremony of the Laying of the Foundation Stones.
On Friday 15th of December 1905, the ceremony of the laying of the Foundation Stones took place. Dr John Pugh, superintendent of the Forward Movement was to have presided at the ceremony though he could not attend. Rev H. Burgess who had been in charge over the past 12 months presided. He was supported by Mr David Davies of Llandinham, the head of the family who had been staunch supporters of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist and Prebyterians.

The names of the others who attended are as follows – Alderman S. N. Jones J.P. and Mrs Jones; Mr J. Stanfield J.P. of Llanhilleth; Rev J. E. Morgan of Risca; Rev J. Thompson of Blaina; Revs T. C. Davies and D. E. Williams of Llanhilleth; Mr Theo Evans and Mr R. L. Roberts and many others:

Mr Theo Evans presented inscribed silver trowels to all stone layers as mementos for the special occasion. The first memorial stone was laid by Mr David Davies. Mrs Theo Evans and Mrs A. J. Morgan laid the next stones and Mr Lewis Morgan laid the next stone on behalf of Mr Robert Templeton, the oldest member of the church who was unable to attend. The other stone layers were as follows – Miss Rosser of Abergavenny; Mr J. Stanfield; Mrs Sarah Witch on behalf of the Sunday School and lastly Mr Thomas James on behalf of the Band of Hope:

Description of the Building.
The chapel was centrally situated at Six Bells and was built to accommodate 700 people while the schoolroom which was co-extensive with the chapel accommodated 400 pupils. It was built of the Gothic style of native stone with polled stone and Forest of Dean stone dressings. The entrance of the chapel was at the side which led into a spacious vestibule from which access was obtained to the body of the chapel also the galleries and schoolroom with additional access to the lower road. Inside the chapel were large galleries with an organ platform at the rear of the rostrum, under which were the minister’s vestry. The rostrum, seating and other woodwork was of pitch-pine.

The Contractor and Architect.
The contractor was Messrs D. W. Richards Ltd of Newport. The architect was Mr R. L. Roberts M.S.A of Abercarn. The cost of the chapel was estimated to have been £2,300.

The Official Opening.
On Sunday 8th of July 1906, the chapel was officially opened for services. Dr J. Cynddylal Jones of Cardiff officiated. During the services anthems were rendered by both adult and junior choirs under the conductor-ship of Messrs E. Thomas and T. James.

The Later Years.
The Presbyterian Chapel was closed in the early 1980’s and later demolished and the site cleared. A short while later the Six Bells Medical Centre was built behind the church site.

In 2018 the Medical Centre closed with all patients being treated at Aberbeeg.