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Blaenau Gwent Primitive Methodist Chapel.
The Blaenau Gwent Primitive Methodist Chapel is situated at the top of Ty Bryn Road, behind the Blaenau Gwent Rows. It was reportedly built in 1883. There is a date stone on the front of the chapel though I cannot verify the exact original construction date as no records are available at this present time.
The New Chapel.
In June 1902 plans to rebuild the Blaenau Gwent Primitive Methodist Chapel were put forth as the old chapel had become too small for purpose and the reconstruction took place. The old chapel would be reconstructed and would be made into a two-storey building with a new schoolroom on the ground floor and the chapel above. During the period of re-building all religious services were held in the Cock n Chick School, Cwmtillery.
The Laying of the Memorial Stones.
On Monday 23rd of June 1902, the ceremony of the laying of the memorial stones took place, Rev E. Ball presided and opened with prayer which was followed by a reading by Rev J. M. Craddock after which several stones were laid. The first of the stones were put into place by Mr T. Withers on behalf of the Sunday School. One was laid by Mr J. H. Gane on behalf of the Young Men’s Bible Class and one by Mr T. Bedford for the trustees. Other stone layers included the following – Mrs J. T. Williams; Mrs Hancock of Cross Street; Master David Muir; Master Thomas H. Jones; Master G. H. Gelson; Misses E. A. Gelson; N. Gelson; Lily Dancey; L. Muir; Elizabeth J. Evans; Matilda Roe; Maud Withers and May Moore: Later an address was delivered by Rev S. Bryant of Brynmawr. After the ceremony the party went to the Somerset Street Primitive Methodist School Room for tea.
Description of the Building.
The new chapel building was to be built on leasehold land with the dimension of the new chapel being 73′ feet by 27′ feet and was to be constructed of rough stonework. The contract was let for £725 for the chapel and the school, the seating accommodation for the chapel was for 400 worshippers. A gallery was to be provided for the choir.
The Contractor and Architect.
The contractor was Mr D. Phillips, builder of Carlyle Street, Abertillery. The architect was Mr A. Jones of Rosebery Street, Abertillery.
The Reopening of the Chapel.
On Sunday 5th of October 1902, the Blaenau Gwent Primitive Methodist Chapel re-opened after the extensive alterations.
The County Grammar School Annex.
On Tuesday 17th of September 1907, at a meeting of the governors of the Abertillery Intermediate School, with Mr B. T. Williams presiding, the headmaster Mr W. D. Lewis Evans M.A., reported that there were 240 children at the school and the accommodation only provided for 120. They decided to engage two additional teachers and made arrangements to secure the use of the Blaenau Gwent Primitive Methodist Chapel as an additional accommodation for the school children, a sort of an annex until the Abertillery Intermediate School was extended.
The Fire.
In the early hours of Thursday 1st of October 1931, the Blaenau Gwent Primitive Methodist Chapel was totally destroyed by a fire. It was discovered by P.C. Bennett who had been patrolling the district at 3.00am in the morning. He saw smoke coming from the porch of the chapel and noticed the place was ablaze. He ran to the home of the steward of the Blaenau Gwent Workman’s Club, Mr Stanley James who telephoned the Abertillery Fire Brigade and the Police.
Owing to the fire engine being out of action from the result of a breakdown a few months previously, the brigade turned out with their hoses and other appliances on a motor lorry borrowed from the district council. They arrived at the scene at 3.35am but by that time the fire had took a strong hold and it was too late to save the church. There was a plentiful supply of water within 50 feet of the chapel but the brigade who were aided by the police sergeant P.S. John Davies and constables P.C. Phipps and P.C. Wallace worked for two and a half hours before the fire was completely extinguished. By this time only the four walls remained with over £2,000 of damage caused.
The Rebuilding of the Blaenau Gwent Primitive Methodist Chapel.
In April 1932 the council approved plans for the rebuilding of the chapel after the fire and the reconstruction went ahead. The chapel was rebuilt as a single storey building, though I cannot find a re-opening date.
The Later Years.
The chapel is still in use for religious services and the Abertillery Town Band also use the chapel for practise sessions.