Aberavon; Bethel Primitive Methodist

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Bethel was a Primitive Methodist church; the cause began in 1841 when a private house on Cwmavon Road, Aberavon was used for worship, which was replaced by a chapel on Wern Street in 1851. A new chapel on High Street, Bethel, was opened in 1900. In 1963 Bethel was demolished to make way for the new motorway through Port Talbot.

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  • The Primitive Methodist magazine for February 1852 contains an account by Joseph Hibbs of the opening of the 1851 Aberavon Primitive Methodist chapel. Aberavon was re-missioned in 1849 and attendances were more than the house initially used for meetings could hold.  The society at some expense twice lost sites for a new chapel before signing a 94 year lease on a third.

    Opening services and tea meetings were held from Friday October 24th 1851. “Practical, pointed and convincing” preachers included Rev T Hobson (Bath), Rev D Davies (Baptist, Swansea), Rev J Best (Tredegar) and Rev GP Evans. The preaching bore fruit.

    The chapel was 39′ x 29′ and 20′ high, well ventilated, built of best quality stone and slate and had a good boarded floor. The cost was expected to be £170 when completed of which £60 had been promised.

    The society expected to grow “as the English population is increasing very much” and a Sunday school would be commenced as soon as possible

    Reference:

    Primitive Methodist magazine February 1852 pp112-113

    By Christopher Hill (27/01/2017)

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