Newbridge Primitive Methodist chapel

The laying of the foundation stone of  Newbridge Primitive Methodist chapel  is described by George Johnson in the Primitive Methodist magazine.  It took place on Monday May 12th 1862. It was laid  using a trowel and polished mallet by Miss Brown, the daughter of the manager of Navigation Colliery. Subscriptions were then collected on a “beautiful new tray”

Five months later, they were back for the opening of what Mr Johnson calls Newbridge Jehovah-Jireh chapel on October 26th 1862 .

“Newbridge, Aberdare Circuit.—Opening of ” Jehovah-Jireh.” The above substantial and beautiful chapel was opened for divine worship in the following order. Sunday, October 26th, three sermons were preached ; in the morning and evening, in English, by the Rev. G. John son, and in the afternoon in Welsh, by the Rev. H. Oliver, B.A. Independent. Sunday, November 9th, three sermons were preached, in the morning and evening, in English, by the Rev. Thomas Hobson, Pontypool ; and in the afternoon in Welsh, by the Rev. E. Roberts, Baptist. Monday morning, November 10th , two sermons were preached, by the Rev. T. Hobson, and J. Lambert, Esq., Bristol. At two o’clock a tea meeting was held, at which from 300 to 400 attended. At four o’clock a public meeting was held, presided over by Geo. Smart, Esq., Cardiff, who generously gave £5 at the collection. The following gentlemen took part in the meeting, Revs. T. Hobson, P. Haddocks, Cardiff, J. Greenland (WesleyanJ, G. Johnson aud W. Hunt, Circuit ministers, Messrs. J. Lambert, J. Howells, Cardiff, H. Davis, Dowlais, and others.

The Tuff Vale Railway Company very kindly allowed all the friends to travel to the Monday’s services and back for one fare.

The chapel is 40 feet by 30. The local papers pronounce the building an ornament to the town, and a great credit to the connexion. The cost, of the whole is about £350. We have borrowed £200, at five per cent for six years, if necessary. We have raised by the foundation-services, the opening-services, and subscriptions, about .£115. We purpose to make another effort to raise what is required. May this chapel be the birthplace of many souls. G. Johnson.”

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine November 1862 page 695

Primitive Methodist magazine May 1863 page 305