GENUKI: Chapels - Swansea, Glamorgan

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This project is fully described on Glamorgan Chapels Database

This Swansea database compiled by Jeff Coleman with contributions from;

Gareth Hicks
John Ball
Richard Gwynn

This list embraces the area covered by the Swansea parishes of St Mary's, St John's and St Thomas's

If a chapel is already mentioned on the main parish page then its name will act as a link to that section for any data recorded there - such as extant records and OS Grid references

Some chapels may have more than one entry if it is not possible to correctly identify each from a particular source

(For an explanation of the various non-conformist denominations see Wales - Genealogy Help Pages )

Sources referred to (indicated by number shown in brackets after the data entry) where there may be more data available

1. The Chapels Recording Project in Wales (RCAHMW)
2. Independent Chapels of Wales: History Books and Pamphlets by Huw Walters.
3. Glamorgan Bibliography on Genuki
4. History of the Methodists in West Glamorgan by The Rev. W Samlet Williams 1916 (Index) This source applies to Calvinistic Methodist Chapels (now the Presbyterian Church of Wales)
5. Glamorgan FHS - the publications lists etc
6. My Ancestors were Congregationalists in England and Wales, by D J H Clifford, SOG, 1992.
7. Swansea: an Illustrated History. Edited Glanmor Williams; published by Christopher Davies, Swansea 1990. (Chapter 6, Religion and Education by F. G. Cowley)
8. Jones, I.G. & Williams, D. The Religious census of 1851 : A Calendar of the returns relating to Wales, Vol 1, South Wales. UWP, Cardiff, 1976. The name(s) given are those of the informant
9. Lewis, John: The Swansea Guide, W. M. Brewster, 1851
10. Glamorgan Record Office in Cardiff hold most extant parish church and non-conformist chapel records, these are listed on their site (click ' history of your family' on main page and scroll down to the end of the next page)
11. The Cambrian Index - The index data is obviously limited , there may be more available via the online contact address
12. Kelly's Directory, South Wales 1895 - the Archive CD Books Cd

Additional sources

13. SWANSEA - Reflections in Black & White Compiled by Bernard Mitchell 1983
14. The Cambrian And General Weekly Advertiser For the Principality of Wales 1804 - 1930
Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the first English Language newspaper published in Wales and launched in Swansea in 1804. Edited by Glynden Trollope. Published 2003.
15. Presbyterian Church of Wales site - list of chapels still open
16. Kelly's Directory, South Wales 1910 - the Archive CD Books Cd
1858-1859 Slaters Directory
Archives Network Wales
Swansea Archives
1878 Ordnance Survey Map of the Centre of Swansea, published by West Glamorgan Archive Service 1993
1897 Ordnance Survey Map of the Centre of Swansea
Personal knowledge/research (JC=Jeff Coleman)

Baptist

Albert Hall Baptist(?) chapel

Albert Hall Baptist chapel Rev Oscar T Snelling Seats 2600 1895 (12)
Albert Hall, Cradock St Undenominational Rev Oscar Thompson Snelling 1910 (16)

The Albert Hall ( formerly the Music Hall, now a bingo venue) was the venue for a very personal mission by Rev. Oscar Snelling. Somebody on the Glamorgan list is related to a protege of Snelling's called CURTISS who went from newspaper-seller to evangelist. I don't think he was a baptist, but not sure. [ lookup needed] (JC)

Bethany English Baptist, Bryn Rd, Waunarlwydd

Bethany English Baptist, Bryn Rd, Waunarlwydd SS60019551 Built in 1875 and rebuilt/modified in 1883 (1)
The English Baptist chapel in Waunarlwydd, erected in 1875, has 250 sittings 1895 (12) and Bethania English Baptist Rev A E Turtle 1910 (16)
Bethany English Baptist Church, Waunarlwydd: minutes, 1878-1937; church history, 1975 held at Swansea Archives

Bethlehem, Groft Particular Baptist

Bethlehem, Groft Particular Baptist Erected c 1850 Richard Thomas, Deacon, Chapel St, Greenhill 1851 (8)

Bethesda, High Street

Bethesda Welsh Baptist, Bethesda St, Prince of Wales Rd

Bethesda Welsh Baptist, Bethesda St, Prince of Wales Rd SS65789390 First built in 1649, rebuilt in 1830/1, modified/enlarged in 1861 and again in 1882, disused by 1995 (1)
"Welsh Baptist, Bethesda, 1831 seated 1000" (7)
"Baptists - rented former meeting house - Baptist Court" (7)
"Baptist, Back Lane, 1798 (Joseph Harris, Gomer) " (7)
"Bethesda Baptist ; This chapel can trace its origins back directly to the very first Strict Baptist congregation in Wales which was organised at Ilston in Gower in 1649. It moved into Swansea in about 1670 and after occupying premises in Baptist Court and Back Lane, built its present home in 1831. Rebuilding took place and extensions to the chapel were made in 1858 and 1882." Hafod & The Swansea Valley Archeological Trail site
Bethesda, Bethesda St Baptists Erected in 1830 Daniel Davies, Minister, 2 Nelson Place 1851 (8)
"Bethesda Chapel (Welsh), Bethesda-street:. Minister, the Rev. Daniel Davies. Sunday-school scholars, 118 ; teachers, 27. There is an English School attached to this Chapel, having 202 scholars.- Services at each Chapel, 11 A.M., 6 P.M. " 1851 (9)
Bethesda Welsh Prince of Wales Rd Rev E Edmonds Seats 1150 1895 (12) and Rev David Price 1910 (16)
Book index entry; ' Bethesda Chapel Swansea, 1838' (14)
Baptist Bethesda St Rev. David Davies 1858-1859 Slaters Directory

See Welsh Chapels and Churches for a photograph

25 February 1837 REPORT OF MEETING OF SWANSEA TEETOTAL SOCIETY AT BETHESDA CHAPEL, SWANSEA (11)
27 March 1841 BETHESDA, BETHESDA STREET SWANSEA REGISTERED FOR SOLEMNIZING MARRIAGES (11)
3 March 1876 FUNERAL OF REV. R.A. JONES, BAPTIST MINISTER OF BETHESDA, SWANSEA - CHAPEL HAD 1500 PLACES CRAMMED WITH 2000 PEOPLE (11)

Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;

Swansea General Baptist Church deeds 1758-1852 "In 1689 the Baptists established a meeting house on a site in the present High Street, Swansea, then above the old north gate of the town. The site later became known as Baptist Court and remained in existence until the 1930s. The chapel was apparently no longer in use by the end of the 19th century."

Calfaria Welsh Baptist Chapel, Carmarthen Road, Fforestfach; Raven Hill

Calfaria Welsh Baptist Chapel, Carmarthen Road, Fforestfach; Raven Hill SS63169553 Built in 1861 (or 1867), enlarged/modified in 1892/3 and demoted to vestry, upgraded to church again 1970s, still in use in 1996 (1)
Ravenhill Calfaria Welsh Baptist Rev Evans Jones Hughes Seats 485 1910 (16)

Capel Gomer Welsh Baptist, Carlton Terrace and Orchard St

Capel Gomer Welsh Baptist, Carlton Terrace SS65249327 Built in 1878 or 1891, bombed/demolished in 1941, rebuilt in 1962, still in use in 1998 (1)

Capel Gomer Welsh Orchard St Rev John Gomer Lewis Seats 1000 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)

These seem to have been associated, but not the same place.
The 1878 Ordnance Survey Map of the Centre of Swansea, published by West Glamorgan Archive Service 1993, shows the Orchard Street premises as Gospel Hall (bapt.) and the Carlton Terrace premises as Mt. Zion Chapel (General Bapt.)
The 1897 Ordnance Survey Map of the Centre of Swansea shows 'Baptist Chapel' in Carlton Terrace and the building formerly the gospel hall still in existence but not noted as a chapel. [A different chapel (Alexandra I think) is in a different location in Orchard Street.]
Carlton Terrace premises was rebuilt 1962. Appears still open 2006 (JC)

Congregationalist

There is a book; T. Mardy Rees: Dechreuad Annibyniaeth yn nghylchoedd Abertawe a Chastell Nedd. (Papur a ddarllenwyd ar gais Bwrdd Gweinidogion yr Annibynwyr, Abertawe), (Caerdydd, 1939) (2)

Bethel English (Now URC), Sketty Park Rd SS62309248

Bethel, Sketty UR Opened in 1770 Still open in 1992 (6) * but see below
"The English Congregational chapel near Sketty Green was built in 1842 in place of an earlier chapel erected in 1770, and seats 250 persons " 1895 (12) * but see below
Congregational Bryn English Sketty Rev Elias Joseph 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)
Rees, Thomas & John Thomas. Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru (History of the Welsh Independent Churches), 4 volumes (published 1871+). Here is the entry for this chapel (in Welsh) - with translation by Heulwen Jenkins (March 2008)

See Welsh Chapels and Churches for a photograph of the Sketty Green chapel
Bethel United Reformed Church site

Bethel English, Sketty Green, had a church hall built onto the back of the 1770 building in 1923. Then about 1970 the original 1770 chapel in front of the hall was demolished, for road widening, and a new worship area constructed alongside the church hall. (JC)

The chapel near Sketty Green was built in 1770 for the Welsh congregation. At some time after the Welsh congregation moved in 1842 to a new chapel in Carnglas Road, the original building became the home of Bethel English Congregational Church.
*Source (12) above is misleading in suggesting that the 1842 rebuilding was on the same site.

Bethel Welsh (Bethel Sgeti), Carnglas Road, Sketty SS62329317

Has a large graveyard
Bethel Welsh Ind, Garnglas Rd/Sketty Park Rd, Sketty First built 1770, rebuilt/modified in 1842, 1870 & 1898, still in use in 1993 (1)
New Bethel, Carnglass Rd, Sketty SS62329317 No denomination shown Built in 1842 and rebuilt 1870 (1)
"Bethel Sketty , Independent, 1770" (7)
Bethel Newedd, Sketty Ind Erected in 1770, or before 1800 Branch Sunday schools at Rhydydefaid and Crocket Samuel Rosser, Deacon, Sketty 1851 (8)
New Bethel Welsh Congregational chapel erected in 1840 will seat 550 persons and has an attached burial ground of one acre 1895 (12)
Congregational Welsh Sketty Rev D Owen Rees 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)
Still active 2006 (JC)

There are books; Prys Morgan: Bethel, y Sgeti, 1770-1970: golwg ar yr achos, (Abertawe, 1970) and
Prys Morgan: Bethel, y Sgeti, 1770-1993: golwg ar hanes yr achos, (Abertawe, 1993) (2)
Bethel Chapel, Sketty: chapel history, 1993 ( This is the Welsh speaking chapel at Carnglas, as opposed to the English speaking chapel of the same name at Sketty Green) - held at Swansea Archives
Rees, Thomas & John Thomas. Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru (History of the Welsh Independent Churches), 4 volumes (published 1871+). Here is the entry for this chapel (in Welsh) - with translation by Heulwen Jenkins (March 2008)

Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;

"Bethel Independent Chapel at Carnglas, Sketty, Swansea, was established in 1770 and was Welsh speaking. A new chapel was built in 1842 and was refurbished in 1880." "Booklet relating the history of the chapel, 1993."
I am not sure whether the 1880 refurbishment in this reference is for the 1770 chapel near Sketty Green. (JC)

12 November 1842 NEW INDEPENDENT CHAPEL IN SKETTY. SERMONS IN ENGLISH AND WELSH. (Cambrian)
Bethel Newydd, built 1842 'about half a mile higher up' in what is now Carnglas Road, is the present site of Bethel Welsh Independent. (JC)
There was an extension either 1898 or early 20th century (1920s or 1930s) and refurbishment in the last few years

See Bethel English/URC above for clarification of the confusion between the two Bethel chapels in Sketty

Capel Sion (Zion) Ind, High St

Capel Sion Ind, High St SS65709376 Built in 1843 (1849), rebuilt/modified in 1850 and 1864. Demolished c 1896 and replaced by Henrietta chapel, demolished [again] by 1997 (1)
But Henrietta Street chapel is still in existence and in use (JC)
Capel Seion Welsh Ind Opened in 1843 (6)
Capel Sion, High St Welsh Calvinistic Independants Erected in 1849 "This Place of Worship was commenced in Victoria Rooms, Oxford St, Swansea 1841 and was removed to a Chapel wich was Built in High Street 1843 and sold to the South Wales Railway Company 1849 where their station is and the present Chapel was Built in the same year and called Capel Sion" David Davies, Deacon, Castle St 1851 (8)
"Zion. Chapel (Welsh), High-Street . Ministers, the Rev. Thomas Davies. Sunday-school scholars, 100; teachers, 16" 1851 (9)
Zion Welsh High St Rev Wm Gibbon Seats 550 1895 (12)
Rees, Thomas & John Thomas. Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru (History of the Welsh Independent Churches), 4 volumes (published 1871+). Here is the entry for this chapel (in Welsh) - with translation by Heulwen Jenkins (May 2008)

Two of my ancestors were married in Zion Chapel, High Street, Swansea on 18 August 1867 "according to the rites and ceremonies of the Independents". The Minister was John Davies and the Registrar was Jeremiah Daniel. (Marriage Certificate) ( Janet Russell)

Carmarthen Rd Congregational chapel, Carmarthen Rd

Carmarthen Rd chapel, Carmarthen Rd SS6494 Denomination not given Built in 1875/6, rebuilt/modified in 1894, Schoolroom added in 1909 (1)
Carmarthen Rd English Rev John Phillips Seats 750 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)

Books;
Percy Morris: Carmarthen Road Congregational church, Swansea: jubilee souvenir, 1876-1926, (Swansea, 1926) (2)
Yonge, S. Carmarthen Road United Reformed Church, Swansea, 1876-1976. Swansea, 1976

Castle Street

Castle St English Ind SS65689327 Built in 1814, rebuilt/modified in 1882, demolished early C20th (1)
Castle St Welsh Ind chapel Opened in 1843 (6)
Castle St Meeting Ind Opened in 1814 (6) also in English
"Castle Street Congregational 1814" (7)
Castle St Ind Extant records (10)
Castle Street Meeting House or Chapel Independent or Congregational Erected about 1815 William Jones, Minister, 11 Gower St 1851 (8)
Castle St English Rev Thomas Evan Seats 800 (12)
Castle St Ind Rev. William Jones 1858-1859 Slaters Directory
Rees, Thomas & John Thomas. Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru (History of the Welsh Independent Churches), 4 volumes (published 1871+). Here is the entry for this chapel (in Welsh) - with translation by Heulwen Jenkins (April 2008)

"Castle-street Chapel, Castle-street. Minister, the Rev. Wm. Jones. Sunday-school scholars, 117 ; teachers, 19" 1851 (9)

Cwmbwrla Welsh Ind, Carmarthen Rd, Cwmbwrla (Capel y Gât )

Cwmbwrla Welsh Ind,Carmarthen Rd, Cwmbwrla SS65079463 Built in 1862/3 and enlarged in 1879, rebuilt/modified in 1890 and again in 1906 (1)
Cwmbwrla Welsh Rev David Jones Seats 800 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)
Rees, Thomas & John Thomas. Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru (History of the Welsh Independent Churches), 4 volumes (published 1871+). Here is the entry for this chapel (in Welsh) - with translation by Heulwen Jenkins (Oct 2008)

Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;

"The records are relating to Cwmbwrla Independent Chapel, Swansea. The cause began in the early years of the 19th century when services were held in a house at Pentregethin. In 1844, a Sunday School was built by members of Ebenezer chapel for worship at Cwmbwrla. In the year of 1861 the decision was made to establish a church, which drew the majority of its members from Ebenezer, with others from Bethlehem (Cadle) and Siloam (Pentre Estyll). Te chapel was built in 1862. The church closed in 1964. It was demolished soon afterwards to make way for road widening and the re-development of Cwmbwrla Square. Although given no official name, the chapel was known as Capel y Gât (gate chapel) from its position close to the site of a toll gate"
"......... including minute books, 1917-1940; annual reports, 1919-1960; membership records, 1911-1964; correspondence, 1933-1966; accounts, 1930-1931; photographs, 1894-1964; programmes and tickets for events, 1914-1962; miscellaneous periodicals, 1946-1949; newspaper cuttings, 1964 and publications, 1936"

Danygraig Congregational chapel

Danygraig English Ind, Ysgol St, Dan-y-graig SS67549327 Built in 1860, rebuilt/modified 1883 and modified again in 1913. Sunday School and manse added in 1897 (1)
Danygraig English Ind, Ysgol St Rev Edward Owen Evans Seats 600 1910 (16)

There is a book by; W.R. Crocker, J.E. Jones: Danygraig Congregational church, Swansea. Historical souvenir of the church: 75th anniversary celebration, 1860-1935, (Swansea, 1935) (2)

Rees, Thomas & John Thomas. Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru (History of the Welsh Independent Churches), 4 volumes (published 1871+). Here is the entry for this chapel (in Welsh) - with translation by Heulwen Jenkins (March 2008)

Ebenezer

Ebenezer Welsh Ind, Ebenezer St SS65659368 Built in 1803, enlarged in 1826 and rebuilt in 1862, still in use in 1996 (1)
Ebenezer Opened in 1689 (6)
" 1689 Dissenters - in a court off High Street ( later Baptist Court)" (7)
"Ebenezer, Independent, 1803 [now Baptist] - rebuilt 1862, frontage 1896" (7)
Ebenezer, Ebenezer St Ind Erected in 1826 Elijah Jacob, Minister 1851 (8)
"Ebenezer Chapel (Welsh), Ebenezer-street.. Minister, the Rev. E. Jacob. Sunday-school scholars, 236 ; teachers, 61" 1851 (9)
Ebenezer Welsh Ebenezer St Rev W James 1895 (12) and Rev William James 1910 (16)
New Ebenezer, Henrietta St Welsh Ind Opened in 1841 Replaced Ebenezer (6)
Source is in error. Henrietta Street was not in existence in 1841 (JC)
Ebenezer St Ind Rev. Elijah Jacob 1858-1859 Slaters Directory
Rees, Thomas & John Thomas. Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru (History of the Welsh Independent Churches), 4 volumes (published 1871+). Here is the entry for this chapel (in Welsh) - with translation by Eleri Rowlands (May 2009)

There is a book; W. James: Canmlwyddiant eglwys Ebenezer, Abertawe, (Abertawe, 1904) (2)
There is a book; John Williams: Eglwys Gynulleidfaol Ebenezer, Abertawe: ei hanes a'i gwaith, 1804-1922, (Caerdydd, 1922) (2)
Ebenezer Congregational Church, Swansea: chapel history, 1954 - held at Swansea Archives
Closed in 2017. See the Archive Hub for extensive data on origin, extant records etc

Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;

".......... Ebenezer originated as a branch congregation of Mynyddbach Chapel, Tirdoncyn, meeting in a farmhouse at Fforestfach. The chapel was built and opened in 1804, in Mariner Street, Swansea. In the 1970s it was decided to combine with the Welsh Congregational chapel in Henrietta Street, with whom they shared their minister. The old chapel was sold to a church in Waunwen, and the chapel in Henrietta Street is now known as Ebenezer Newydd."
"Records relating to Ebenezer Chapel, Mariner Street and Ebenezer Newydd Chapel, Henrietta Street, Swansea, 1878-1999, including periodicals, 1892-1976; annual reports, 1903-1999; records relating to the chapel history, 1954; photographs, 1894-1989; orders of service for the induction of ministers at Capel Ebenezer, 1948-1976; orders of service for funerals, 1929-1977; annual reports and records relating to the Undeb yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg (the Union of Welsh Independents), 1945-1996; records relating to other chapels, 1949-1987; periodicals, 1878-1968; published books, 1923-1976; annual reports of theological colleges, 1964-1979"

Ebenezer Ind chapel, Dunvant

Ebenezer Welsh Ind, Dunvant SS59339388 Built in 1872, rebuilt/modified in 1882 and 1893 (1)
There is a congregational chapel (Dunvant) erected in 1882 1895 (12)

There is a book; Islwyn Davies: Ebenezer Independent chapel, Dunvant, 1872-1972, [s.l.: 1972] (2)
Ebeneser Chapel, Dunvant: chapel history, 1972 held at Swansea Archives
Shown as still open on the Union of Welsh Independents site (Dec 2006)

See Welsh Chapels and Churches for a photograph

Fabian's Bay English Independent, Balaclava St, St Thomas

Fabian's Bay English Independent, Balaclava St, St Thomas SS66449322 Built in 1862 and rebuilt/modified in 1872 and 1904, still in use in 2000 (1)
Fabian's Bay English Balaclava St Rev John Matthews Seats 500 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)

Rees, Thomas & John Thomas. Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru (History of the Welsh Independent Churches), 4 volumes (published 1871+). Here is the entry for this chapel (in Welsh) - with translation by Heulwen Jenkins (March 2008)

There is a book; Levi J. Evans: Fabian's Bay, 75th Anniversary, 1862-1937: history of the cause, (Swansea, 1937) (2)

Fleet St English Ind, St Helen's

Fleet St English Ind (Sandfields) SS64709242 Built in 1867, rebuilt/modified c 1897, demolished by 1996 (1)
Fleet St English St Helen's Seats 250 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)
Rees, Thomas & John Thomas. Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru (History of the Welsh Independent Churches), 4 volumes (published 1871+). Here is the entry from this book for this chapel (in Welsh) - with translation by Heulwen Jenkins (Nov 2008)

Gendros English Congregational chapel, Carmarthen Rd, Fforestfach

Gendros English Congregational chapel, Carmarthen Rd, (Waunarlwydd?) SS63289550 Built in 1907, modified, altered or rebuilt in 1912-3 and enlarged in 1926, still in use in 1996 (1)
Gendros English Ind Seats 210 1910 (16)
Gendros English Congregational Church, Fforestfach: chapel history, 1995 - held at Swansea Archives

Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;

Gendros English Congregational Church, Fforestfach, Papers ".....established in 1895."
"Printed history of Gendros English Congregational Church, Fforestfach, 1995"

Building still there apparently in use 2006 (JC)

[ May be in Llangyfelach - must check]

Henrietta Welsh Ind, Henrietta St

Henrietta Welsh Ind, Henrietta St SS64869288 Built in 1896/7, replaced Capel Sion, still in use in 1996 (1)
Henrietta St Welsh Capel Built 1896 Rev William Gibbon Seats 500 1910 (16)

Still in use 2006 (JC)

Hill English Ind, North Hill Rd

Hill English Ind, North Hill Rd SS65239374 Built in 1881 with modifications in 1898, still in use in 2002 (1)
Hill United Reformed Church, Swansea: history, 1981 - held at Swansea Archives

Hill English Gibbett Hill Rd Rev David Thomas Seats 250 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)

[I think known as North Hill chapel] (JC)

Countess of Huntingdon chapel, Burrows, Herbert Place

Countess of Huntingdon (Burrows, Herbert Place), Herbert Place SS65029292 Built in 1789 (1782?), enlarged in 1841 and rebuilt/modified in 1877 (1)
Burrows Ind chapel English Opened in 1789 (6)
"1787/1789 Countess of Huntingdon, Burrows " (7)
Countess of Huntingdon's Extant records (10)
Lady Huntingdons Chapel, Adelaide Place Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion Erected in 1791 Informant: Thomas Dodd, Minister, 11 Nelson Terrace, Swansea 1851 (8)
Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion St Helen's Rd Rev J Harrison Lochore 1895 (12)
Countess Huntingdon's Adelaide st Rev. John Daniel Whitby 1858-1859 Slaters Directory
Rees, Thomas & John Thomas. Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru (History of the Welsh Independent Churches), 4 volumes (published 1871+). Here is the entry for this chapel (in Welsh) - with translation by Deric John

"LADY HUNTINGDON'S CHAPEL; On the Burrows, nearly adjoining the Royal Institution, is now a very spacious edifice, and has 129 scholars in its Sunday-school, and 17 teachers. Like the Wesley Chapel, it. is supplied with an organ. Minister, the Rev. T. Dodd. Service at, 11 A.M., and 6 1/2 P.M." 1851 (9)
Lady Huntingdon's chapel on the Swansea Heritage site

The original building on the Burrows (Adelaide Place) was up for sale 1876/7 and the new building was in St. Helen's Road was built about the same time. Plenty in the 'Cambrian' about it.
The 'new' building has been long gone. Not sure whether WW2 or earlier (JC)

English Congregational, Manselton Rd, Manselton

English Congregational, Manselton Rd, Manselton (Manselton Unitarian - UR surely ?) SS64919538 Demolished [??] by 1997 (1)
Manselton English Ind Rev Griffith J Evans Seats 600 1910 (16)

Books;
F. John James: Seventy-five years on ...: a short history of Manselton United Reformed Church, 1906-1981, (Manselton, 1981)
Manselton United Reformed Chapel: history, 1997 (D/D Z 295) - held at Swansea Archives
These hundred years : a history of Christ Well, Manselton United Reformed Church 1906-2006; by Robert Pope. [Swansea]: Christ Well Manselton United Reformed Church, 2006. vii, 112 p. ISBN 1904845401 (pbk.).

Not demolished, still in use 2006, now called Christwell (JC)
[ Check Major renovations in last 15 years or so]

Rhyddings Ind chapel

Rhyddings Ind chapel Seats 550 1910 (16)

Located on corner of Rhyddings Park Road and Rhyddings Terrace.
Still there, apparently still in use 2006 [check]
Is this actually the Calvinistic Methodist chapel i.e the source is in error ? (JC)

St Helen's Rd Ind chapel

St Helen's Rd Ind chapel Rev Thomas Sinclair Evans Seats 400 1910 (16)

Not sure, but might be same as St. Pauls - leave as it is [check] (JC)

Saint Paul's English Ind chapel, St Helen's Rd/Ave

Saint Paul's English Ind chapel, St Helen's Rd/Ave SS64569258 Built in 1881 (1889?), rebuilt/modified in 1905 and Sunday school added, not still in use by 1996 (1)
St Paul's English Rev Herbert Thomas Andrews Seats 1000 1895 (12) and Rev J Gilbert Rees 1910 (16)
St Paul's Congregational Church, Swansea: pew rent book, 1888-1912 - held at Swansea Archives

Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;

St Paul's Congregational Church, Swansea "........... was established in 1880. The Chapel building was opened in 1881"
".......... pew rent book, 1888-1912"

Listed building, at one time a cinema, now Miah's restaurant (2006) (JC)

Sardis, Swansea Rd, Waunarlwydd

Sardis Ind, Swansea Rd, Waunarlwydd SS60239557 Built in 1852, rebuilt/modified in 1859/60, enlarged in 1879, rebuilt/modified in 1909 (1)
The Welsh Congregational chapel in Waunarlwydd, erected in 1860, has 500 sittings 1895 (12) and Rev David Morgan Davies 1910 (16)
Rees, Thomas & John Thomas. Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru (History of the Welsh Independent Churches), 4 volumes (published 1871+). Here is the entry for this chapel (in Welsh) - with translation by Heulwen Jenkins (Oct 2008)

There is a book; Thomas Harris: Hanes eglwys Sardis, Waunarlwydd, 1860-1960, (Abertawe, 1960) (2)
Shown as still open on the Union of Welsh Independents site (Dec 2006)

Saron Congregational Chapel, Upper King'S Head Road, Raven Hill

Saron Congregational Chapel, Upper King'S Head Road, Raven Hill SS63529524 Modified, altered or rebuilt in 1930, not still in use in 1990 (1)
Saron Welsh Ind, Fforest Fach Rev David Roberts Williams Seats 605 1910 (16)
Saron Chapel, Gendros: minutes, 1905-1989; accounts, 1903-1937; deeds, 1917; annual reports, 1906-1989; correspondence, 1910-1989; list of deacons, 1905-1955; chapel histories, 1935 and 1955 - held at Swansea Archives

Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;

Saron Independent Chapel, Gendros, Swansea, opened in 1905 and was used as a place of worship until 1989, when the building was sold and the remaining members dispersed to neighbouring chapels.

Siloam Welsh Ind, Llangyfelach Rd, Pentre Estyll

Siloam Welsh Ind, Llangyfelach Rd, Pentre Estyll SS65579484 Built in 1843/4, rebuilt/modified in 1864/5 , enlarged in 1914, not still in use by 1996 (1)
Siloam Welsh Ind Pentre Estyll Opened in 1844 Still open in 1992 (6)
Siloam Welsh Pentre Estyll Rev Griffith Pennar Griffiths Seats 800 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)
Siloam Chapel, Pentre Estyll: baptisms, burials and list of members, 1936-1959; minutes, 1908-1967; annual reports, 1901-1968; accounts, 1893-1976; Sunday School records, 1875-1980; histories, 1933 and n.d. - held at Swansea Archives
Rees, Thomas & John Thomas. Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru (History of the Welsh Independent Churches), 4 volumes (published 1871+). Here is the entry from this book for this chapel (in Welsh) - with translation by Heulwen Jenkins (May 2008)

"Historic Chapel to go under the Hammer" The South Wales Evening Post of 6th February reported that:
"A rundown chapel in Swansea could be transformed into eight flats. Siloam Chapel, off Llangyfelach Road, Hafod, goes under the auctioneer's hammer next week. The quarter-acre site contains the original chapel, built in 1842, plus an old school house and building to the rear." (Richard Gwynn)

Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;

Welsh Independent Chapel Siloam, records "............including baptisms and burials, 1936-1959; minute books of deacons' meetings, 1909-1967; minute books of committees and church meetings, 1908-1951; preachers book, 1966; ledgers and cash books, 1893-1976; contributions books, 1923-1952; Sunday School registers, 1875-1980; annual reports, 1901-1968; histories of Siloam Chapel and the surrounding area, 1933-1976; orders of service, 1936-1967; dramatic and musical productions, 1891-1965; printed musical scores, 1927-1960; records relating to Siloam sisterhood, n.d.; and miscellaneous, 1868-1978."
"Pentre Estyll, a Welsh Independent Chapel in Swansea was built in 1842, rebuilt in 1862 and extended in 1914. It was sold in the middle of the 1990s due to a decline in numbers. The congregation continued to meet in the chapel vestry situated on the corner of Sidney Street and Eaton Road, Brynhyfryd. The church closed in May 2002"

Singleton English Ind Clarence Terrace

Singleton English Clarence Terrace Seats 250 1895 (12)

Now St. Philip's Community Centre, Bathurst Street, Swansea. SA1 3QT on the corner of Clarence Terrace. There is a 'Jesus Army' congregation using these premises but it is also the base for Swansea Claimants Union, and I think is a local authority building now. (JC)

Congregational church, Dyfed Ave, Townhill

Congregational church, Dyfed Ave, Townhill SS64039365 Burnt down in the 1980 s (1)

Upper Killay Congregational Church

Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;

Upper Killay Congregational Church (also called Pines Congregational Church), Upper Killay, Glamorgan (now Swansea), grew from a prayer meeting of members of Capel-y-crwys, Three Crosses, held at The Pines Cottage in Upper Killay in 1909. A chapel was built on land leased from the Sketty Park Estate in 1911. Initially services were held in both English and Welsh; today the chapel is English speaking. Formerly affiliated to the Congregational Union, the church joined the Congregational Federation rather than the United Reformed Church in 1972"
"Records .......... comprising minute books and registers, 1911-2002; financial records, 1914-1988, including annual reports, 1914-1929; correspondence relating to Church trusteeship, 1937-1979; Church histories, 1961, 1986; copies of 'Daybreak', the Church magazine, 1995-1998"

Waenwen Schoolroom, Waenwen Independents

Waenwen Schoolroom, Waenwen Independents Erected in 1843 Informant: Abraham Bevan, Collier, Waenwen 1851 (8)

[Research needed but I think might have ended up as North Hill Chapel] (JC)

Walter Rd English/Welsh

Walter Rd Congregational (URC), Humphrey St SS64809307 Built in 1869, demolished in the 1980s (1)
Walter Rd English Rev Evan Jenkins Seats 1000 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)
Walter Road Congregational Church, Swansea: members' roll, 1867-1949; minutes, 1867-1971; accounts, 1871-1883; annual reports, 1882-1942 (D211); history, 1969 (D/D Z 295) - held at Swansea Archives
Rees, Thomas & John Thomas. Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru (History of the Welsh Independent Churches), 4 volumes (published 1871+). Here is the entry from this book for this chapel (in Welsh) - with translation by Heulwen Jenkins (Nov 2008)

Lots on this in the Cambrian - one of the most fashionable and influential chapels in 1870s.
Site now a block of flats. (JC)

Zoar Welsh Ind, Carmarthen Rd

Zoar Welsh Ind, Carmarthen Rd SS65659412 Built in 1849, rebuilt/modified in 1870, burnt down in 1976 (1978?), later demolished (1)
Soar, High St Calvinistic Independents Erected in 1849 Rees Rees, Minister 1851 (8)
"Zoar Chapel (Welsh), Greenhill. Minister, the Rev. Rees Rees. Sunday-school scholars, 120; teachers, 18." 1851 (9)
Zoar Welsh High St Rev Frederick Samuel Seats 750 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)
Rees, Thomas & John Thomas. Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru (History of the Welsh Independent Churches), 4 volumes (published 1871+). Here is the entry for this chapel (in Welsh) - with translation by Heulwen Jenkins (March 2009)

Methodist

"Wesleyans still went to Parish Church to 1791 and Calvinistic Methodists to 1811" (7)

English Wesleyan Swansea/Gower Circuit

Swansea Circuit English Rev Featherstone Kellett; Rev T Henry Ingram; Rev Charles T Horne; Rev Joseph Wells and Rev Joseph Augustus Jones 1895 (12) and Rev Thomas Dixon (supt); Rev T Cheyne Chaddock 1910 (16)

"Swansea became the head of the first Wesleyan Methodist Circuit in West Glamorgan in 1795. The Gower Methodist societies were part of the Swansea Circuit from 1795 until 1864 when they were formed into a separate Gower Circuit. This arrangement lasted until 1907 when Gower was re-united with Swansea. In 1940 Gower reverted to independent status but rejoined Swansea in 1962. The records in this archive consist of surviving administrative records of the Circuit and of certain of its constituent chapels" Archives Network Wales - details of records held at University of Wales, Swansea

Welsh Wesleyan Swansea Circuit

Swansea Circuit Welsh Rev H Parry; Rev John Rowland and Rev J A Jones 1895 (12) and Rev Alfred Colin Pearce (supt); Alfred Corris Davies 1910 (16)
Swansea Circuit: minutes, 1879-1966; schedule of property, 1944-1959; accounts, 1809-1960
Swansea and Llanelli Circuit: circuit plans, 1966-1968 - held at Swansea Archives

Alexander Road CM

Alexandra English Presbyterian, Alexandra Rd/OrchardSt SS65619348 Built 1885 (1893?) and demolished in the 1960 s (1)
Alexandra Rd English CM Seats 400 1895 (12) and Rev Evan Evans 1910 (16)

Alexander Road,Tabernacle, Wesleyan

Tabernacle, Alexandria Rd SS6593 No denomination given Built 1883/5 (1) ??
Tabernacle Welsh Wesleyan Extant records (10)
Tabernacle Wesleyan Methodist Erected in 1812 Robert Williams, Minister, Pleasant View 1851 (8)
Alexandra Rd Wesleyan Seats 400 1895 (12) and Seats 60 1910 (16)
Capel Tabernacle (Welsh Wesleyan), Swansea: trustees' minutes, 1909 - held at Swansea Archives

Argyle CM

Argyle English Presbyterian church, St Helen's Rd/Argyle St SS64829276 Built in 1875, rebuilt/modified in 1903., not still in use in 1996 (1)
Book Index entry 'Argyle Church, Swansea ' (4)
Argyle English CM St Helen's Rd Rev William Williams Seats 1000 1895 (12) and Rev Arthur Wynne Thomas 1910 (16)
Argyle and Rhyddings Park, Rhyddings Terrace, Brynmill Still open in 2006 (15) [ See also below under Rhyddings]
Argyle and Rhyddings Park Chapels, Swansea: chapel histories, 1993 - held at Swansea Archives
2 July 1875 ARGYLE CHAPEL, ST. HELEN'S RD REGISTERED FOR SOLEMNIZING MARRIAGES & BETHANY CHAPEL, EDWARD ST. DE-REGISTERED (11)
12 June 1891 TRIBUTE: REV.W.WILLIAMS, ARGYLE CHAPEL - PASTOR AT PENCLAWDD 1844 - 1851, THEN TOOK OVER BETHANY CHAPEL,SWANSEA (11)
19 December 1873 ARGYLE CHAPEL:TENDERS INVITED FOR BUILDING NEW ENGLISH CALVINISTIC METHODIST CHAPEL AT ST.HELENS ROAD. (11)
9 May 1884 RE-OPENING OF ARGYLE CHAPEL AFTER THOROUGH RENOVATION - ONE OF THE MOST ARTISTIC CHAPEL BUILDINGS IN SWANSEA (11)

Babell Welsh CM, Cwmdu/Cwmbwrla

Babell Welsh CM (New Babell), Cwmdu SS64599479 First built in 1840-3 and modified in 1845 and 1851, enlarged in 1858 and (re)built in 1869, demolished by 1996 (1)
Book index entry 'Babell, Swansea' (4)
Babell CM Cwmbwrla Extant records (10)
Babell Welsh Cwmbwrla Seats 650 1895 (12) and Rev John Richards 1910 (16)

Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;

"Y Babell, Cwmbwrla, register of graves, c.1871-1970."

Book;
Roberts, G. M. Y Babell, Cwmbwrla : braslun o hanes yr eglwys [Y Babell, Cwmbwrla: a short history of the church]. Cwmbwrla, 1946.

See also under Trinity Welsh CM, Glanmor Park Rd, Sketty

Bellevue St chapel, Bellevue St

Bellevue St chapel, Bellevue St SS6593 No denomination given Built c 1840 (1)
Belle Vue St Unsectarian Rev James Cory 1895 (12)
Methodist (United), Free Church, Bellevue st Rev. John Baron 1858-1859 Slaters Directory

Bethany chapel English CM, Edward St

Bethany chapel (English), Edward St CM Erected in 1847 William Rosser, Deacon, Pier St, Burrows, Swansea 1851 (8)

"Bethany Chapel, Edward-street. No stated Minister. Sunday-school scholars, 156 ; teachers, 18 " 1851 (9)
Methodist (Welsh), Edward st Rev. William Williams 1858-1859 Slaters Directory

7 May 1847 BETHANY CHAPEL (ENGLISH CALVINISTIC METHODIST) SWANSEA OPENING. (11)
17 May 1850 REV.WILLIAM HOWELL AND FAMILY, LATE OF BETHANY CHAPEL, SWANSEA, EMIGRATES TO AMERICA. (11)
23 April 1875 HISTORY OF ENGLISH CALVANISTIC METHODISTS IN SWANSEA: REV. DAVID HOWELLS, PASTOR 1846, BETHANY CHAPEL BUILT, OPENED 11 MAY1847 (11)
23 April 1875 HISTORY: ENGLISH CALVANISTIC METHODISTS IN SWANSEA.'CHARACTER OF NEIGHBOURHOOD AROUND BETHANY DECAYED', CONGREGATION MOVED (11)
2 July 1875 ARGYLE CHAPEL, ST. HELEN'S RD REGISTERED FOR SOLEMNIZING MARRIAGES & BETHANY CHAPEL, EDWARD ST. DE-REGISTERED (11)
12 June 1891 TRIBUTE: REV.W.WILLIAMS, ARGYLE CHAPEL - PASTOR AT PENCLAWDD 1844 - 1851, THEN TOOK OVER BETHANY CHAPEL,SWANSEA (11)

Bethel CM, Manseltown

Bethel English CM Manseltown Rev David M Benjamin Seats 400 1895 (12) and Rev Benjamin Evans 1910 (16)
Book index entry; 'Manselton,The Congregation of Bethel Presbyterian Church,1890's' (13)

Brunswick English Wesleyan

Brunswick English Wesleyan, St Helen's Rd SS64709268 Built in 1872-3, rebuilt/modified in 1885, still in use in 1996 (1)
Brunswick chapel Wesleyan Seats 700 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)

22 August 1873 FOUNDATION STONE OF BRUNSWICK STREET CHAPEL LAID. (CORNER OF ARGYLE STREET & ST.HELEN'S ROAD). (11)
Brunswick (English Wesleyan) Chapel, Swansea: chapel histories, 1923 and 1973 - held at Swansea Archives

College Street, Wesley Mission, Wesleyan

Wesley Mission English Wesleyan Methodist, College St SS63959364 Built in 1846 (1)
Swansea Wesley chapel College St Seats 1000 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)
Wesleyan College St Rev. Thomas Heeley 1858-1859 Slaters Directory

Cruglas Welsh CM, Prince of Wales Rd, Hafod (Greenhill?)

Cruglas Welsh CM, Prince of Wales Rd, Hafod SS65749401 Built in 1799 and rebuilt/modified in 1869/70, burnt down in late 1980 s (1)
MIs index (5)
Book index entries 'Crug-Glas - [chapel]' (4)
"1799 Crug-Glas Calvinistic Methodist - founder originally from Mynyddbach" (7)
Greenhill chapel Welsh CM Erected in 1799 William Johns, Deacon, Heathfield 1851 (8)
"Greenhill Chapel (Welsh), Greenhill. No stated Minister. Sunday-school scholars, 160 ; teachers, 26. " 1851 (9)
Crug-las CM Extant records (10)
Crug-Glas Welsh Greenhill Rev David Rees Williams Seats 700 1895 (12) and Rev T E Davies 1910 (16)
Greenhill Welsh Methodist 1858-1859 Slaters Directory
See below for John Ball's note regarding this chapel's cemetery

See also under Trinity Welsh CM, Glanmor Park Rd, Sketty

United Methodist church, Delhi St, St Thomas

United Methodist Church, Delhi St, St Thomas Rev Simeon Lewis Warne (supt); Rev Thomas Langdon Rogers; Rev J T P Oliver Seats 300 1910 (16)

English Wesleyan, Dunvant

There is an English Wesleyan chapel erected in 1882 1895 (12)

Goat Street/Bunkers Hill, Wesleyan

Goat St (Bunkers Hill), Goat St SS65599318 First built in 1789, enlarged in 1826/7 and rebuilt/modified in 1847 (1)
"1789 Wesleyan Methodists Banc Caer Street (Bunkers Hill) Goat Street" (7)
"Wesley Chapel, Goat Street 1844 - 1847" (7)
Goat St Wesleyan Extant records (10)
Wesley chapel, Goat St WM Erected before 1800 Thomas Evans, Steward, 10 High St 1851 (8)

"Amongst the Dissenting Places of Worship, the Wesley Chapel ranks as the most imposing, not only in this town, but amongst those possessed by the Wesleyan connexion at large. Its ancient predecessor, in Goat street, founded A.D 1797, and enlarged in 1826, being found deficient of accommodation for the congregation, was taken down, and the present elegant and spacious structure erected on its site in 1845. The style is Italian, and the building is graced with a handsome porch and a fine lofty steeple, having a circular aperture in the tower for the purposes of a clock. The interior is very chastely finished, and is set with a good organ. Present. Ministers, Rev. Mr. Bytheway and Rev. W. Williams. Service at 11 A.M. and 6 P.M. Sunday-school Scholars, 154 ; Teachers, 25." 1851 (9)
Goat Street (English Wesleyan), Swansea: chapel history, 1990 - held at Swansea Archives

Gorse Mission Forward Movement Hall

Gorse Rd Mission, Gorse Rd SS6492 (1)
Mission Hall (Gorse Mission), Heol-y-gors, Carmarthen Rd (Cwmbwrla Roundabout) SS64949468 Built in 1926 , still in use in 2002 (1)
Gorse Mission, Cwmbwrla Still open in 2006 (15)

Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;

Gorse Mission Forward Movment Hall, Cwmbwrla "........ marriage register, 1982-1984"

Hafod Wesleyan Methodist, Neath Rd, Hafod

Hafod Wesleyan Methodist, Neath Rd SS65979461 Not still in use in 2002 (1)

Hebron English CM, Dehli St ?

Hebron SS6594 (1)
Book index entry 'Hebron, Swansea - [chapel]' (4)
Delhi St CM (Hebron, English) St Thomas Frank Jackson, evangelist Seats 500 1895 (12) and [no minister named] 1910 (16)

Presbyterian chapel, High St

High St Presbyterian Extant records (10)

Jerusalem CM, Carmarthen Rd, Waunarlwydd

Jerusalem CM, Carmarthen Rd, Waunarlwydd SS63349541 Built in 1910 (1)
Jerusalem Church (CM), Ravenhill, Swansea: minutes, 1910-1960 (D/D Z 66) - held at Swansea Archives

See also under Trinity Welsh CM, Glanmor Park Rd, Sketty

Jubilee Primitive Methodist Pell St

Jubilee Primitive Methodist Pell St Rev - Smith Seats 600 1895 (12) and Rev Samuel Bryant (supt); Rev John Holmes 1910 (16)
Jubilee (Pell Street), Pell Street, Swansea SS6593 Built in 1860 (1) Bombed 1941-3 (JC)

Wesleyan Methodist, Eaton Rd, Manselton

Eaton Rd, Eaton Rd SS6595 (1)
Wesleyan Methodist church, Eaton Rd, Manselton SS65449543 Built in 1923, still in use in 2002 (1)
Eaton Rd Mission Wesleyan 1910 (16)

Marlborough Rd CM

Marlborough Rd CM English Rev Wm Davies 1895 (12)

United Methodist, Neath Rd

United Methodist, Neath Rd 1910 (16)

United Methodist, Lower Oxford St

United Methodist. Lower Oxford St 1910 (16)

The Bible Christian Chapel was in Gam Street (later to be renamed as an extension of Oxford Street) and later it became known as Oxford Street Methodist Church. It was burned out in a bombing raid in WW2. Most of the members transferred to Brunswick Methodist Church in St. Helen's Road, where there is a WW1 War memorial for the Swansea Devonian Society.
Bible Christians later merged with some other groups to form United Methodists (about 1910??) and then in 1932 with Wesleyans and Primitive Methodists to for the Methodist Church. (JC)

Marriage in 1893 at Zion Chapel, Gain (Gam?) Street, Swansea. Performing Minister: W. Treffoy. Registrar: Llewelyn Jenkins (Bill Webber)

See also entry for Bible Christians below

Oxford St English Wesleyan

Pell Street, English Wesleyan

Pell Street (English Wesleyan), Swansea: deeds, 1859-1860 - held at Swansea Archives

Rhyddings English CM, Park Rd

Rhyddings English CM, Park Rd Rev Edmund Peters Hughes Seats 550 1910 (16)

Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;

Rhyddings Park Chapel, Swansea, centenary celebrations booklet 1993 "Rhyddings Park Calvinistic Methodist Chapel was founded in 1893"

[See also under Argyle and Rhyddings above]St Albans Road, Wesleyan

St Alban's Rd chapel, St Alban's Rd SS63709239 Built in 1904 (1) [see also below]
Wesleyan Methodist church, St Albans Rd, Brynmill SS63719239 Not still in use in 2002 (1)
St Alban's Rd Wesleyan ( The Rhyddings) Seats 450 1910 (16)

St Andrew's United Reformed Church

St Andrew's English CM (URC), Kafel Centre, St Helen's Rd

St Andrew's English CM (URC), Kafel Centre, St Helen's Rd SS649929 Founded and built in 1862, fire damaged & renovated later C20, reopened 1964, not still in use in 1996 (1)
"St. Andrew's 1864 " (7)
"The Presbyterian church in St Helen's Rd ..... erected in 1865 .... there are sittings for 1200...." 1895 (12)
English Presbyterian, St Helen's Rd Rev William Edwards Shaw 1895 (12)
St Andrew's United Reformed Church, Swansea: communicants' roll books, 1963-1973; minutes, 1862-1992; accounts, 1889-1967; trustees' papers, 1876-1985; annual reports, 1935-1972; photographs 1864-1962; magazines, 1927-1976 (D212) - held at Swansea Archives

See Welsh Chapels and Churches for a photograph

St Helens Road, Wesleyan

St Helen's chapel SS6492 Built in 1877 and rebuilt/modified in 1895 & 1905. No denomination given (1) [right place?]

Methodist church, Dilwyn Rd, Sketty

Methodist church, Dilwyn Rd, Sketty SS62409271 (1)
Wesleyan chapel, Skitty WM Erected in 1842 W. Bytheway, Minister, Union St 1851 (8) ??

Wesleyan chapel, Sketty

The Wesleyan chapel (Sketty) erected in 1876 will seat 230 Rev Joseph Augustus Jones 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)
Wesleyan Sketty 1858-1859 Slaters Directory ??
Sketty (English Wesleyan) : chapel history, 1976 - held at Swansea Archives

Terrace Road English CM, Mount Pleasant

Terrace Road English CM, Mount Pleasant SS64839346 Built in 1893, still in use in 2002 (1)
Terrace Rd CM Rev Ambrose Williams Seats 400 1895 (12) and Rev William Walter Lewis 1910 (16)
Terrace Rd, Mount Pleasant Still open in 2006 (15)

Tabernacle,Tontine Street, Wesleyan

Tontine St (Tabernacle) SS6593 Built in 1812 and enlarged in 1825, rebuilt/modified in 1829 and again in 1866 (1)
"Welsh Wesleyan chapel called the Tabernacle in Tontine St having a Sunday School..." 1851 (9)
Wesleyan Tontine St Rev Thomas Jones 1858-1859 Slaters Directory

Tontine Mission CM, Tontine St

Tontine Mission CM chapel, Tontine St SS65619372 (1)

Tower Lane Chapel, High St Primitive Methodist

Tower Lane Chapel, High St Primitive Methodist Erected in 1838 John Rees Brenton, Steward, 26 Goat St 1851 (8)

Townhill English Wesleyan

Mount Moriah English CM Town Hill

Mount Moriah English CM Town Hill Seats 150 1895 (12)

Trinity, Park Street, CM

Trinity chapel, Park St SS65509338 Denomination not given Built before 1851 and destroyed in the WWII blitz (1)
Book index entry 'Trinity, Swansea - [chapel]' (4)
"Trinity Chapel , Ropewalk Field (later Park Street) Calv Meth - from Crug Glas 1829" (7)
Trinity Welsh CM Extant records (10)
Trinity, Park St Welsh CM Erected in 1829 William John, Deacon, Heathfield St, Swansea 1851 (8)
"Trinity Chapel, (Welsh), Park-street.. No stated Minister. Sunday-school scholars, 75 ; teachers, 15." 1851 (9)
Trinity Park St Welsh Rev Wm Eleazer Perytherch Seats 1000 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)
Methodist (Welsh), Park street Rev. David Howell 1858-1859 Slaters Directory

12 February 1864 TRINITY CHAPEL, PARK ST., SWANSEA CERTIFIED AS PLACE OF WORSHIP, G.B. HAYNES, SUPT. REGISTRAR. (11)
4 March 1864 TRINITY CHAPEL, PARK STREET, LICENSED FOR CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGES (11)
15 September 1865 RE-OPENING OF TRINITY CHAPEL, SWANSEA, AFTER EXTENSIVE ALTERATION. (11)
22 January 1875 RE-OPENING OF TRINITY METHODIST CHAPEL, PARK ST. SWANSEA. MR. MORGAN, BUILDER, MR. BUCKNALL, ARCHITECT (11)

Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;

"Records of Trinity Chapel, Swansea (Calvinistic Methodist), relating to Chapel History, 2003"

Trinity Welsh CM, Glanmor Park Rd, Sketty

Trinity Welsh CM, Glanmor Park Rd, Sketty SS63179297 Built in 1828/9, rebuilt/modified in 1865 and again in 1954-5, still in use in 1993 (1)

Trinity Abertawe Welsh CM chapel Glanmor Park Road, Abertawe, Abertawe SA2 0QG - still open in 2006 (15)

This note posted to the Glamorgan mailing list in Oct 2013
"Three Welsh Calvinistic Methodist chapels along the Carmarthen Road from the centre of Swansea - Crug Glas, Babell and Jerusalem, had discussions about whether to merge as all had small congregations and old premises expensive to maintain. Comparing the apparent condition of the premises, a decision was made to close Crug Glas and Babell, and to worship together at Jerusalem. Babell was demolished. Crug Glas was sold and later demolished, and a community centre now stands on the site. Once the congregations had united at Jerusalem that building was also found to have structural problems and it was closed, remaining members transferring to Trinity Calvinistic Methodist, Glanmor Park Road, Sketty. This Trinity chapel had been built using the 'war damage' compensation received after the destruction of Trinity CM, Park Street, by bombing during WW2. Jerusalem chapel has also since been demolished. It was on Carmarthen Road on the way to the Fforestfach traffic lights."

Waunwen Wesleyan chapel

Waunwen Wesleyan chapel Seats 300 1910 (16)

Other (inc un-identified)

Cemetries

The cemetery at Dan-y-graig in the hamlet of Port Tennant, was formed in 1857 ... has two mortuary chapels ... now contains 16 acres 1895 (12)

Catholic Churches

Cathedral Church of St Joseph

Convent Street, Greenhill
"St Josephs 1866" (7)
"St Joseph's Catholic Church in Brynmelin was erected in 1888...." Rev Henry Julian O'Hare; Rev Thomas Leo Almond; Rev William Gabriel Geary - priests 1895 (12)
St Joseph's, Convent Street, Greenhill, Swansea SS65579443 Built in 1886-8 with modifications in 1907 (1)

Our Lady of Lourdes

Penygraig Road Townhill
Our Lady Of Lourdes, Pryderi Gardens SS64429391 (1)

Holy Cross Upper King's Head Road, Gendros

The Presbytery Upper King's Head Road, Gendros

St Benedict Lythrid Avenue, Sketty

St Benedict's Presbytery, Lythrid Avenue, Swansea

St Davids St David's Place, City Centre

St David's Priory, St David's Place, Swansea
There is a book ; Spencer, Gerard. Catholic life in Swansea : the centenary of St. David's Church, Swansea, 1847-1947. 1947 (3)
"Catholic in Nelson Terrace 1810. St Davids 1847 by Fr Kavanagh" (7)
St David's Church Roman Catholic Erected in 1847 Charles Kavanaugh, Roman Catholic Priest, Rutland St, Swansea 1851 (8)
"The Catholic church dedicated to St David, in St David's Place, Rutland St, erected in 1847 and enlarged in 1864 ..... ; in 1894 it was thoroughly renovated ... now sittings for 450 persons ...." Very Rev William Wilfred Phillipson; Rev James Bernard Sanders; Rev Michael Dominic McDonnell - priests 1895 (12)
Roman Catholic, Rutland street - Rev. Peter Lewis, priest; Rev. David Lambe, curate 1858-1859 Slaters Directory
St David'S Priory Church, St David'S Place, Swansea SS65639278 Built in 1847, enlarged in 1864, renovated 1894 and 1907, still in use in 1999 (1)
"St. David's Priory is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Swansea. It replaced an earlier church building which had been established c1808. Father Charles Kavanagh (d 1856) built the new church of St. David's in 1847 as well as the Catholic school adjoining St. David's. St. David's was enlarged and in 1864 a new presbytery was built. Most of the parishioners came from the Greenhill area and it became essential to build a church there and in 1866 St. Joseph's church opened. In 1873 the parish was taken over by the monastic Order of Saint Benedict, and St. David's Church was elevated to the status of a Missionary Priory. In 1875 St. Joseph's became an independent Mission and a larger new church was opened in 1888. ..................................." Records; 1805-1983 Archives Network Wales

St Illtyd St Illtyd's Crescent

The Presbytery St Illtyd's Crescent St Thomas Swansea

Apostolic Church, Mount Pleasant

Apostolic Church, Mount Pleasant SS65239339 Built after 1919, not still in use by 2002 (1)
Records (partly listed); history of the Apostolic movement, including sections on the development of the movement in South Wales, 1991 (D/D Ap) - held at Swansea Archives

Bethel Mission (Pentecostal), Hopkins St, Glandwr, Manselton

Bethel Mission (Pentecostal), Hopkins St, Glandwr, Manselton SS65249586 Built in the mid 1950's, still in use in 1997 (1)

Bible Christians

Bible Christian, Oxford Street
Bible Christians, New Oxford St Rev J Horwill and Rev R Hall 1895 (12)

Delhi St, St Thomas Rev N Coppin 1895 (12)

See also entry above under United Methodist chapel, Lower Oxford St

Christians Unsectarian George St Hall

Christians Unsectarian George St Hall 1895 (12)

Christian Mission SS6593 (1) [same place?]

Christadelphians

Christadelphians, George St 1895 (12)

Christadelphians, Minor Albert Hall, Craddock St 1895 (12)

City Temple Elim Pentecostal, Dyfatty St

City Temple Elim Pentecostal, Dyfatty St SS65569365 Built in 1975 and enlarged in 1995, still in use in 2002 (1)

Cockett Wood Park chapel, Cockett Wood Park

Cockett Wood Park chapel, Cockett Wood Park SS62989349 Denomination not given (1)

Cromwell Rd chapel, Cromwell Rd

Cromwell Rd chapel, Cromwell Rd SS6493 Denomination not given (1)

Hall, Dunvant

Hall, Dunvant SS59569360 Denomination not given (1)

Fleet St Mission, Fleet St

Fleet St Mission, Fleet St SS6492 Denomination not given (1)

Forward Movement Church, Port Tennant Rd, St Thomas

Forward Movement Church, Port Tennant Rd, St Thomas SS66789323 Built in the Late C20th style (1)
English Presbyterian, Port Tennant Rd 1910 (16) [same place?]

Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;

"The Forward Movement was the response of Calvinistic Methodists to a perceived loss of empathy with the poor in the late nineteenth century. Port Tennant Road Forward Movement Hall was established in 1895 at 181, Port Tennant Road, St Thomas, Swansea. During the Second World War, the chapel was destroyed during a bombing raid, and it would appear that services were held at Burrows Forward Movement Hall until the premises were moved temporarily to Wern Terrace, Port Tennant. The chapel was rebuilt in the 1950s. In 1959, a Joint Pastorate was created with the churches at Burrows and Pentrechwyth."
"Records................. including baptism and marriage registers, 1923-1966, minute books of Church Committee meetings, 1898-1987, Sunday School records, 1903-1972, and account books, 1926-1988"

Godre Park Schoolroom, Godre Park

Godre Park Schoolroom, Godre Park SS6492 Denomination not given (1)

Gorlan Y, Dunvant

Gorlan Y, Dunvant SS5993 Denomination not given (1)

Gospel Hall, George St

Gospel Hall, George St SS64919292 Built in 1891 (1)
Gospel Hall, George St Hall Unsectarian 1910 (16)

Gower Rd, Waunarlwydd, (Cockett?)

Gower Rd, Waunarlwydd, (Cockett?) SS6294 Denomination not given (1)

Graig chapel, St Thomas

Graig chapel, St Thomas SS6793 Denomination not given (1)

Grove Place chapel, Grove Place

Grove Place chapel, Grove Place SS6593 Still in use in 1987 Denomination not given (1) [possibly Mount Pleasant Baptist ? (JC) ]

Hafod Mission

Hafod Mission SS6594 Denomination not given (1)

Hen Babell (Old Babell Schoolroom), Cwmbwrla

Hen Babell (Old Babell Schoolroom), Cwmbwrla SS6498 Built in 1851 Denomination not given (1)

Hen Gapel, St Thomas

Hen Gapel, St Thomas SS6793 Denomination not given (1)

Islamic Centre, St Helen's Rd

Islamic Centre, St Helen's Rd SS64579251 (1)

Jews

The Synagogue, Waterloo St Jews Erected before 1800 Isaac Jacob, President, Castle St 1851 (8)
Jews Synagogue Waterloo St 1858-1859 Slaters Directory

The Jewish Synagogue in Goat St .... erected in 1864 will seat 300 Rev Philip Wolfers, rabbi 1895 (12)

Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;

Hebrew Congregation Records [booklets] 1980-1992 "The records are relating to the Swansea Hebrew Congregation which is also known as Goat Street Synagogue or Ffynone Synagogue is situated in Ffynone, Swansea. It used to be in Goat Street but the synagogue there was destroyed in a German air raid in February 1941. In 1768, a plot for the congregation was granted. 1780 the building of the first synagogue took place............ "

There is a book; Saunders, Neville H. Swansea Hebrew congregation, 1730-1980. Swansea : Swansea Hebrew Congregation, [1980] (3)

Killay chapel, Killay

Killay chapel, Killay SS60279297 Denomination not given (1)

Kingdom Hall (First Church of Christ Scientist), Walter Rd/Mirador Crescent, Uplands

Kingdom Hall (First Church of Christ Scientist), Walter Rd/Mirador Crescent, Uplands SS64169295 Built in 1911, still in use in 2002 (1)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Latter Day Saints, Trades Hall, High St Erected in 1840 Informant: David Davies, Clarks Court 1851 (8)

Manselton chapel, Manselton

Manselton chapel, Manselton SS6595 Built in 1908 Denomination not given (1)

Manselton Gospel Hall, Phillip St, Manselton

Manselton Gospel Hall, Phillip St, Manselton SS65309505 Built in 1904, still in use in 1996 (1)

Mission chapel, Quarry St

4 December 1863 ADDRESS TO WORKING CLASSES AT MISSION CHAPEL, QUARRY ST., SWANSEA BY REV. C. COOK (11)

Mission Room, Swansea

Mission Room, Swansea SS6595 Denomination not given (1)

Mount Tabor, Townhill ?

Mount Tabor Townhill ? SS6594 Built pre-1905 Denomination not given (1)

Mount Zion chapel

Mount Zion chapel SS6493 Built in 1850 and rebuilt/modified 1866 Denomination not given (1)

Orchard St chapel (Gospel Mission), Pleasant St/Richards Place

Orchard St chapel (Gospel Mission), Pleasant St/Richards Place SS65609348 Built as Ragged School in 1911, not still in use in 1996 (1)

Oxford St Mission, Oxford St

Oxford St Mission, Oxford St SS6492 Denomination not given (1)

Oxford St chapel, Oxford St

Oxford St chapel, Oxford St SS6492 Built in 1850 Denomination not given (1)

Port Tennant chapel

Port Tennant chapel SS6793 First chapel built in 1840, rebuilt/modified in 1895 Denomination not given (1)

Quakers

Swansea Quakers

Society of Friends, 201 High St SS65709353 Site of first Quaker meeting house in Swansea, built 1656 & rebuilt 1807/9, replaced in 1876 by new meeting house in High Street. This second building destroyed by bombing 1940-3 (1) [Incorrect; 1878 map shows chapel at lower end of sloping site on Strand, graveyard above (JC)]
Friends Meeting House 201 High St 1858-1859 Slaters Directory
"Quakers - burgage plot in High Street (down to the Strand) given in 1656 by William Bevan" (7)
Meeting House of the Society of Friends, High St Erected before 1800 Henry Knight, Llwyn Derw 1851 (8)
Society of Friends Meeting House, High St 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)

Old Quaker Meeting House, The Strand SS65769354 Built 1807-9 disused as a religious building by 1876 (1)

Quaker Meeting House, St Helen's Rd/Page St SS65069299 Built in 1838, still in use in 1995 (1)

Richardson St chapel, Richardson St

Richardson St chapel, Richardson St SS6492 Built in 1900 Denomination not given (1)

Sailors Chapel on the Quay

Sailors Chapel on the Quay British and Foreign Sailors Society Erected before 1800 Used also as a sailors' Reading Room "This Chapel is rented by the Committee of the Swansea aux. Sailors Society and is gratuitously supplied by 8 dissenting ministers of the town" Ths. Dodd, Secty to the Society and accasional minister, Nelson Terrace 1851 (8)

South Dock Chapel; St Nicholas' Chapel SS66009268 Former chapel, now used as a workshop (1) [probably Sailors Chapel (JC) ]

Sailors' Rest, Victoria Rd Thomas Morgan, Missionary 1910 (16)

Seamen's chapel Adelaide St

Seamen's chapel Adelaide St Seats 400 Denomination not given 1895 (12) and Thomas Morgan, Missionary 1910 (16)

Salvation Army Citadel, Richardson St/Rd

Salvation Army Citadel, Richardson St/Rd SS65009263 Still in use in 2002 (1)
Salvation Army Richardson St 1895 (12) and 1910 (16)

Salvation Army Barracks Jockey St 1895 (12) and Prince of Wales Rd 1910 (16)

Seventh Day Adventist Church, Gower Rd, Sketty

Seventh Day Adventist Church, Gower Rd, Sketty SS62529293 Still in use in 2002 (1)

Sidney St chapel, Sidney St

Sidney St chapel, Sidney St SS6593 Built in 1880 and rebuilt/modified in 1902 Denomination not given (1)

Sjomanns Kirken, Norwegian Church, Swansea

SS66219317 Norwegian Mission Church. Initially erected in Newport c.1900, it was moved to Swansea in 1910. The building comprises a Seaman's Mission at its W. end and a Gothic style church at its E end, a low rendered building, formerly of corrugated iron, still in use in 1989 (1) [dismantled and moved as part of SA1 development 2004-5 (JC) ]

Broadway chapel, Sketty (Cockett?)

Broadway chapel, Sketty (Cockett?) SS6293 Denomination not given (1)

Sketty chapel (Cockett?)

Sketty chapel (Cockett?) SS6294 Denomination not given (1)

Sketty chapel, Carnglass Rd, Sketty

Sketty chapel, Carnglass Rd, Sketty SS62319333 Denomination not given (1)

Sketty chapel, Sketty

Sketty chapel, Sketty SS6292 Built in 1881 Denomination not given (1)

Strand Mission, Strand

Strand Mission, Strand SS6593 Denomination not given (1)

Tabernacle, Carmarthen Rd

Tabernacle, Carmarthen Rd SS6494 No denomination given (1)

Townhill chapel, Townhill

Townhill chapel, Townhill SS6394 Denomination not given (1)

High Street, Unitarian

Swansea Unitarian

High St English Unitarian SS65679326 Site of 1698 Presbyterian Meeting House. Chapel built 1846-7, fire damage in 1987 and rebuilt 1991, still in use in 1995 (1)
"1697 - chapel built High Street, site of Unitarian Chapel" (7)
Unitarian, High St Erected before 1800 "The Church was rebuilt and enlarged 1848. No particular sittings are free or otherwise - poor persons who cannot afford to contribute to the maintenance of the Church have sittimgs provided for them wherever there is un-preoccupied sitting-space......" Geo Browne Brock, Minister 1851 (8)
Unitarian, High St .... erected in 1699...sittings for 300 Rev Thomas Robinson 1895 (12) and Rev Simon Jones 1910 (16)
Unitarian High St Rev. Edward Higginson 1858-1859 Slaters Directory

"UNITARIAN CHAPEL. This Chapel is situated in the lower part of High-street, and is, in every respect, the neatest edifice of which Swansea can boast, being built in the pure Tudor Gothic style, from a design furnished by Mr. Gwilt, an eminent London architect, connected with the department of the Woods and Forests. The interior, with its lofty roof, massive pillars, and fine arches, has a very impressive appearance, which is enhanced by the presence of a small but powerful organ, very tastefully fitted up. The officiating Minister is the Rev. G B. Brock. Hitherto there has been no Sunday-school attached to this Place of Worship, but one is now about being established. Service at 11 A.M., and 6 1/2 P.M." 1851 (9)

See Welsh Chapels and Churches for a photograph

There is a book; Unitarian Church (Swansea). Unitarian Church High Street, Swansea : brief historical notes. 1991 (3)

Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;

Swansea Unitarian Congregation, records "...... founded sometime in the early 1600s. The first group to meet was probably Presbyterian and became Unitarian at a later date. The present building dates back to 1847"
"............. including registers, 1930-1969; annual reports and directories, 1931-1985; annual reports, budgets and balance sheets, 1949-1985; calendars, 1962-1985; periodicals, 1965-1985; publications and pamphlets about the Unitarian Church and its beliefs, 1962-1975; programmes, 1962-1985; photographs, 1942; and miscellaneous, 1956-1984; death certificates, 1887-1913; minutes of trustees meetings, 1907; account books, 1934-1945; papers relating to church property 1892-1940; correspondence and other papers 1896-1945; photographs, 1899-1900."

Hall, Llythrid Ave, Uplands

Hall, Llythrid Ave, Uplands SS63379278 Denomination not given (1)

Uplands chapel, Uplands

Uplands chapel, Uplands SS6392 Denomination not given (1)

Wassail Sq Mission, Wassail Square

Wassail Sq Mission, Wassail Square SS65439284 Denomination not given (1)

Sunday school, Carmarthen Rd, Waunarlwydd

Sunday school, Carmarthen Rd, Waunarlwydd SS63139552 Denomination not given (1)

Waun Wen Mission Room, 205 Carmarthen Rd & Lamb St

Waun Wen Mission Room, 205 Carmarthen Rd & Lamb St 1910 (16)

Ynysforgan chapel, Uplands

Ynysforgan chapel, Uplands SS6493 Denomination not given (1)

Cruglas Cemetery

A public notice appeared in the South Wales Evening Post newspaper on 19th October 1998, giving details of the intention to remove human remains, tombstones and monuments from the Grug Glas church graveyard, Swansea, in order to build an apartment block, and sets out the procedures available to those whose ancestors or loved ones are buried in the graveyard which was once attached to Grug Glas Calvinistic Methodist Chapel.An observant member of the Glamorgan "Rootsweb" genealogy mailing list spotted the notice and drew it to the attention of fellow List members. I decided to visit the churchyard for myself and share my experience with you....

Report on Grug Glas Graveyard

Briefly, the graveyard is in an appalling state of neglect!! There are, I would guess, well over 100 gravestones, many of whose inscriptions are still perfectly legible. The earliest I saw dated from the 1830s, and the latest was from 1920 -- but obviously I did not do a full survey. Some of the gravestones are badly eroded, and others have toppled over or collapsed. The graveyard is on sloping land, and is heavily overgrown. Maintenance of the site would have to be done by hand. Access to the graveyard on foot is good at two points, but two of the boundaries of the graveyard overlook a sheer drop of at least 20 feet, supported by a retaining wall. There is no sign of the chapel which once adjoined the graveyard.

Follow-up report: 5½ years later (12 May 2004)

Curious to know the outcome of the story reported above, I re-visited Grug Glas graveyard on 12 May 2004. Part of the burial yard has been destroyed and the remainder is totally enclosed in six-foot-high wooden fencing, preventing access. Some of the gravestones are still in-situ, while others have been removed from their original positions and stood upright against the fencing. The whole area is overgrown with dense vegetation. One wonders what will happen if any descendants of the deceased decide to visit the graves of their ancestors!

John Ball

[Last Updated : 17 Feb 2014 - Gareth Hicks]

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Chapels - Swansea

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Baptist

Congregationalist

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Other (inc un-identified)

Catholic Churches

Our Lady of Lourdes

St Benedict Lythrid Avenue, Sketty

St Illtyd St Illtyd's Crescent

Cruglas Cemetery