Salem, Robertstown is an Independent (Congregationalist) chapel in Bridge Street, Robertstown, Aberdare, Wales.
Early history
The history of Salem can be traced back to 1835, when Joseph Harrison, minister of
Ebenezer, Trecynon
Ebenezer, Trecynon was an Independent (Congregationalist) chapel in Ebenezer Street, Trecynon, Aberdare, Wales. It was one of the earliest Independent chapels in the Cynon Valley and remained an active place of worship until 2009.
Early history
...
broke away from that church because he was prepared to administer baptism by total immersion to those who wished.
This was contrary to the beliefs of Independent church members. Meetings were initially held in houses and later in the long room of the White Lion Inn.
Although this was disapproved of by a number of members who were teetotal it was far from unusual for the chapels of the valley to have their early origins in meetings in public houses.
This difficulty was initially addressed by building a wooden hut in 1836 which was known as ''Ty Planca''.
Soon it became too small and the congregation proceed to build Salem in 1841, at a cost of £550, and on land leased from Dr James Lewis Roberts. Joseph Harrison was minister until his death in 1851.
The Ministry of Joshua Thomas
Harrison was succeeded by Joshua Thomas.
He served as minister for many years and was presented with a testimonial of £140 in April 1875. The gift was presented by John Harrison, the oldest deacon and son of the founder of the chapel.
Speakers on this occasion included
Michael D. Jones
Michael Daniel Jones (2 March 1822 – 2 December 1898) was a Welsh people, Welsh Congregational church, Congregationalist minister and principal of a theological college, but is best remembered as a founder of the Welsh settlement in Patago ...
of Bala, Thomas Rees of Swansea and local ministers William Edwards of
Ebenezer, Trecynon
Ebenezer, Trecynon was an Independent (Congregationalist) chapel in Ebenezer Street, Trecynon, Aberdare, Wales. It was one of the earliest Independent chapels in the Cynon Valley and remained an active place of worship until 2009.
Early history
...
and William Williams of
Nebo, Hirwaun.
During this period members from Salem established
Bethel, Gadlys
Bethel, Gadlys was an Independent (Congregationalist) chapel in Railway Street, Gadlys, Aberdare, Wales.
Early history
Bethel was established in 1860 when thirty members from Salem, Robertstown broke away to establish a new church. The chapel was ...
.
Membership reached 65 in 1841 but by the following year had fallen to 25.
Salem remained open until the twenty-first century.
References
Bibliography
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External links
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Chapels in Rhondda Cynon Taf
Grade II listed churches in Rhondda Cynon Taf