Elim, Cwmdare

Elim, Cwmdare was an Independent (Congregationalist) chapel in Cwmdare, Aberdare, Wales.

Elim Chapel in 2008

Early history

The church was established as a direct result of the Religious Revival of 1859, when fifty members were released from Ebenezer, Trecynon to establish a new church in the mining village of Cwmdare.[1] Originally, meetings were held in a vestry but in August 1867 a new chapel was opened, when services were addressed by a number of ministers including David Price of Siloa, Aberdare.[2] £200 was raised towards the cost which was recognised as a significant achievement given that all members of the church were workmen.[2] The mother church at Ebenezer was also recognised as giving significant support to Elim.[2]

The first minister was Abraham Matthews, who came from Bala College to minister at Elim together with Horeb, Llwydcoed.[1]

David Griffiths, a student from Brecon College, was inaugurated as minister at Elim in June 1869.[3] He was a native of Llanarth, Cardiganshire and had migrated to Dowlais when around twenty years of age having previously worked as a farm labourer.[4] Griffiths was urged to commence preaching by the minister at Bethania, Dowlais.[4] Griffiths served for a time as a member of the Aberdare School Board. He remained at Elim until his death.

Twentieth Century

In 1903, the chapel was rebuilt. A memorial stone was laid on 11 August 1902 by Rees Llewellyn of Bwllfa House, Cwmdare and J.W. Evans of Hirwaun.[5]

In February 1906, David Griffiths died at the age of 65 having spent 37 years as minister of Elim.[4]

David Owen Davies was minister from 1961 until his retirement in 1981. He died in 1989. The chapel eventually closed in 1998.[1]

References
  1. Jones. Chapels of the Cynon Valley. pp. 136–7.
  2. "Elim, Cwmdar". Gwladgarwr. 17 August 1867. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  3. "Elim, Cwmdare". Tyst Cymreig. 9 July 1869. Retrieved 19 March 2015.
  4. "Death of Rev D. Griffiths. A 37 years' ministry at Elim. Cwmdare". Aberdare Leader. 17 February 1906. Retrieved 10 April 2015.
  5. "Elim, Cwmdare. Memorial Stone Laid". Aberdare Leader. 16 August 1902. Retrieved 19 March 2015.

Bibliography
  • Jones, Alan Vernon (2004). Chapels of the Cynon Valley. Cynon Valley Historical Society. ISBN 0953107612.

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