BETHANIA CHAPEL, DOWLAIS

When John Josiah Guest arrived in Dowlais and expanded the Dowlais Works, the population increased to an extent that the need arose for the Independent worshippers in Dowlais to have their own chapel. The old Bethel Chapel became vacant in 1822 so services could be held there on Sunday evenings.

Rev Methusalem Jones of Bethesda was instrumental in starting the cause in Dowlais and he had oversight of the congregation for a time until he had a difference of opinion with some of the congregation and left them. Rev Samuel Evans of Zoar then took over the care of the congregation.

Within a year however, it was realised that the small Bethel Chapel was not adequate for the congregation, so land was found and a small chapel was built in 1823 for the cost of £444 and called Bethania. The chapel was rebuilt in 1827 and 1838.

Steve Brewer