The Bible Christians in Neath Port Talbot

An Historical Overview

©Ann Swindale 2015

Introduction

Despite having been involved with the Methodist Church since I was a very small child I had not heard of the Bible Christians until a dark November evening in 2007. My husband, a Methodist Local Preacher, had been appointed to take the service at Glyncorrwg. As he did not know the area he suggested that I might like to go with him as guide and map-reader (I had previously been to Glyncorrwg a few times in 1970/71!).

We were warmly welcomed by the congregation, one of whom informed us that, of course, we must know that it was a Bible Christian Chapel. I did not wish to show my ignorance at this point and promptly forgot to make further enquiries. In 2009 our chapel at Skewen celebrated the centenary of its opening. “Skewen New Road Methodist Memories” was produced and I found that Skewen had also been a Bible Christian chapel. In 2014 Neath Methodist Church also celebrated its centenary and “Pennies for Heaven” was produced. From both of these books I learned of the beginnings and work of the Bible Christians.

Finally, in January 2015, the Methodist Recorder ran several articles about 2015 being the bi-centenary of the denomination. I suggested to our Superintendent Rev Chris Gray that as a circuit we should do something to celebrate and acknowledge the development of the Methodist Church in the area today thanks to the Bible Christians. He therefore invited my husband and me to prepare something!! In the event my research led to me finding out far more than could be covered in one service so I decided to put in print the results.

The founding of the Bible Christian denomination has been covered in much more detail elsewhere, so, apart from a brief explanation of it, I plan to look at the history of each chapel in the circuit in the order in which they seem to have been built, which does not always reflect the development of the society.

I will use the anglicised spelling of place names throughout this work as all Bible Christian records use this form.

Beginnings

William Bryant (later calling himself O’Bryan) was born in 1778 in Cornwall. He was a Wesleyan who became a local preacher and seemed to be an ideal candidate for the ministry. He went into various areas preaching, including, I have been told, to the American prisoners of war being held in Dartmoor Prison. Eventually he had a dispute with the church authorities and was removed from membership as he would not agree to go where he was sent in the Circuit, but insisted on going into areas of Cornwall and North Devon

where Methodism had not previously been preached. During September and October 1815 he met with various groups in “house fellowships” – most notably the Thorne family of Lake Farm, Shebbear – and they decided to form their own Society. They were referred to as Bryanites but Bryant chose the name of Arminian Bible Christians: Arminian to distinguish

themselves from the Calvinists; Bible because John Wesley had referred to the need to have “a primitive, bible-based faith” (the Primitive Methodists having already adopted the first part of the phrase). The general belief is that they were called Bible Christians because they always carried their bibles, but as they were officially known by this name from an early point I think the former explanation is the true one.

The first Conference was held in Launceston in 1819 – when a very similar structure to that of the Wesleyans was set up and the itinerant ministry established formally. The denomination spread around the West Country, generally by means of open-air preaching and small house-groups, which, as they outgrew houses, built simple chapels. They did not attempt to proselytise (gain members from other denominations) but “have made it our practice to go into places, as for as practicable, where other dissenters have not laboured, and to avoid attempts at proselytism.”

At the 1829 Conference Arminian was dropped from the name of the Society. Bryant also left the denomination at this point because of discord regarding the structure of the conference.

By the 1840s the agricultural prosperity of the West Country was declining, as was the mining industry in that region. However, in South Wales the coal and

William Bryant

metal industries were in need of workers. The port at Aberavon was being improved. Ships plied the Bristol Channel, exchanging the coal, copper and iron of Wales for the grain and vegetables of the West Country. It was inevitable therefore that men seeking work crossed the Channel in order to be able to provide for their families. The 1840 Conference referred to the establishment of a Glamorganshire Mission and in 1843 when the name was changed to Cwm Avon Mission “an additional missionary was appointed to the Glamorganshire mission, in a neighbourhood where faithful and zealous labourers were much needed among the English speaking inhabitants”. The Missionary Society Report for 1843/4 shows 2 missionaries, 11 Local Preachers, 1 chapel, 3 Sunday Schools, 44 Scholars, 13 Teachers, 48 members with 18 on trial. The address given for the Itinerant Preachers (Missionaries) was Mr S Hore, Cwm Avon, Taibach, Glamorganshire; Mr Hore was one of the Local Preachers.

In 1849 the Bible Christian Conference stationed Rev S Jory to Aberavon.

A Bible Christian Plan of 1850 shows meetings being held at Aberavon, Cwmavon, Port Talbot and Mile End Row (Neath).

The Census of 1851 records 15 Bible Christian Chapels in Wales - one in Aberavon and all the others in Monmouthshire due to the denomination’s spread through the Forest of Dean.

In Neath Port Talbot the spread was continued with members moving into new areas where they set up small

societies in homes and preached the Word. The Bible Christians did not seek to proselytise (gain members from other denomination) but preach to those who had not previously experienced dissenting teaching.

Early in the 20th Century the need for unity became apparent and in 1907 the Bible Christians joined with the Methodist New Connexion and The United Free Methodists to form the United Methodist Church. I will deal with each society in order of chapel building, as this is where the best records exist.

Aberavon

Local history books suggest that the Bible Christians first worshipped in a little chapel called Capel Moriah on the Causeway. This had been built by the Baptists in the 1820s

but they had moved on to larger premises. It was later used by other denominations and community organisations and demolished in 1963 with town re-development.

I have been unable to find a record of the opening of the next chapel in Richard Street Aberavon on April 18th 1851 but the following report appeared in 1854 in the Bible Christian Magazine: - The third Anniversary of Aberavon Chapel was celebrated on Good Friday, April 14th. At 5 o'clock, a Public Tea was provided, when nearly 200 from the town and with a few of our friends from Swansea, sat down with cheerful hearts to partake of the bounties of Providence.

The object of all present seemed to be to promote each other's happiness. “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." A Public Meeting was held at seven o'clock. The writer was voted to the chair, and after making a few remarks on the day, and the glorious circumstances in connection with it, called upon Messrs. Barnden, Hosken, and S. Hore, who addressed the meeting in a very appropriate and animating manner. The chapel was filled with respectable and attentive listeners. God was indeed present: the speakers were assisted by him; and the service was closed with singing and prayer.

On the Sunday following three sermons were preached by Mr. Barnden, in aid of the same object, which were sound, full of thought, and listened to with deep interest ; and at the close of each service the congregation manifested they were with us by their liberal contributions to aid the Trust Fund.

The report went on to describe Aberavon and the number of public houses it contained, concluding: - Amidst all obstacles the various Christian churches are moving onward; and we are happy to say the Bible Christian cause has an influence among the inhabitants, which is increasing. We hope the day is not very distant when the chapel, which is now well attended, shall become too strait. We are looking out for a spot of land at Briton Ferry, to build another. This is also a rising place of importance, about three miles from Aberavon. I trust the friends in England will not forget the cause of God in Wales. We now want their help, but hope the

Aberavon Chapel 1851 - 1865

Capel Moriah

time is coming when we shall ask for nothing but their prayers. There are some friends in this station deeply interested in the cause, and are saying, "Brethren pray for us," for we are one.—J. TOLL

Concerns were expressed about the level of drunkenness in Aberavon. It appears that licences for public houses were granted by the portreeve and corporation – there were 38 in 1843 with the number doubling later. The Justices of the Neath Hundred took the corporation to court to try to reduce the number of licences, but John Jones, licensee of the Red Lion and portreeve, defended the practice as being of “ancient usage”. The portreeve and

corporation were superseded by a new charter in 1861 with Mayor and Corporation.

The prediction that the chapel would become too “strait” was fulfilled and in 1865 “a new, substantially built, tastefully finished, and commodious sanctuary has been recently erected. The chapel is 45 feet long, by 37 feet wide, and 26 feet high, with side and end galleries, and contains sittings for about 400

persons.” This was Zion in Clarence St. In 1876 the Bible Christian Magazine contained a further report from

Aberavon :- THIRTEEN years ago, when the second chapel was built at Aberavon, hopes were cherished that soon after a schoolroom and a minister's house would be erected on land adjoining the chapel secured for that purpose. No effort had been made towards realising them until March 14th, 1876, when a meeting of the trustees and elders was held to consider the whole matter. There was but one opinion as to the desirableness of proceeding with the work. The Sunday-school teachers very strongly presented the need of a schoolroom, as they had only the gallery of the chapel in which to conduct the school. This was acknowledged by all to be very inconvenient, and likely to militate against prosperity. The quarterly meeting urged the building of the house for various valid reasons. But the difficulty the unparalleled depression of trade, and the comparatively small and decreasing English population, appeared together an almost mountainous one. Aberavon successfully maintains its Welsh character, although not so far in the county as Briton Ferry, Neath, and Swansea. Yet it has a much less English-speaking population in proportion to the number of inhabitants. The meeting hesitated, but subsequently decided to proceed. Additional land was obtained from Mr. Rees, as the former site had not sufficient frontage for both schoolroom and

house. The opening services were held on Oct 26th and 29th 1876. Further improvements were made in 1896.

In 1963 the congregations of Bethel (Primitive), which was being demolished and Wesley Central Hall joined the congregation at Zion and worshipped together in Zion for about a year while new premises (Trinity) were built in the site of Wesley. Trinity was later demolished to make way for further changes

Zion Chapel

to the town centre and the members of the congregation moved to either Taibach Wesley or Sandfields according to convenience and family ties.

Neath

A few friends had been gathering at Mile End Row, Melyncrythan for fellowship and worship and this group is included in the Bible Christian Plan for 1850. Meetings continued at 21 Mile End Row, the home of Mr & Mrs Hunkin until Hope Chapel was built in 1859. The members purchased the freehold of a plot of land on which they built a chapel, schoolroom and five cottages. The chapel was described in the Bible Christian Magazine as “a comfortable and elegant sanctuary” and the schoolroom as being “commodious”. In 1866 the Bible Christians in Neath held the “first Christmas Tree in Neath” – this was effectively a bazaar / sale of work and interestingly was held on December 31st.

Within ten years the need for more space became apparent and after considerable discussion and work the enlarged chapel was re-opened on July

13th 1871:- The chapel is almost new; only portions of the side-walls of the old building remain, one of which had to be slated to keep it dry; the transept is well built, the front is of limestone, with freestone dressings, a fine prominent window in the centre, with two smaller ones. The roof is new and well laid with best Carmarthen slate, the ceiling relieved with light stained woodwork, and supplied with the means for ample ventilation; the galleries are stained with light varnish, the front is light, with hollow iron panels painted white slightly relieved, and furnished with an excellent clock. The entrance is all that can be desired, a well-lighted lobby paved with

ornamental tiles, with doors leading to the chapel and galleries.

Further expansion was considered over the years, and a great deal of fund-raising was held to clear the debt on the chapel and to raise funds for a new one. Ultimately, it was not until 1913/4 that the means were found to build the present Neath Methodist Church at Windsor Square, known locally as “Penny Brick” because members purchased bricks at a

penny each.

Hope Chapel

Neath Methodist Church Today Neath Boys' & Girls' Club – former Hope Chapel

Cwmavon

Cwmavon in the 1840s had a population of around 7,000 and was a thriving, prosperous community, greater than nearby Aberavon. Although a Society had existed here since the 1840s Providence Chapel was only erected in Pelly

Street in 1860. (The street was named after the general manager of one of the copper works). It has been referred to as the “mother church of the Bible Christians” in the area.

Providence, Cwmavon

Apart from anniversary and missionary meeting there are few records of the chapel in existence now, but the Bible Christian Magazine reports of anniversaries

indicate the changing economics of the area - in 1864 the collections were £22.00, whereas in 1878 (when there had been no anniversary for two years due to the circumstances) it was only £7.00.

Providence Chapel closed in December 1943, the members transferring to Cwmavon Wesley. The latter church, having been re-built in 1971, also closed in October 2010, with the members transferring to Sandfields Methodist Church.

Pelly Street has been demolished, so it has not been possible to identify any remains of the chapel.

Pelly Street prior to demolition c. 1970

Skewen

The society in Skewen began in 1865 when about a dozen people agreed to meet at the home of William Roberts in Pentreffynnon, near the wharves and copper works along the River Neath. About three years later the group had outgrown the premises and a room was made available to them at the home of Mrs Bailey (a Cornishwoman) at 110 New Rd. (opposite the present chapel).

“At present in our incommodious and unattractive preaching-room, we have a good working society,

an interesting congregation, and a Sabbath-school, numbering nearly 100 children.” Therefore the decision was made to build a chapel and a site was located at the bottom of New Road. The chapel was opened on 27th October 1872. The Rev. J John, who had been minister when the group started meeting in 1865, officiated. The chapel was to seat 200 and was built at a cost of £500. The Bible Christian Magazine reported at the first anniversary that “Since its erection the congregation and

Sunday School have quadrupled, and there have been a few displays of saving power”.

In 1881 the chapel was extended, “The very commendable manner in which our Skewen friends have taken up and carried on the work of improving their chapel, deserves to be recorded. The general appearance of the chapel was uninviting, and the need of beautifying it

was as great as the demand for comfort.”

Again the success of the cause outgrew the premises and in 1894 yet further changes were made. The Glamorgan gazette reported

“On Sunday, December 30th, 1894, the re-opening services were held, the three services being crowded, not only with the usual attendants, but by many friends from neighbouring chapels, who came to sympathise with the zealous endeavours of Bible Christians.…. The choir were assisted on Sunday by the members of the Skewen String Band, to the number of 15, and the singing and music added greatly to the charm of the opening services. The hymn tunes chosen were the real old and popular Psalm tunes, rendered familiar and loved by use for generations, and many of them-such as Martydom, Aberystwith, Crugybar, Pembroke, and Huddersfield- were wonderfully impressive, given by the fresh voices of the choir and sustained by the deep melody of the double bass of the band. It is to be sincerely hoped that this return to the custom of our forefathers of assisting the singing by instruments in Divine worship will be encouraged…… On Tuesday, January 1st, a tea meeting was held in aid of the funds, when about 500 of the Bible Christians and their friends assembled to partake of tea and cake, and spent a very enjoyable time. After tea a public meeting was held, the chair being taken by Mr H. J. Stokes, of Aberavon. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. Drew and White and Mr Saunders, whilst Mr Curtis gave a brief account of the success of the chapel, a success

Skewen Bible Christian Chapel

that must be very gratifying to the members of the cause, possessing, as they do, a very tidy and comfortable chapel raised almost entirely by their own efforts- an example of what working men (of whom the congregation is chiefly composed) can do by perseveringly working together in a good cause. The arrangements for the tea were admirably carried out by the ladies who kindly presided over the tables, whilst the tea-making powers of Mr Kreischer were the admiration of all the lady tea drinkers. The proceedings were enlivened by the choir, again assisted by the Skewen String Band; Mr Knight, organist of Wesley Chapel, Skewen, presiding at the organ in the absence of Mr Lane, the organ being lent by Mr J. W. Savage until a new and larger one is obtained. The opening services on Sunday, and the tea meeting function on Tuesday, were a great success, and must have pleased all those who took part in them. The financial part resulted in a gain to the chapel of between £70 and £8O. The only gloom felt was through the absence by illness of the respected pastor, the Rev W. Oates.”

Over the next 10 years the work prospered and, as further expansion on the site was not possible, the freehold of 92 New Road was purchased. After more hard work on the part of all concerned the present chapel was opened in October 1909 as a United Methodist Church.

Skewen Methodist Church

Briton Ferry

Briton Ferry lies between Aberavon and Neath. There is a reference to preaching at Briton Ferry in the Missions Report of 1844 and a wish to build a chapel there had been expressed as far back as 1854 but it was not until 1877 that this came to fruition. The Bible Christian Magazine carried the following report: - “For a long time it has been thought desirable to erect a chapel in this growing town, and on Thursday, August 16th, the memorial stone was well and truly laid by our valued and esteemed brother, Mr. Lewis German, who placed thereon a cheque for 7s. A short sermon was preached by Mr. T. P. Oliver, after which the friends adjourned to the Workman's Institute, where a capital tea was provided.”

In September of the following year the South Wales Daily News recorded 30 Bible Christians in a gathering of over 2000 when: - “Never was a day expected with greater eagerness than Monday by the young people of Briton Ferry. The Earl and Countess of Jersey had arranged to receive all the Nonconformist schools upon the grounds at Baglan House, which is

at present the noble Earl's residence.” Each child was presented with half-a-pound of cake, an apple and nuts, and it seems that the Earl had reduced the ground rents on the non-conformist chapels.

The anniversary of the same year indicates a deteriorating economic climate: - “The first anniversary of this chapel was celebrated on Sunday and Monday, October 6th and 7th. The circumstances were very unfavourable. The large tin-works in the town, employing several hundreds of hands, had been idle for three months, and at the iron-works 160 men have been dismissed, there being nothing for them to do. During the past three months eight of our most active and liberal members and several of the congregation have removed to other places to reside. Some of the friends thought it would be better to delay the anniversary for a short time, but the majority thought differently, and all agreed to do their best at once and to see in a few months what could be done by a special effort. Br. Smallridge, of Llantrissant, preached three excellent sermons on the Sundav. A tea-meeting followed on the Monday; about 100 visitors sat down at the tables. A public-meeting was held at seven o'clock. Mr. Kimble, of Neath, presided, and in a short and appropriate speech introduced the following speakers —E. V. Stephens, J. Smallridge, and J. Jeffrey. A powerful and blessed influence seemed to rest upon all present. The chairman, previous to the making of the collection, generously offered to give a donation equal to the amount given by the congregation, which was more than fulfilled. We hope when the accounts are made up to have a net balance, as the financial result of the anniversary, of about £9. J. JEFFREY.”

In Dec. 1886 the South Wales Daily News reported that the chapel had suffered during a storm, with one side of the roof having been ripped off. The storm was described as being the worst for 20 years and affected all of Wales.

I have no information about the period after this, but in 1896/7 the circuit proposed to Conference that it should be divided into two and “If the Committee and Conference desire Briton Ferry to be reopened the Neath Friends pledge themselves to do their

utmost to work it, but are unable to take any financial responsibility therewith”.

The chapel (apparently called Salem) does seem to have re-opened as F. J Kingdom refers to is as “Baptist Bible Christian” and then records it as having become a United Methodist Chapel in 1908. In 1919 it was sold to the Calvinistic Methodists. In 1942 it was transferred to the Trustees of the Briton Ferry Socialist Society. A further transfer in 1944 led to the start of a Men’s Pensioners Branch in Briton Ferry. In 1968 the premises were declared unsafe, but were renovated by money borrowed from the Public Hall Committee. Again in around 2000 it was condemned, but the Briton Ferry Town Council bought it for £1.00 and renovated it with a grant from Environ Aid. It is now in regular use as the Liberty Hall, where meals are served to pensioners and others on weekdays and is also available to hire for functions etc. I understand that one of the Welsh Independent chapels met there regularly until they recently joined with a sister congregation. Evidence of its previous existence as a chapel remains in some of the architectural features and local residents are familiar with its previous use, but have no knowledge of the Bible Christians.

Liberty Hall, formerly Salem, Briton Ferry

Glyncorrwg

The Bible Christian Magazine in 1883 recorded the opening of the Glyncorrwg chapel as follows: - Rather more than two years and a half ago Mr. and Mrs. Richards, who were members of our Society at Neath, went to this place to reside. Soon after, a young man named W. H. Lloyd, for a short time a member at Briton Ferry, also found employment in the same village, but met with a fatal accident about sixteen months afterwards. They were disappointed at not finding an English Nonconformist place of worship. There were three Welsh Chapels, and a church in which there was an occasional English service—the only provision made for the English people, who numbered some hundreds. Br. Richards opened his house, and, with Br. Lloyd, conducted prayer-meetings and preaching services. They were remarkably successful. The room was soon filled with anxious hearers, some of whom had not heard a sermon for many years. For some time there were penitents every week, and as habitual drunkards were reclaimed, and swearers praised the Saviour, some of the worst characters in the village were saved. The room soon became too small for the people, and what could be done to meet the want even the wisest could not guess. To build was very easy, but how a building could be paid for was the puzzling question. In addition to this there was some reluctance about taking the matter up, because Glyncorrwg was so distant from the other parts of the circuit, being eleven miles from Neath, the nearest place where help could be afforded by local preachers. To be reached on Sunday a part of the journey has to be done by train, and then a walk of over five miles across the mountain in a seldom trodden footpath has to be taken. But neither the inconvenient situation nor the comparative lack of means led the friends to cease their persistent appeals; and it soon became clear that with the increase in society they must be disconnected from this circuit, or a chapel built. The latter course was decided upon; collecting books were issued, lectures delivered, and arrangements made for proceeding with the building. A site was secured, and Rees Jenkins, Esq., granted leave to raise stone in a quarry nearby. Our friends did the necessary excavation, and raised the stone. The foundation stone was laid on Easter Monday by Miss Kimble, of Neath, who placed £5 upon it, which was followed by other sums. Proceeds of the day about £25. The chapel was opened on Sunday, June 3rd; the writer preached morning and evening, and the Rev. Rees Phillips (Calvinistic Methodist), in Welsh, in the afternoon. On the Monday the Rev. B. Evans, of Neath, preached in Welsh, and the Rev. C. Bridgman in English. The public meeting, under the presidency of Capt. N. Bate, was addressed by the Revs. B. Evans (Independent), J. Wilkinson (Primitive Methodist), and the circuit ministers. The chapel will seat

about 160 people, is worth nearly £250, and will have a debt of £100 only. The Society numbers over 40 members, who are strongly attached to the Denomination, and highly respected in the village. The opening is good, and we venture to predict a prosperous future

for our church at Glyncorrwg.

Glyncorrwg Walk. August 1908 - the BC Chapel is the smaller one at the rear of the picture.

The church did indeed prosper and in 1902 a building fund was initiated for

the purpose of erecting a new and more adequate building. Eventually in 1913 a new United Methodist chapel was built alongside the existing one and the latter became a schoolroom.

Glyncorrwg BC (right) & UM (left) Chapels

As is so many other coal mining communities the 1970s saw a decline in the fortunes of the area and the population of Glyncorrwg declined. The Neath Port Talbot Methodist Circuit website now reads: - The members at Glyncorrwg have been concerned for some time at the deteriorating state of their premises on Bryn Road. Following much prayer and discussion, and after an inspection by a property adviser for the Wales Synod of the Methodist Church, the Church Council on Sunday 27th November 2011 passed the following resolution:1) To cease acts of public worship in the present church building, Bryn Road, Glyncorrwg2) To continue to worship together in rented premises in Glyncorrwg3) To dispose of the Bryn Road premises under the guidance of Circuit, District and Connexional Property Officers 4) To establish partnerships with other Christians in Glyncorrwg, with whom we can share in worship and in mission and witness to our community5) To prayerfully seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we make this new start, trusting that God, who has given himself for us in Jesus Christ, will revive his work among usA meeting was held the following week with representatives of Nebo Congregational Chapel, who were also having to close their building. It was agreed to worship jointly on Sunday afternoons in the Noddfa Community Centre from Sunday 8th January 2012.

Noddfa Community Centre where Glyncorrwg Methodists now worship.

Cymmer

Cymmer is most remarkable amongst valley villages for once having had THREE railway stations, so was connected with Port Talbot, Neath and Maesteg. The preachers travelling to Glyncorrwg would have alighted from the train at Cymmer.

The foundation stones of the chapel are difficult to decipher, but are believed to have the date 1898 on them - confirmed by the name J Phillips Mayor of Aberavon who was in office 1897 - 8.

I had not realised that Cymmer had been a Bible Christian chapel until I came across a Temperance Society Pledge Book for Cymmer United Methodist Church from 1905 to 1913 in the People’s Collection Online. When my husband next preached at Cymmer he made enquiries and some of the members stated that their parents had always referred to it as “The Bible Christians”. Unfortunately I have been unable to find any contemporary accounts of its

establishment.

Cymmer Methodist Church today

The chapel was redecorated, inside and out in 2009 / 10 and now hosts a community charity shop, coffee mornings, the historical society as well as weekly services. It is the only original Bible Christian Chapel still in use in the circuit.

Abercregan

The little village of Abercregan lies on the opposite side of the valley to Cymmer, about a mile to the south. There is only one road into Abercregan.

The chapel was built in 1902 at a cost of £119 0s 2d and was opened on the 6 th

July of that year. Four of the trustees were employed in the collieries, but only two of them lived in the village. The minister who signed the schedule was Rev J A Dobson.

Little is known about the early days in Abercregan, but the chapel survived until 1974 when Rev Edwin Penfield wrote to the Property Division to request permission to sell the premises, which had been described as a liability rather than an asset. The village had declined dramatically with the closure of the mines; many of the inhabitants had been re-housed in Croes Erw and those who remained lived in sub-standard conditions. The circuit was obliged to appoint three new trustees to the cause as all of the trustees named in the records at Methodist Union in 1933 had died. One of those trustees was the circuit steward at the time and he remains a Local Preacher to this day. He told me that he and his fellow stewards made a practice of visiting every chapel occasionally – on one occasion they decided to go to Abercregan and on the way they caught up with the appointed preacher on his walk from Cymmer. There were six present, and four had heard the sermon before! The friends at Abercregan enjoyed Sankey hymns, and after the service would gather for a session around the organ until it was time for the preacher to walk back to Cymmer to catch the last bus down the valley at 9.00! Another contact referred to the fact that Abercregan members adhered more to the Bible Christian tradition after Methodist Union than those in the other chapels.

The chapel was sold to Abercregan Football Club, which continued to play on the ground although the members lived elsewhere, for use as a changing room. In 2006 the club’s ground was condemned and the chapel sold. It is now home to the Afan Valley Christian fellowship.

Abercregan Chapel - the sign for Abercregan AFC can still be seen over the lower door. Access to the worship area is at the higher level.

Celebrations

The Circuit Baptismal Register from 1883 – 1940 is held in the West Glamorgan Archives in Swansea.

Last page of Circuit Baptismal Register - dated 1940! Circuit Baptismal Register

Chapel Openings, Anniversaries and involvement in other public witness events have already been referred to in sections on individual chapels.

I believe that Harvest Festivals were a Victorian innovation and they seem to have been embraced by the Bible Christians at some point as can be seen in this photograph from Skewen.

Conclusion

Of the nine congregations in the Neath Port Talbot circuit today, four owe their origins directly to the Bible Christians – Neath, Skewen, Glyncorrwg and Cymmer. Descendants of the original families are active in these congregations.

In 1887 the Bible Christian Conference was held at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Swansea. Sir Hussey Vivian MP (who as MP for Swansea would also have represented Neath & Port Talbot at that time) presiding. It was reported in the Western Mail on the 3rd August that “Sir Hussey remarked that he hoped he might rank himself as one of their members, because if a man could not lay his hand upon his heart and say he was a Bible Christian he had no right to the title of Christian at all. Their duty was to have the simple faith of the Bible and prayerfully interpret its meaning, but not to endeavour to explain its mysteries. The efforts of the Bible Christians must be largely of a missionary character, and it was impossible to have too much of such teaching as they implanted, and which was in harmony with the religious character of the people of Wales.”

In 1950 the Rev A. H. Nicholas (then Chairman of the Cardiff & Swansea District of the Methodist Church) wrote in the Centenary Souvenir for Windsor Square, Neath, which celebrated 100 years since the Bible Christian Society had been established in Neath, “Let us rejoice in the achievements of the past and in all the devotion and faithful service of these hundred years, and in these services of celebration let us reach out to a measure of renewed dedication to our Lord, that will ensure for the future a quality of life and labour that shall be even richer and more splendid than anything our blessed past has seen.”

Amen to these thoughts.

Bibliography, Web Pages and Acknowledgements

“Skewen New Road Methodist Church Centenary Memories” © Peter Phillips 2009

“Pennies for Heaven” © Neath Methodist Church 2014

“The Methodist Church Windsor Square Centenary Souvenir 1850 – 1950”

“Chronicles – an United Methodist Souvenir Neath and Skewen 1929”

“English Methodism in Rural Wales (being the history of Bible Christian Methodism (now United Methodism) in Glyncorrwg, in the Aberavon – Port Talbot Circuit)” by Rev R Heber

Goldsworthy (1920s)

“Briton Ferry – a much loved community” © Briton Ferry Photographic and Internet Technology Club 2014 - article by F J Kingdom

www.mybiblechristians.org.uk

A Jubilee Memorial of Incidents in the Rise and Progress of the Bible Christian Connexion James Thorne (1865) - see http://meta.library.vicu.utoronto.ca/RS/?r=4859

Bible Christian Magazines – see http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~biblechristianmag/title.html and

http://solo.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/primo_library/libweb/action/dlDisplay.do?vid=OXVU1&docId=oxfaleph014284257

http://www.chepstowmethodist.org.uk/2%20Early%20Methodism%20in%20Chepstow.pdf

www.neathporttalbotmethodists.org.uk

The following have also greatly helped me in my research locally –

Len Gibbs, Peter Gale, Tom Edwards, Ken and Elizabeth Nicholls.

West Glamorgan Archive Service

Briton Ferry Community Library

“Mayors and Portreeves of Aberavon and Port Talbot” by A Leslie Evans © Port Talbot Historical Society

Particular thanks to my husband, Peter, for his support and patience as I have sought out facts, taken photographs and spent hours typing!