THE HISTORY OF CARMEL.

A brief historical background to Carmel Chapel, Pontlliw, Swansea

 

· Carmel chapel is situated in a secluded, wooded location off the A48 road, 7 miles West of Swansea. Pontlliw at the beginning of the 19^th Century was circled by farmsteads , but the village was significant for its woollen mill and its iron works - Lliw forge.

· The first meetings of the Cause were held in the Forge charcoal house in 1832 when John Pugh, the minister of ‘Siloam’, Killay, conducted a series of services and subsequently served as its minister for 14 years. Carmel was accepted into the Glamorgan Baptist Association in 1843.

· Ever since its inception, Carmel has maintained a consistent and regular Ministry of the Word  and Pastoral Oversight. This has continued into the 21^st century with Rev. H. Vincent Watkins as minister, a descendant of the first two individuals to be baptised in June, 1832.

· The strong Sunday school tradition dates back to at least 1840, and structured Scripture teaching has continued unabated to the present. Two branch Sunday schools were formed at the beginning of the 20^th century. The one held at Grovesend became ‘Bethania’ Church in 1908. On closure in 1993, the remaining members of Bethania returned to the mother-church of Carmel.

· The first vestry was added to the Chapel in 1893, and over a century later, a new, second vestry was opened in March, 1996. It was to contain all of the modern amenities required by Health and Safety Regulations. This facility has become a devotional and cultural Christian centre for the village community.

· Continuity has been a dominant characteristic of Carmel, but it has also responded to the changing times of the years. One indication of this is that it introduced a bi-lingual Sunday morning service in 1943. The afternoon service however still gives members of the church an opportunity to worship in Welsh. It has maintained a rural atmosphere of affinity and friendship.

Carmel’s core creed is the Lordship of Christ, Saviour of the world which requires from his members ‘Christ-centred and Spirit filled lives.’

Eglwys y bedyddwyr carmel baptist church pontlliw

Here is a newspaper cut-out pertaining to the "Special Service of Thanksgiving" held at Carmel to celebtate the installation  of the "new  organ".

Other senior members of Carmel would recognise all the characters

but my knowledge of their names would be, from left to fright,

1)   Mr Coslet Davies ?

2)   Mr Willy Walters

3)   Mr David Mathias

4)   Mr John Gwenter

5)    unknown

6)   Mr Ivor Owen, organist

7)   Miss Annie Grey, Carmel's resident organist

8)    unknown

9)   Mr John Emlyn Mathias

10) Mr Cyril Morgan

11) Mr John Walters

12) Mr Hardin Thomas

( This was sent to us by Mr Rhydwen Mathias.)

Thank you.

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The Minister and deacons of the Church

September 2009

 In the photo, you will see some of the past members of Peniel Chapel, Pontlliw, following a special service to celebrate the commencement of the Christian witness at Peniel.  Unfortunately, the work came to an end a number of years ago and the Church was decommissioned.  It is good to say, however, that many of Peniel members join with us in worship at Carmel, and the fellowship is warm.

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