Nazareth Chapel, Troedyrhiw

[jeffery07]

You carry on and good luck to you.

[davidc]

I think that I may have missed the beginning of this thread as the item from jeffery07 doesn't seem to make much sense unless its in reply to something posted earlier. As someone who grew up in Troedyrhiw in the 1950's and 60's I am interested in finding out about its past. I am currently active in the Friends of Saron group which is trying to get something done about the appalling state of the graveyard. I have tried to attach (I think unsuccessfully) a photo of a rather sad looking Nazareth taken in January 2010. What is the building being used for now? how much of the original interior remains?

[stevieb]

Hello - I did the original post, but a few weeks ago I amended it but obviously deleted it by mistake!!!!! I'm such a computer whizz!!!!!

I am trying to write a book about the chapels in Merthyr and I was asking for any information about Nazareth Chapel.

Anyway - this is all the information I do have - hope it's of use to you:-

Several members of Pontmorlais Chapel started a Sunday School in Troedyrhiw, firstly at the Harp Inn, then at a house in Wyndham Street and finally in the long room of the Heath Conservative Club.

The local Methodists, however, had to travel to Graig Chapel in Abercanaid to worship, so it was decided to build a chapel in Troedyrhiw. Nazareth was built in 1858, the architect being Rev Evan Harries and the builder was Mr Rees Powell.

[stevieb]

Further to my previous messages, I would be grateful if anyone has any photographs of Nazareth Chapel that they would be willing to share with me.

Many thanks

[lee]

Nazareth has been converted into a house. The other chapel in Yew Street- Tabernacle - is not used for worship. The members used to meet in the Boys' Club but now they meet at Carmel, the only nonconformist church left in Troedyrhiw.
There is also St John's , Church in Wales.
At one time there was Nazareth, Tabernacle, Mount Zion, Saron. Carmel and The Salvation Army plus The Spiritualist church which was orignally a Wesleyan church.

[stevieb]

Thanks - I knew Nazareth had closed but didn't realise it had been converted.

Do you have any idea when it closed?

[lee]

I can't remember when Nazareth closed but it must be more than 10 years ago. I don't think any of the last members are still alive.

[lee]

I have just found out that Nazareth was put up for sale on April 26 2001.

[stevieb]

Thanks - that's filled in some gaps for me.

[stevieb]

Sorry to be cheeky - but you don't happen to know when Mount Zion chapel was demolished?

[lee]

I'm not sure when Mount Zion was actually demolished but I think it closed in 1999. The last annual meeting was definitely in March 1998 when concern was expressed about a lack of help from The United Reformed Church regarding the building.
An architect's report detailed the growing problems of the building and it was obvious that the church could not continue as it was, especially with new needs for disabled access etc.
When it closed, five members went to Carmel. Other remaining members living in the village by then became house-bound or hospitalised.
A closing service was held at Mount Zion.

[stevieb]

Really grateful for that information - many thanks