Hen Gapel, Llanbryn-mair Chapel Records

Scope and Content

Minutes dating from 1898 - 1932, mostly in the hand of Richard Williams, secretary between 1896 - 1936. These 18 items provide an insight into the administration of the chapel e.g. the appointment of ministers and deacons, meetings of various committees, collections held.

Also, an undated volume on the history of Hen Gapel by Maurice Jones of Y Winllan, Llanbryn-mair.

Administrative / Biographical History

Hen Gapel (Old Chapel) in Llanbryn-mair, Montgomeryshire is one of the oldest and most famous chapels in Wales.

As far back as 1635 the Rev Walter Craddoc had a small congregation in Llanbryn-mair. For around forty years, the cause had no home and meetings were held in houses or in a nearby forest. In 1675 a room at Ty Mawr was assigned for their use.

In 1734 the cause in Llanbryn-mair was but an obscure branch on the periphery of the old church of Llanfyllin. However, in 1739 a chapel was built and by 1778 had been extended. The house of worship was re-built in 1821.

Over the years, the chapel has seen many ministers. For 60 years, three members of the same family served consecutively as ministers. John Roberts, the father; Samuel Roberts and John Roberts, the sons.

In April 1939 the chapel had 362 members. In April 1989 the chapel had 291 members.

Arrangement

Arranged chronologically and incorporated into the General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts

Access Information

Open to all users.

Acquisition Information

Received through the good offices of Rev. R.G. Owen, minister of Hen Gapel, Llanbryn-mair, Montgomeryshire between 1925 - 1931.

Note

Description compiled by Elen Wyn Hughes, December 2001.

Other Finding Aids

A typescript item level catalogue is available at the Archives Department of the University of Wales Bangor. Reference numbers : General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts 4862, 5303 - 5320

Conditions Governing Use

Usual copyright conditions apply. Reprographics are made at the discretion of the Archivist.

Custodial History

Items 5303 - 5320 were once held by Richard Williams of Hendre, Llanbryn-mair, chapel secretary, and later by his family.

Geographical Names