History

Images of some source documents can be seen on the History Documents Page

Detail from the church facade

The first record of Baptists meeting in Llantrisant dates back to 1650. This was a time when non-conformists, and Baptists in particular, were subject to persecution.  In 1812 a Baptist group met in the Market Hall (the site of the old Police Statio

n) and a request to the Marquis of Bute to meet in the Town Hall was granted. Increased membership saw the church group move from the Town Hall to a local house in Swan Street. The record of dissenting meeting places registered at the BIshop’s Court  shows on 3 October 1823: “Baptist: the school-room of Edmund JONES, Baptist Minister, situated in Swan Street, being the property of R.F. RICKARDS, esq, of the town, but in the occupation of the said Edmund JONES”

In 1824 land was acquired to build a church at the rear of the High Street, opposite the Cross Keys pub. In the original Trust Deeds dating from that time, it was given the name Tabor Welsh Baptist Church. The record of registered dissenting meeting places shows on May 1st 1826: “Baptist; a house built upon the property of J.HARRIS, Treverhig, situated near the Crosskeys; David JAMES of Llantrisant, Baptist Minister.”  The Religious Census of 1851 shows a return from William Thomas, local preacher of Gwern-y-Moes Farm, stating that at the time the Baptist Church had “300 free places” and an attendance of 65. To accommodate 300 seatings there must have been a balcony in place in the old building.

The original building of 1824, facing north towards the Cross Keys pub. (Click to enlarge)

The small building served the local congregation for 100 years, after which it was substantially enlarged. The original, smaller building still stands, forming what is now the rear section of the church, or “vestry” meeting room. At the beginning of the 20th Century members pledged to give regularly each week for several years to save up enough money to fund the extended building, which, complete with balcony, could seat 350. The new building was opened in 1924.

The Chapel was Welsh-speaking originally but changed to English-speaking during the 1920s. It was once noted that “The Harvest Festival held each autumn attracts large numbers to hear the outstanding preachers of the movement.” When there were multiple non-conformist chapels active in the town, it is said that Tabor catered mainly for the classes at the lower end of the social spectrum – mainly the farming community. This might explain the renown of the Harvest Festival services.

In the mid-20th century the Sunday School was reported to have an attendance of up to 100, and the Band of Hope young people’s meetings up to 200. The Band of Hope was  a national organisation which involved promotion of temperance and abstinence from alcohol.

Tabor Church on the left, photographed mid 20th century. Click to enlarge.

Old aerial photo of the castle ruins (centre), taken looking northwards. Tabor Church can be seen to the right (rear view). The old stone caretaker’s cottage can be seen adjacent to the church. This fell into disuse and was demolished in 2014. Click to enlarge.

Chapel interior shortly after the extension. Click to enlarge. The ten chairs on the platform in front of the pulpit were occupied by the church Deacons during services. Below the platform is the full-sized baptistry which is still in use today.

Front of church taken from the High Street in 1968

Members’ Rule Book Cover. In use in the late 20th century. Click to enlarge.

Church outing, probably to Porthcawl

Church outing, probably to Porthcawl. c.1945

Joint Zoar and Tabor outing, probably to Porthcawl. c.1940

Marriage of Edith Sharp to Richard Evans at Tabor

Of the eight or so non-conformist chapels active in Llantrisant during Victorian times, Tabor Church is the only one still in use as a place of worship.

Most of the old records of Tabor Baptist Church have been lost. A register of marriages at Tabor Church covering the years 1932-1938 is lodged with the Records Office in Cardiff.

Past ministers of the Chapel include (dates approximate):

1823 william morgan

1823  Edmund Jones

1826  David James

david evans

john thomas

john phillips

1865  Edmund e. Jones

1871 Jenkin Jenkins

1880  Thomas Baker

1895  John Jones

1913  john evans, served 40 years

1953  Norman A. lloyd

1968 charles durke

1983 richard wigham

2013 andrew love

Images of some source documents can be seen on the History Documents Page

(We are grateful to Dean Powell, local historian and Freeman of Llantrisant, for some of the old photographs and supporting information – used with permission).

Old communion vessels. Silver plate and pewter. Now replaced. Click to enlarge.