Our History

The English Baptist congregation in Troedyrhiw has a long and rich history. The fellowship first gathered in members’ homes and, in 1865, rented a room above Mr. Fine’s jewellery shop on Yew Street.

By around 1870, the congregation began worshipping in Bethel Chapel. As the church grew, a larger building was needed, and in 1894 the Tabernacle Chapel was built to replace Bethel. Bethel later became a Salvation Army citadel and was eventually renamed Ynysgau, after receiving furnishings from Ynysgau Chapel in nearby Merthyr Tydfil. More recently, it was sold at auction for redevelopment into two homes.

Although the church fellowship dates back to at least 1865, the Tabernacle Chapel itself was officially opened in 1895. Worship continued there until 2001, when changes to building regulations made access difficult for people with disabilities. The building was sold, but the congregation carried on meeting—first at the Willows Boys Club, and later by sharing the church building with Carmel Welsh Baptist Church.

In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic made in-person gatherings impossible, the church quickly moved online. Digital services became, and still remain, an important part of our outreach. After the pandemic, the congregation moved once again, this time to the Troedyrhiw Bowls Club. With this new chapter came a new name: New Hope Church Troedyrhiw.