Church of the Week
Burry Port, Carmarthenshire
Burry Port Independent Jerusalem Chapel in Carmarthenshire – the only remaining Welsh Chapel in Burry Port & Pembrey – continues to adapt so that it can always serve the next generation. In 1926, the chapel needed to make changes to serve the growing population. There was concern that members would be unhappy but one of the oldest members, Mr William John of Pen-y-Bryn, known to everyone as ‘Bili Shôn’, stood up and said: "Yr wyf fi yn mynd yn hen. Ond yr wyf am fod a rhan mewn rhoi capel newydd hardd I’r cenedlaethau a ddaw yma ar fy ôl.” This translates to: “I am getting old. But my wish is to be a part in handing over a new handsome chapel to the congregations who will attend at this place, long after I have gone.” An extensive renovation of the chapel then ensued in an Art Nouveau style, fashionable in the 1920s. The team at Jerusalem Chapel today continues to care for the building to make sure it is fit for purpose. “Jerusalem Chapel is keen to continue opening its doors to the local community, while at the same time preserving its culture and beliefs,” says John Thomas, from Jerusalem Independent Chapel. “Jerusalem is the one remaining Welsh Chapel in Burry Port & Pembrey and it’s important to promote the use of the Welsh language in the community. I was overjoyed when I got the news that the grant application to the National Churches Trust had been successful. The news has raised morale and confidence in the congregation, while relieving pressure on finances. It was a very emotional moment when I informed everyone of the amazing news from the National Churches Trust and it has created a fresh and positive outlook for the future.”
View Burry Port Jerusalem Independent Chapel
