John Hughes Memorial Chapel
Pontrobert, Powys
John Hughes, the famous Methodist minister, preached and lived at the chapel until his death in 1854.
The chapel stands within its small burial ground at the eastern end of Llanfyllin, on the A490. The present red brick building dates from 1829 and is designed according to classical proportions with the widest elevation fronting the roadside. A photograph taken in 1884 shows the chapel with its classical windows and porticos. The proportions of the original classical side elevation were compromised by the addition of late Victorian pressed brick door frames, new windows and a large vestry extension.
The interior of the chapel remains largely unaltered. The double entrances on the widest elevation lead straight into the front of the worship space, so any latecomers would be seen by the whole congregation! The fittings are typical, the elevated central position of the pulpit emphasises the importance of preaching and teaching of the Bible in the services.
It also has associations with the famous Welsh hymn writer, Ann Griffiths.
