Blue Plaque For Historic Chapel - 3 Maw 2010

Blue Plaque For Historic Chapel

Cymmer Independent Chapel near Porth is one of 30 locations throughout the county borough to receive a Blue Plaque to commemorate its historical significance by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council.

Built in 1743 and rebuilt in 1834, the famous Evan Roberts preached here during one of the great religious revivals.

Owners Lady Margaret Ford and her husband Derek Ford attended an unveiling event at Rhondda Heritage Park hosted by the Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf Cllr Robert Smith

The couple bought the property eight years ago and have firm plans to renovate the impressive structure for the benefit of the entire community.

Cllr Smith declared that such locations had been central to the developments of all communities throughout the county borough when the advent of the coal industry totally transformed this area of South Wales.

"The history of the establishment of religious centres like Cymmer Chapel parallels the social development of valleys such as the Rhondda," he said.

"Rural communities were totally transformed in the early to mid 19th century with the rapid expansion of the coal industry and as villages and towns were built, so were the chapels and churches at incredible speed.

"Chapels were more than just places of worship, they were a place where a new community could congregate. They created a community cohesion – they brought people together and created a huge outlet for people to socialize with their championship brass bands and choirs and also as the starting point for many a great political orator.

"Chapels like Cymmer Independent created a sense of social awareness as well as providing religious guidance and that is why it is so important that we honour them with the placing of this Blue Plaque."

Lady Margaret and Derek Ford hope to recreate a community spirit by welcoming people back to the chapel and provide them with classes, events and choirs.

Lady Margaret Ford added: "Cymmer Independent Chapel is for the community. People need to realize it isn’t "our chapel" but it is for them and once we are able to renovate it we want to see a Welsh choir back in the building as well as events and societies that will help bring the community back together."

For almost two years Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Libraries & Museums Service has been working closely with various voluntary organisations and individuals to determine sites in the county borough as yet unrecognized for their historical background with the placing of a Blue Plaque

Due to £49,200 of Heritage Lottery funding, the project has set out to identify icons, events and buildings, culminating in the placing of blue plaques to commemorate their history and achievements.

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