Ystradgynlais & District

Cwmllynfell Independent Chapel stands on Gwilym Road, opposite Cwmllynfell Welfare Hall. Originally built in 1786, it as modified, altered or rebuilt 1814, 1823, 1860, 1905 and 1912. The present chapel is located about 300 metres south of the site of the original chapel. The earlier chapel, together with its graveyard, continue to exist as a derelict ruin (reference John Ball's website from an email from Gill Jones).

Views of Cwmllynfell Independent Chapel

These photographs of Cwmllynfell Chapel were taken in August 2019:-

The namestone, shown above, middle-left, says:-

Gosodwyd y garreg
Goffadwriaethhol hon
gan Owen Powell YSY.G.S.
Glynderwen House, Gurnos
Mawrth 6 1905

From Coflein:-
Cwmllynfell Independent Chapel was built in 1786, rebuilt 1814, 1823, 1860 and finally in 1903. The present chapel, dated 1903, was designed by architect Owen Powell of Llangiwg and builder H.Williams of Llangiwg and built in the Classical style of the gable-entry type.

From the Llais

The Llais newspaper had always included a round-up of happenings at local churches and chapels, even when these were not part of any particular story. Sometimes they advertised forthcoming events, and at other times who was preaching, or had preached there recently.

From the Labour Voice April 10th 1915:-

CWMTWRCH-CWMLLYNFELL

CWMANFA GANU

A very successful cymanfa was held at the Cwmllynfell (Independent) Chapel on Easter Monday, when the local Methodists held their first festival. The singing was of a high order, the choir acquitting themselves well under the able conductorship of Mr J.T. Rees, Mus. Bac. The "Hallelujah" chorus, and the hymn "Capel Cynon" were very well sung. There was a good attendance, many people having journeyed from the surrounding district to the cymanfa. Mr Jonah Jones was the organist.

The Labour Voice newspaper, 12th March 1921 included two articles about Cwmllynfell Chapel:-

On Sunday last Mr J.H. Davies of Brecon College occupied the pulpit at Cwmllynfell Chapel

On Monday evening of next week, Principal Prys will deliver a lecture at Cwmllynfell Chapel, under the auspices of the "Alliance of Honour". The young people of the place are cordially invited. This is the first visit of Principal Prys to Cwmllynfell.

From the Llais newspaper, March 17th 1923:-

A treat is assured those who visit Cwmllynfell Chapel on Tuesday evening next when a concert will be given by the Gardner Male Voice Party, under the baton of Mr D.E. Williams. Solos will be rendered by the following members of the party: Messrs William Gwilym; David Jones; W.W. Thomas, and assisted by Messrs H. Emlyn Jones; W.W. Williams, and Glyn Davies.
The president will be Mr A.E. Gardner (president of the party), and the accompanist will be Mr D.L. Edwards, A.V.C.M., A.T.S.C.

From the Labour Voice newspaper, Saturday October 20th 1923:-

The preacher at Cwmllynfell Chapel on Sunday last was Mr Humphreys, B.A., Brecon College.

The South Wales Voice newspaper for 10th March 1951 reported on a comedy performed by the young people's dramatic society at the chapel:-

"Y FFYNHONNA"

Cwmllynfell Chapel young people's dramatic society, gave an excellent performance of the Welsh comedy "Y Ffynhonna" at the Welfare Hall on Thursday evening. The producer was Mr Harry Williams
County Councillor Josiah Jones, Cwmllynfell, who presided, referred to the performers' abilities and thanks the public for their kind support.

The South Wales Voice newspaper for 24th March 1951 reported on the forthcoming joint singing festival to be held at Cwmllynfell Chapel:-

SINGING FESTIVAL

The joint singing festival of Cwmllynfell, Rhiwfawr and Ebenezer churches will take place on Sunday at Cwmllynfell chapel, guest conductor Mr idris Griffiths, Llanelli. There will be no services at Ebenezer on Sunday, and special buses will take the children from Rhiwfawr and Cwmtwrch for the children's service in the morning.

The South Wales Voice newspaper for 31st March 1954 then reported on the singing festival, which had now happened:-

GYMANFA GANU

The annual joint singing festival of the Congregational Churches of Cwmllynfell, Rhiwfawr and Ebenezer, Cwmtwrch, was held at Cwmllynfell Chapel on Sunday with services in the morning, afternoon, and evening, all of which were attended by large congregations. The singing reached a high standard and the special conductor for the day, Mr Idris Griffiths, F.R.C.O., Llanelli, paid tribute to the excellence of the training given at the various churches by the local conductors.
The accompanists were Mr D. Llynfell Jones, Cwmllynfell (organist), and Mr Meurig Williams, Rhiwfawr (pianoforte).
The presidents were: the Revs Idris Hopcyn, Cwmtwrch (morning), J. Roberts Thomas, Cwmllynfell (afternoon), and Mr Meurig Williams, B.Sc., Rhiwfar (evening).
The cymanfa secretary was Mr Cyril John, Cwmllynfell.