Church celebrates 100th anniversary of first service

One hundred years ago, the first service was held at a makeshift wooden chapel on Gelligaer Road, Cefn Hengoed.

Now, a century later, its anniversary has been marked with a service on the same site, where Bethel Baptist Church now sits.

More than 100 people attended the main event to mark the centenary, which was a thanksgiving service led by Pastor Stephen Darby on May 21.

Among the attendees were Pastor Huw Williams, who travelled from the Republic of Ireland, as well as Pastor Dyfun Williams, who travelled down from Cheshire. Both are great-grandsons of Pastor Morgan Lewis, who founded the church – while their grandfather, Emlyn Lewis, also served as a pastor.

Their aunt, Brenda Lewis, is a current member of the church.

The service included hymns and a presentation led by church deacon Marc Howells, depicting the history of the church.

The original chapel was opened in May 1922. However, plans to build the permanent chapel that now sits on the site were delayed, with the chapel trustees at the time instead focusing on opening a second site in Penybryn, near Gelligaer.

Many of the churchgoers came from the Penybryn area and were finding it increasingly difficult to walk to Cefn Hengoed to attend services, and so in 1928, Cavalry Chapel was opened off Penybryn Terrace.

Five years later, in 1933, Bethel Baptist Church was built in Cefn Hengoed, replacing the wooden mission hall which stood in its place.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Pastor Darby said the church was hoping to hold a range of events over the course of the year to tie in with the centenary.

“We’re looking to start our monthly meetings back up in the autumn for the first time since Covid.

“During the first lockdown, we had to learn how to stream services online, so we used Zoom and YouTube. It’s something we want to keep doing.

“Some people are housebound or can’t get to the church for whatever reason. It’s helpful for those who can’t be here in person.”

Pastor Darby said the church had good links with both Hengoed and Derwendeg primary schools, as well as Cefn Hengoed Ladies’ Choir and Gelligaer Community Council.

He added: “During lockdown we also did a virtual Remembrance service with the choir, community council and the schools and put it on YouTube. We weren’t able to gather with the community, but we were able to connect with them.”