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Church History

The History of Bethel

The Baptist faith spread to Pembrokeshire in the early 18th century.  A Baptist Church was founded in Rhydwilym, Carmarthenshire in 1668, and it was from there probably, that the movement spread to Pembrokeshire.  A group of people met regularly for worship as Baptists in Llangloffan from 1704.  A church was founded at Llangloffan in 1745, which became the mother of all the Welsh Baptist churches in North Pembrokeshire.  One of these was Hermon, Fishguard, founded in 1776.

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In April 1905, forty two members of Hermon thought there was a need for an English Baptist church in Fishguard.  The leader of this new venture was Mr John H John from Llanychaer.  These 42 members met for worship at first at the Temperance Hall, West Street, which is now Theatr Gwaun.  The preacher at the opening service in June 1905 was Rev. O D Campbell, from Haverfordwest.

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After these first meetings, many people were baptised in the river Gwaun, the first of these Baptisms took place on Sunday, August 6th 1906 by the Rev. J W Morris of Tabor, Dinas Cross.

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The church grew steadily in numbers, and in 1905 a site for a new church building was bought. In 1906 Rev. D P David, from Mardy, Glamorgan, was called as pastor.  During Rev David’s ministry the permanent church building was completed. The builder was Mr Daniel Thomas, from Letterston, and it cost £1,750, with seating for 380.

The vestry was first used for worship on Wednesday, April 22nd 1908.  On the following Sunday, the Rev David preached the first sermon in the new building.

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The official opening services of Bethel Baptist Church were held on Tuesday and Wednesday the 28th and 29th of April 1908, when the pastor was officially inducted.  Other ministers taking part were Rev. David Davies, Brighton, Rev. Charles Rees, Abercarn and the Rev. Aaron Morgan, Blaenffos.  Very large crowds attended these services and it has been recorded that there was considerable religious fervour.

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Mr Williams James, Siop y Bobl, was the first secretary of Bethel, and through his commitment and energy many local business firms were persuaded to support the cause.

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The first deacons of Bethel were John H John, William Jenkins, Charles Edwards, Walter L Williams, Joseph Ayres, F J Harries, William Rowe, John Griffiths and Cuthbert Thomas.

You can read more about our church history by downloading our booklet here:
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