The Baptist Union of Wales is pleased to confirm our acceptance of the community bid submitted by Rhian Hopkins and her dedicated team and work with them to ensure an acceptable way forward for the crowd funding project to achieve its aims. This historic Grade II listed chapel, which holds such profound significance as the birthplace of the beloved hymn tune “Cwm Rhondda” will remain in community ownership where it rightfully belongs.
A Community United by Faith and Heritage
We have been deeply moved by the extraordinary response to this campaign, which has demonstrated the powerful connection that people across Wales and throughout the world feel to this chapel. The crowdfunding appeal, which began with support from local communities, has captured hearts. This overwhelming response reflects the universal appeal of the hymn that first echoed within the walls of the chapel in November 1907.
Honouring Our Christian Heritage
The words of “Cwm Rhondda” – “Guide me, O thou great Redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land”- speak to the spiritual journey that continues within our communities today. This hymn tune, composed by John Hughes in 1907 for the chapel’s organ dedication, has become an unofficial anthem of Wales and a source of comfort and inspiration to countless individuals.
Supporting Community Vision
We recognise the vision articulated by Rhian Hopkins and the local community to preserve this “precious thread which links us to our ancestors”. We acknowledge and celebrate the continuing need for spaces where communities can gather, reflect, and find spiritual belonging.
The Baptist Union of Wales acknowledges the community’s plans to:
• Celebrate the chapel’s rich Welsh musical heritage
• Provide a community space that serves local needs within the Rhondda
A Testament to Community Spirit
This campaign exemplifies the best of community spirit and collective action. From the initial Facebook post by Rhian Hopkins to the overwhelming international response following her wide platform media reach, we have witnessed how a shared commitment to preserving our Christian heritage can unite people across geographical and cultural boundaries.
We particularly acknowledge the contribution of local supporters, Welsh musicians who have lent their voices to the campaign, and the countless individuals who saw the value in preserving Capel Rhondda.
As the Baptist Union of Wales, we are grateful for the years of faithful service provided by the congregations who worshipped at Capel Rhondda. While declining attendance led to the difficult decision to close the chapel in December 2024, we are delighted that its future is now secured through community ownership. Through this initiative Capel Rhondda will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of faith, music, the Welsh language and community spirit. The message of the words of “Bread of Heaven” will continue to resonate.
For further information, please contact the Baptist Union of Wales at our offices in Carmarthen.
Telephone Number 0345 2221514