Bethesda,Wdig -Bethesda, Goodwick

When the Fishguard – Rosslare service was opened in 1906, several Railway employees, who were Baptists, were transferred to Goodwick from Neyland and other English speaking places. For about 8 months they worshipped at Goedwig, the Chapel kindly consenting to an English address at each service by their pastor the Rev J.S Davies.

As the English members numbered about 25, it was decided to hold English services at the Great Western Reading Room in Quay Road, Goodwick, and several ministers of the County gave their services free for a year.

In 1908 the little flock felt forced to provide a place of Worship, and after prayerful consideration they decided to erect a corrugated iron structure capable of seating about 200 in Main Street, Goodwick. The little sanctuary was duly opened for Devine Services in 1909, and the members were formally constituted into a Church the same year, the late Dr W. Edwards, Cardiff Baptist College performing the ceremony.

The County Echo of the 25th July 1909 gave the following report:-

NEW CHAPEL. — Inauguration services in connection with the new English Congregational Chapel were held on Sunday last, attended by numerous congregations. The new building marks, to a certain extent, not only the growth of the place, but also the progress of the cause of Congregationalism. The demand for English services has, through the faithful devotional energy of several of the leading spirits, been met most amply. It is just on four years ago that a meeting was called at Goodwick to consider ways and means of establishing a local church. Those attending were Revs Lewis James, Bryn-y- bank, Cardigan, Gwylim Jones, Penarth, J G James, Rhosycaerau, and W Morlars Davies, Tabernacle, Fishguard. Also Messrs WG James, J.P., Pantyphilip, W S Jenkins, J.P., Francis Davies, Paris House, Gazmne James, Fishguard; T Perkins, Hendrewcn, and Daniel Bevan, Goodwick. After due deliberation a committee was appointed to secure a site. Negotiations were, however, suspended until June, 1905, when, at the request of the South Wales Congregational Union the Rev Llovd Williams, of Tenby, visited Goodwick, and the result was that the Reading Room, belonging to the G.W.R. Co. was secured at an annual rental of £20. On July 10th of that year the initial services were conducted by the Revs Lewis James, and the Rev Griffiths, Commissioner to the S. W. C. U. The last named minister remained in charge of the cause for six months, his devotion and able preaching attracting large congregations. So quickly have the members increased that the accommodation became inadequate at the Reading Room. The Church was officially constituted in December, 1905, and on its behalf Mr W G James, J.P., Pantyphillip, attended the Annual Meeting of the Congregational Union at Bridgend. The question of securing a site and erecting a chapel at Goodwick was further discussed. Mr James was requested by the Union to negotiate for a site and proceed with the building. A site was eventually decided upon on the side of the hill, and considerable difficulties had to be overcome in removing the rock. The Chapel, which is now completed, is a hand- some and commodious corrugated iron structure, and was erected by Messrs Harlow, of London. Throughout the negotiations and the erection of the chapel Mr W G James was given a free hand by the Congregational Union and the Goodwick Church, and the present structure reflects great credit upon his management.—On Sunday, at 10.30 the place was well filled and in the evening there was quite a full church. Pointed sermons and excellent singing characterised the meetings. Miss Ruby Davies presided at the organ with her usual skill and taste, and altogether the day was most inspiring. Officiating were the Revs J Williams, Saundersfoot, and the Rev Lloyd Williams, of Tenby. On Sunday next, when the opening services will be again continued, the Rev James Lewis, Brynbank, will officiate. 

The Diaconate at the commencement were J. Howells; L. Phillips; J. Lilwall; A.J Rowlands; J. Wreford and J. Jones. The following have been pastors since the opening:- Cynon Jones; William Gibbon; R.M Julier; T. Michael, B.A., B.D (who died prior to his induction) E. Elias and H. Jenkins.

In the 1950s? the Church was under the pastorate of Rev. J. Watts-Williams, M.A., B.D., Goedwig.

In picture 2. the deacons/officials of the day-1950s?- were:-

L-R  W.C Jones; W. Lee; B. Jones; Miss Betty Conway; J. Creese; Ken Slatter; J.R Jones; J. Evans.

1. Bethesda Wdig. Bethesda Goodwick
2. Swyddogion/ Officials 1950?
Catrina Le Page
Bethesda Baptist Church, Main Street, Goodwick

No Comments

Start the ball rolling by posting a comment on this page!

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.