Bethany Chapel, Cardiff

[Tiggersmum]

My Aunt and Uncle, Anna (Annie) and Harward Hodges, lived in Cardiff and were enthusiastic members of the Bethany Chapel during the 1920/30/40s, my aunt evidently playing the organ there.  Does anyone have any info on this Chapel during this time or can someone point me in the right direction to find out more?  Any info gratefully received.
Tigger

[heddwch]

Hello, Bethany Baptist Chapel was founded in 1804 on the site that is now occupied by Howells Dept. Store in St. Mary Street , Central Cardiff
The chapel was relocated to its present site in Rhiwbina in 1964

There are two photographs on line of the original chapel on a website called Gathering the Jewels.

www.gtj.org.uk/en/small/item/GTJ73187

as above/GTJ9277

Hope this helps
If you have problems looking at the photos please send me a personal message.

Regards
Heddwch

[Tiggersmum]

Many thanks for the info which I will follow up.  When I was a child I was taken to the Chapel by my aunt but unfortunately I have no recollection about the Chapel itself.   There is a family story that the small organ in my grandparents home in Harlesden, London, went with my Aunt to Cardiff and was given to the Chapel, but whether this is true and how I find out who knows?  Anyway many thanks for your contribution.
Tigger

[bevbee]

Part of the Chapel is still visible in the men's department of the store.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howells_(department_store)

http://www.capeli.org.uk/uploads/local_19_cardiff.pdf

There was an episode of the family history programme "Coming Home"  (might have been Olivia Newton John's but I'm not sure) when they went there and showed them.

[wdytya]

Hi

I have a couple of photos of the outside of the building, my GG Grandfather was a lay preacher at the chapel according to the census record of 1861.

On the TV programme Olivia Newton John was allowed to go onto the roof of James Howells store to see the chapel from that perspective. I have also visited the "Gentlemans Dept" in Howells to see the facade of the chapel.

[Tiggersmum]

Thank you all for your information.  I shall be looking at the sites and photos you mentioned.  Your input is very much appreciated.
Regards
Tigger

[tbirduk]

Does anyone know if there was/is a Burial ground attached to the chapel in the 1910/30 period? If not which Cemetery would have been used?

Tia
Pete

[wdytya]

I have a photo that shows headstones laid against the outside wall of the chapel so it seems burials would have taken place in the grounds. I would guess for the period you are enquiring about that Cathays Cemetry would have been used which was some 2/3 miles away.

[tbirduk]

Thanks, I'm trying to work out wher Rev William Winks and his wife would have been buried