Church

Capel Bethesda, Yr Wyddgrug / Mold

Capel Bethesda, Yr Wyddgrug / Mold

Capel Bethesda is a Grade II* Presbyterian Church of Wales chapel on New Street, Mold (Yr Wyddgrug), Flintshire: a grand Classical chapel of 1863 by W. W. Gwyther, associated with the novelist Daniel Owen.

Location
Yr Wyddgrug / Mold, Flintshire
Country
Wales
County
Flintshire
City / town
Yr Wyddgrug / Mold
Address
New Street, Yr Wyddgrug / Mold, Flintshire, CH7 1NZ
Postcode
CH7 1NZ
Built
1863 on the site of an 1819 chapel; congregation founded 1794; schoolroom wing 1893
Architect
W W Gwyther of London (1863); Richard Owen of Liverpool (1875 alterations)
Denomination
Presbyterian Church of Wales
Grade
II*
Style
Classical with Corinthian portico
Materials
Ashlar front; squared rubble side elevations; pitched slate roof
Grid reference
SJ 236 637
Opening hours
Whilst the chapel vestry is much used by the community during the week, in order to gain access you can email us.
Access
Accessible toilets in church. Level access throughout. Level access to the main areas

Overview

Cadw lists Bethesda Welsh Presbyterian Chapel and Schoolroom (reference 391, designated 29 June 1981). The 1863 chapel by W. W. Gwyther of London stands on the site of an earlier chapel of 1819; the cause was established in 1794. A grand two-storey, five-bay ashlar front has a tetrastyle Corinthian pedimented portico with flanking panelled bays, a dentil cornice and a pitched slate roof. Broad steps sit between pedestals with iron gas-lamp posts. Six-bay squared-rubble side elevations have round-arched gallery windows over square-headed lights. A gabled rear organ chamber contains a re-sited tablet from the 1819 chapel. Single-storey gabled extensions of 1893 house kitchen, library and schoolroom. The galleried interior has a coffered ceiling, a raked gallery on cast-iron columns, a 1905 organ case mixing Gothic and Classical detail, a fine great seat, and a pulpit with three carved and coloured panels of wheat and grapes. Coflein records further work in 1875 by Richard Owen of Liverpool and renovations in 1905. Notable members included Daniel Owen, who based much of his fiction on chapel life here, and Professor Ellis Edwards of Bala.

Welsh-language Sunday worship continues; weekday access is by arrangement through the vestry.

Further Information