Horeb Chapel

The Baptist denomination in Blaenavon had its origins in the late 18th century when the Blaenavon landowners, William and Francis James, invited preachers from Llanwenarth and Penygarn to lead Welsh language sermons at their home on Ton Mawr Farm. A purpose built chapel, known as Horeb, was founded by the congregation in 1807 on land belonging to the James family (later known as Old James Street) and was extensively renovated in 1823. Horeb Chapel was situated near a stream, the Nant Llywetrog, which may have been used for outdoor baptisms.

In 1825, 81 of the 138 members of Horeb Chapel came into a dispute with the Baptist chapels of Llanwenarth and Penygarn, which controlled the Blaenavon chapel. The majority of the members of Horeb decided to gain their independence and subsequently founded Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, just one hundred yards away from Horeb, on land leased from Francis James.

Despite the trauma of losing most of its members, Horeb Chapel recovered and in 1862 a larger, more imposing chapel building was built on the corner between High Street and Church Road. The chapel’s gallery was supported on cast iron pillars and a baptismal pool was created in the floor, both features remain today.

Ebenezer Baptist Chapel closed in 1986 and was demolished during the early 1990s; the site is now occupied by Market Street car park and the chapel is commemorated by a small plaque. The congregation of Horeb, however, remains strong and the chapel celebrated its bicentenary in 2007.