by Sheila Jones
The Reverend Shem H Morgan wrote a history of the rise of Nonconformity in Wales to place on record how it all began in 1639 – flourished and ended at Tabernacle Llanvaches after 386 years.
Extracts from the history written by the Rev. Shem Morgan are written in quotations.
“Many churches are said to be “historical”, but no church in Wales can lay claim to this description with more justification than Tabernacle. In its conception it was associated with men of power and conviction, who stood steadfast to their beliefs and ventured forth to form and establish the first Nonconformist and Independent Church in Wales in November 1639.
Their influence and example enabled their followers to withstand the turbulent years that followed, and eventually to erect a “Meeting House” at Carrow Hill.”
In 1639 the Reverend William Wroth, the rector at Llanvaches, founded a “Conventicle” in his parish. He had sown the seed of Nonconformity.
“The “Gathering” was referred to as the “Church of Llanvaches”, and not the “Church at Llanvaches”.”
This church was recognised as the “Mother Church”.
“There was no “Meeting Place” in the days of William Wroth. There is every likelihood that formal gatherings of adherents met in houses, barns or any other place; later they met in licensed houses.”
The Gathering at Llanvaches survived the disruption of the Civil War until the Restoration in 1660. It is likely that the first formal “Meeting Place” was established in 1689 with the donation of land “in and near Carrow Hill”. This was near the cottage known as Wroth Cottage, which still exists today.
“With the relaxation of restrictions on the movement and activities of the Nonconformists, Meeting Places or Chapels were established in different areas; this meant that the former significance and glory of Llanvaches receded and it became a local Independent Church. Despite the change, it was still recognised and acknowledged as the “Mother Church”, and annual pilgrimages were made by members of the Nonconformist Churches within and beyond the County.”
In the late 1790’s, a Thomas Lewis of Llanvaches gave a portion of land for the erection of the present Tabernacle. Why move from Carrow Hill? The reason given was that they desired to have their own burial ground, and this was not possible at Carrow Hill. The Tabernacle was built in 1802, and flourished.
“Due to the increased activities of the Church, it was felt, according to the minutes of the annual meeting of 1911, that a hall should be built. A committee was formed.”
Unfortunately the First World War intervened.
“No sooner the war was over and the life of the nation returned to normality, a Ladies Guild and a Building Committee was formed to raise money for the much-needed Hall.”
It was opened in 1924 and named the Wroth Memorial Hall, which it remains today. The church did much community work.
“Never has the spirit of Wroth and other past crusaders been lost, or forgotten, by succeeding generations of worshippers at Llanvaches. They have remained true to all that Tabernacle has stood for in its long and honoured history, and it is true to say that the Congregational cause at Llanvaches is a shining example of enduring fidelity to a cause which has survived many tests.”
In June 1989, there was a celebration of the 350th anniversary of the birth of Nonconformity in Wales and the establishing of the Llanvaches Gathering in November 1639.
“To the amazement of all, the congregation was beyond anyone’s expectation. People had travelled from Glamorganshire, Breconshire, Gwent and from the Welsh Church in Bristol. The remarks were… “we should be here! Our roots are here, and this is where it all began”.”
31 Ministers served at Tabernacle between 1639 and 2021.
Sadly, after the Covid pandemic the Church began to struggle. Congregations reduced to a handful of elders and members. With no Sunday School to follow on, sadly it was decided to close.
On 8th June 2025 a Cymanfa Ganu was held, a church full of joy.
On 19th October, there was a celebration of the Life and Witness of the URC.
The last service was held on 7th December 2025, a service of Carols and Lessons. There was standing room only in the church, with a wonderful service of song and thanksgiving.
Tabernacle closed on 31st December, 2025.
