Religion played an important part in the development of Bwlchgwyn, particularly as the village grew during the nineteenth century.

The story stretches from the arrival of Methodist preaching in the late eighteenth century to the establishment of Peniel Chapel in 1817, followed by other places of worship including Nebo, Salem and Capel-y-Gat.

The established church initially worshipped in the village school. A cemetery was added in 1873, and in 1879 the school building was consecrated and adapted as Christ Church, before Bwlchgwyn became a separate parish the following year.

But these buildings were about much more than Sunday worship. Chapels and churches became places of education, music, Eisteddfodau, social gatherings, celebrations and community life, leaving their mark on generations of Bwlchgwyn families.

We're still researching the people, buildings and stories behind Bwlchgwyn's religious heritage.

The story of Bwlchgwyn's churches and chapels is coming soon…