Community bid to buy Cwm Rhondda chapel accepted

Rhian Hopkins, who campaigned to save the chapel, says the building is important for local and Welsh heritage

A campaign group set up to save the chapel where the hymn tune Cwm Rhondda was first performed will be allowed to buy the building, the Baptist Union of Wales (BUW) has confirmed.

Known as Bread of Heaven in English, the hymn was first sung at Capel Rhondda in Hopkinstown, Rhondda Cynon Taf, just before Christmas 1907.

Its final service, amid a declining number of attendees, was held in December 2024 and the Grade II listed chapel was put up for sale by the Welsh Baptist Union with a price tag of £47,500.

Locals who wanted the chapel to remain a community space quickly raised more than the purchase price, with BUW saying it was "deeply moved by the extraordinary response to this campaign".

The campaign "demonstrated the powerful connection that people across Wales and throughout the world feel to this chapel," it added.

"The crowdfunding appeal, which began with support from local communities, has captured hearts.

"This overwhelming response reflects the universal appeal of the hymn that first echoed within the walls of the chapel in November 1907."

The hymn tune, composed by John Hughes in 1907 for the chapel's organ dedication, is an unofficial anthem of Wales, the BUW said, and a "source of comfort and inspiration to countless individuals".

It also recognised campaigner Rhian Hopkins, who grew up in the village and led the effort which raised about £55,000 in a two-week campaign.

"We acknowledge and celebrate the continuing need for spaces where communities can gather, reflect, and find spiritual belonging," the BUW said.

"This campaign exemplifies the best of community spirit and collective action."

The hymn tune Cwm Rhondda was composed by John Hughes to celebrate the chapel's new organ, which can still be found in the building

"This isn't just any chapel, this is the home of Cwm Rhondda, the home of Bread of Heaven," Ms Hopkins said previously.

Singer and broadcaster Beverley Humphreys, who is from nearby Pontypridd, said: "This hymn, Cwm Rhondda is in our DNA as Welsh people... it's been in my heart ever since I can remember."