Community rallies to bid for chapel at auction

John Harries says he is concerned about the future of the building

A community has rallied to raise more than £50,000 in the hope they can buy and save their local chapel when it is put up for auction.

Bethlehem Baptist Chapel, a 19th Century-listed building in the market town of Newport, Pembrokeshire, is expected to fetch up to £100,000 and locals are aiming to raise that sum before the auction on 30 August.

Jean Young, 80, a member of Bethlehem for nearly 70 years, said the intention of the Newport community is to buy it and turn it into a heritage and culture centre.

"I think Bethlehem would be the perfect place for Newport heritage. It’s so important for us to have a place for our history," she said.

The Grade II chapel was first built some time before 1760, before being rebuilt as the current chapel in 1855 by Joshua Morris of Newport.

According to chartered surveyors Dai Lewis, the building "has not been in use since the beginning of the Covid 19 lockdown period, with only a final deconsecration service held in December 2023".

Ms Young, the chapel’s last organist before it closed, added: "I loved playing, my favourite hymn is Nantlle."

John Harries, 75, said he is concerned about the future of the building if it doesn’t go to the hands of the community, and believes the chapel should be sold to locals rather than the highest bidder.

Mr Harries said: "We’ve tried to buy the chapel for the community so Newport’s heritage and culture is preserved permanently. The native community deserves it, and it will be of interest to visitors."

Bethlehem Chapel has stood in Newport, Pembrokeshire, since the 19th Century

The community hope to raise a further £100,000 by the end of the week

He added: "It’s vital that there’s a place where people can go and look at the connections they have with their families. Newport has a huge maritime history and an agricultural history."

If the attempt to buy the building is successful there will be an opportunity for local people to buy shares, according to campaigners behind the bid.

If the community's bid is successful they say chapel will become a culture and heritage centre

They are looking for any last-minute donations before the building goes up for auction on Friday 30 August, hoping to raise £100,000 by the end of the week.

The charity Planed has been working with the community on the project, and assisted with several community projects to buy buildings in the area.

Cris Tomos, the charity's finance and database assistant, said: "It's good to see a group of people in Newport taking action to get the old chapel as a community resource.

"In a number of communities in west Wales chapels and churches are closing, but we need to look at how the buildings can be used for the community’s benefit."

He added: "We are waiting to hear back from individuals who were raised in the area who have gone on or have successful careers, and hope to hear if it will be possible to get loans and then offer shares to local people."