- Nprn: 11036
- Cadw Ref: (WO)6/136
- Cadw Record No: 12044
- Summary: Tabernacle was built as a Methodist Chapel in 1774 and re-opened as a Congregational chapel in 1790. The chapel was extensively repaired in 1851 and then the rebuilt/restored in 1874, by architects Lawrence & Goodman of Newport. The present chapel, dated 1874, is built in the Classical style with a short-wall entry plan and elaborate detailing in the interior. Tabernacle is now Grade 2* Listed as one of the outstanding chapels of the region.
RCAHMW, October 2010 - Description: The chapel was built in 1774; it was re-opened as a Congregational chapel in 1790. Repaired in 1851, the chapel was rebuilt or restored in 1874, by Lawrence & Goodman, architects of Newport, Mons. Built in the Classical style, short-wall entry type. Present status [1993]: Chapel
Georgian render and colour washed stone/slate. Barrel vault ceiling. Elegant classical façade, parapets, bow front over arcade. Ionic pilasters. Church school adjacent and forecourt railings and dwarf walls. 1993 PCNPA.
Established as a daughter chapel of the Cokey Street Society and built first in 1774. They had met first 30 years earlier under the guidance of Howel Davies of Prendergast, "The Apostle of Pembrokeshire" - a title also confurred upon James Hughes Thomas by the Baptist, died 1861. This Cokey Street Society was mostly made up of Calvinistic Methodists and was visited by a representative of Mr Whitefield's party - Howel Harris of Trefecca. A theological issue led to scgism (sic) and internal disputes. Whitefield came in 1770 and as a partial result they bought a site on which to build, led by the draper Benjamin Jones of Short Row. For 16 years there were various ministers including the old Whitby sea captain Torial Joss and the famed Roland Hill. Methodists meeting at Llangeitho, flock of Daniel Rowlands, were interested in the foundation but could gain no foothold. Benjamin Jones bought out the mortgage in 1790 and closed the building for several weeks.
Reopened in 1790 as a congregational chapel. Methodists attempted to bring an action against the chapel by the Methodist Synod of Ableston but failed to do so. ("Congregationalism in South Pembrokeshire" booklet).
A large chapel with apses at both ends giving a distinct basilicate plan. Bow fronted projecting portico with pediment and plaque over. Very colourful treatment. Classical treatment throughout, deep cornice, tiny corbel detail and bold overall appearance. Opposite the Methodist chapel and very close to Bethesda Baptist. The gates are wrought iron with the chapel name splet out as Bethesda, South Dairy, Pembs.
Interior quite remarkable with a very daring colour scheme throughout, very elaborate detailing. Pulpit in the far end apse which has a halfdome ceiling painted with stripes, coloured glass windows, railings around the Big Seat. Vaulted ceiling. Gallery with organ opposite the pulpit, cast iron frontage and pillars from floor to ceiling with side arches dividing up into arched bays like a dubious reference to Dutch or German Protestant churches.
Replied to the 1851 Census (March 1851) as being closed for extensive repairs ("since January 1st 1851"). This must be an 1851 reworking of the old chapel, and the present Tabernacle may be an 1874 rebuilding rather than a restoration as the plaque states.
Noted: "Chapel Architecture" (and photo) Anthony Jones
"Southwest Wales" (and photo) Vyvyan Rees
"Chapels" ('Recording Wales' Arts Council) illustration by Ronald Lowe
(Anthony Jones)
___________________________
A daughter church of the Cokey Street Society, mainly Calvinistic Methodists, and the chapel was built in 1774 (1851 R. Census, date plaque & PCNPA); it was re-opened as a Congregational chapel in 1790. Repaired in 1851 (1851 R. Census), the chapel was rebuilt or restored in 1874 (date plaque, Anthony Jones, G D James), by Lawrence & Goodman, architects of Newport, Mons. (Anthony Jones). - Restored: 1880A Source:Welsh Office
- Repaired: 1851 Source:Religious Census
- Restored: 1874 Source:James, G D
- Restored: 1874 Source:Plaque
- Restored: 1874 Source:Anthony Jones
- Built: 1774 Source:Welsh Office (plaque
- Built: 1780A Source:Welsh Office (addend
- Built: 1774 Source:James, G D
- Built: 1774 Source:Religious Census
- Built: 1774 Source:PCNPA
- Built: 1774 Source:Plaque
- Built: 1774 Source:Anthony Jones
- Rebuilt: 1874 Source:Welsh Office (plaque
- Schoolroom Built: 1864 Source:Welsh Office
- Schoolroom Built: 1864 Source:Plaque
- : 1774 Source:
- : 1874 Source:photo
- £ 4550: 1905 (RCCEORBWM)
- 850: 1905 Sittings (RCCEORBWM)
- : 1851 2 passages for standing room (Religious Census)
- 250: 1905 Accomodation (RCCEORBWM)
- 500: 1851 (Religious Census)
- 750: 1888 (Map)
- 200: 1851 (Religious Census)
- Chapel: 1992-3 (Congregational Year Book)
- Chapel: 2010 (R Scourfield)
- English: 1992-3 (Congregational Year Book)
- Materials
- Monument Type: CHAPEL
- Form: Building
- Style: Classical
- Gallery: On three sides
- Plan: Short-wall entry
Key Details of this Chapel
Key Dates of this Chapel
Costs during this Chapels History
Capacities during this Chapels History
Changes of Status its History
The Languages of the Chapel during its History
Key Characteristics of this Chapel
Images from Coflein
Map
- Grid Reference: SM95091574
- Address: CITY ROAD, HAVERFORDWESTHAVERFORDWEST
2 thoughts on “Tabernacle English Congregational Church, Barn St./city Rd., Haverfordwest”
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Hello
My great great grandparents were married in Kinnerton Chapel in Old Radnor on 21st May1850. I have been searching for information on the Chapel, so was pleased to find this website. I have now located it on Google Street View – looks like someone is ‘doing it up’ to live in: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.2612635,-3.1095337,3a,90y,232.95h,84.26t/data=!3m9!1e1!3m7!1s-8DWPORkq2RFVNXBLde_-g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!9m2!1b1!2i53?hl=en-GB
The marriage record of my ancestors Abraham Bounds and Elizabeth Williams is attached. I hope it is of interest.
All the best
Saira
Dear Sara
Thank you for the information. I am glad to hear that it was some help to you.
Good luck on your continued search
Christine