GB0218.D2498
GB0218.D2498
GB0218.D2498

Summary Information

Repository
Gwent Archives
Creator
Wesley St. Methodist Church and Fairhill Methodist Church, Cwmbran.
Title
Wesley St. Methodist Church and Fairhill Methodist Church, Cwmbran, records
ID
GB0218.D2498
Date
1945-1981
Extent
0.045 Cubic Metres
Language
English

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Biographical/Historical note

The original chapel was built in 1868 at a cost of £1375 and seated 284. Later additions were a church hall at the rear in 1878, a gallery in 1887 to seat a further 70 people at a cost of £95 and a new front entrance containing sunday school classrooms in 1906.

By 1960 the buildings were becoming increasingly expensive to maintain. At the same time part of the church was to be demolished for a road widening scheme by Cwmbran U.D.C. These circumstances coincided with a new housing development in the South West area of Cwmbran New Town, now known as Fairwater, which was expected to increase the already expanding population by a further 20,000 inhabitants. The old building in Wesley St. was near this area, but for the reasons outlined above and because there were already 5 churches in close proximity to Wesley St. it was felt there was a need for a new building in the heart of the new development.

The proposal for a new church was first put forward in March 1961 and a Building Fund was launched in April 1962. The original concept of a Standard Hall was later abandoned in favour of a more ambitious project consisting ofa church, a hall and classrooms to cost altogether £30, 000. The original site in Blenheim Rd. made available by the Cwmbran Development Corporation proved unsuitable for this scheme and the C.D.C. provided another site on Fairhill Rd. Building commenced in May 1964 and the stone laying ceremony was held on 5 September of the same year. The new church was formerly opened on 11 September 1965. Services on Wesley St. were discontinued the previous weekend, the old building having already been sold to local Free Masons.

The next major development in the history of Fairhill Methodist Church was the decision to share the building with the Church in Wales. The suggestion of a shared ministry was first put forward by the Bishop of Monmouth in 1969 as part of his proposed reorganisation to form a major parish in Cwmbran with a Rector at St. Gabriel's and a team clergy at Croesyceiliog, Llantarnam, Fairwater and Pontnewydd (the rectorial benefice was later to include Fairwater, Llantarnam, Fairwater, Croesyceiliog and Henllys). Fairwater was to have its own vicar, and the premises and services at Fairhill were to be shared with the Methodists. The final draft of the agreement was not approved until 1971 and from November of that year the church was known officially as Fairhill Methodist/Anglican Shared Church, Cwmbran.

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Scope and Contents note

Wesley Methodist Church, Cwmbran: baptism certificate stubs, 1945-1965, correspondence 1958-1963, appeal c. 1963, trustees' and Annual General Meetings Minute Book, 1954-1965, list of trustees, c. 1963, plans 1961-1963, surveyor's report 1962, leaders' meetings minute book 1953-1965, notices c.1962-1963, quarterly plans and directories of the Sirhowy Valley, Risca, Abergavenny and Gower circuits, and of the Wesley Circuit, Cardiff; souvenir blotte of Somercote Parish Church, c. 1950, envelopes for Sunday School anniversary, c. 1950; collection card for New Extension Fund, c. 1950.

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Arrangement note

The collection has been organised into the following series': Wesley St. Methodist Church, Cwmbran; Fairhill Methodist Church.

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

 Gwent Archives

Conditions Governing Access note

Please refer to our policy document on closure periods, available at www.gwentarchives.gov.uk.

Conditions Governing Use note

Usual copyright conditions apply.

Accruals note

Accruals are not expected.

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

Deposit 1986.

Appraisal note

All records have been retained.

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Related Materials

Related Archival Materials note

Other records, relating to the building of Fairhill Mehodist Church, are among the records of Pontypool Circuit, ref. D2723/42-46.

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Controlled Access Headings

Subject(s)

  • Methodist Churches-Wales-Monmouthshire

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Other Finding Aids note

Copies of finding aids are available at Gwent Archives.

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Collection Inventory

Wesley St. Methodist Church, Cwmbran 

Minister 

 D2498/1 Baptism certificate stubs recording baptisms at Griffithstown, 1945-1951, and at Cwmbran, 1952-1960. 1945-1960 

 D2498/2 Correspondence between The Rev. B.J. Coggle, pastor of Llanyravon and Cwmbran Churches, and solicitors and Cwmbran U.D.C. regarding the sale of the Chapel, one item listing surviving trustees in 1963 (38 items, see also D2498/8) 1962-1963 

 D2498/3 Letters to The Rev. Coggle regarding financial assistance from local industries and individuals towards building a new Church. (3 items) 1958-1961 

 D2498/4 Appeal by The Rev. Coggle entitled "Methodism's Responsibilities for Cwmbran New Town". (3 folders) [c.1963] 

Trustees 

 D2498/5 Trustees and Annual General (Church) Meetings Minute Book. For Trustees' Meetings Minutes 1896-1954 see D942/50. 1954-1965 

 D2498/6 List of trustees appointed 16 Jan 1958 and 6 May 1963. (2 items found with D/2498/86) c.1963 

 D2498/7 Letters, agendas for trustees' meetings, list of trustees for site of new Church, list of members of the District Advisory Committee for South Western Cwmbran, minutes of meeting with the Cwmbran Development Corporation and of the Inter-Denominational Sites Committee, and other papers regarding the site and development of the proposed church. (bundle) 1961-1964 

 D2498/8 Correspondence: The Rev. Coggle to Aug 1963, thereafter on his removal to Roath Circuit, Cardiff, the Trust Secretary; much concerned with the building of the new church and the sale of Wesley St. Chapel. (file) 1960-1965 

 D2498/9 Trust Secretary's correspondence, accounts and other papers regarding the Cwmbran Methodist Church New Building Fund. (File) 1962-1964 

 D2498/10 Correspondence between the Trust Secretary and V.A. Peterson of Cwmbran, funeral director, regarding funeral service arrangements at Wesley St. Church. (2 items) 1964 

 D2498/11 Plan by Cwmbran Development Corporation showing a suggested site for the proposed Fairhill Methodist Church. Aug 1961 

 D2498/12 Plan by C.D.C. of the Fairwater II Preliminary Layout showing a suggested site for the proposed new Methodist Church. Oct 1961 

 D2498/13 Plan by C.D.C. of proposed development in South West areas (Fairwater, St. Dials and Greenmeadow) showing a suggested site for the new Methodist Church. Jan 1963 

 D2498/14 Plan by C.D.C. of South West areas (Fairwater) showing 3 suggested sites for the proposed new Methodist Church. Jan 1963 

 D2498/15 Plan by C.D.C. of St. Dials 3B area showing the site for a proposed Methodist Church. Feb 1963 

 D2498/16 Plan by C.D.C. of housing in St. Dials off Henllys Way. 1963 

Chapel Stewards 

 D2498/17 Surveyors' report on Wesley St. Church. (3 folders) 11 Sep 1962 

Leaders 

 D2498/18 Leaders' Meetings Minute Book 1953-1965 

Society Affairs 

 D2498/19 Notices appealing for financial aid for a proposed new Methodist Church, Cwmbran. (3 printed items found with D2498/9) [c.1962-1963] 

Miscellaneous 

 D2498/20 Quarterly plan and directory of the Sirhowy Valley Circuit. Jul 1957-Oct 1957 

 D2498/21 Quarterly plan and directory of the Sirhowy Valley Circuit. Oct 1958-Jun 1959 

 D2498/22 Quarterly plan and directory of the Wye Valley Mission. Oct 1958-Dec 1958 

 D2498/23 Quarterly plan and directory of the Brynmawr Circuit. Oct 1958-Jan 1959 

 D2498/24 Quarterly plan and directory of the Risca and Crosskeys Circuit. Oct 1958-Jan 1959 

 D2498/25 Quarterly plan and directory of the Wesley Circuit, Cardiff. Oct 1958-Dec 1958 

 D2498/26 Quarterly plan and directory of the Abergavenny Circuit. Oct 1958-Jan 1959 

 D2498/27 Quarterly plan and directory of the Gower Circuit. Oct 1958-Jan 1959 

 D2498/28 Synod Directory, Cardiff and Swansea District 1963-1964 

 2498/30 Duties of Stewards of the Methodist Church (printed pamphlet). [c.1950] 

 D2498/30 Souvenir blotter of Somercote Parish Church [Derbyshire] Undated 

 D2498/31 George St. Methodist Church collection envelopes for their Sunday School anniversary. Undated 

 D2498/32 Collection card for the New Extension Fund of Bowerham Congregational Sunday School. Undated 

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Fairhill Methodist Church 

Trustees 

 D2498/33 Draft Trustees' minutes and agendas, accounts and other papers regarding the finances of the building of the Church. (11 items) 1962-1967 

 D2498/34 Trust Secretary's correspondence; much concerned with the completion of the church. (File) 1956-1971 

 D2498/35 Trust Secretary's correspondence and notes, plans and other working papers (mostly prepared by The Rev. Roland Bamford) regarding the compilation and sale of the programme and order of service for the opening of Fairhill Methodist Church, with amended programme of such services on the opening of Llanyravon Methodist Church, 2 Sep 1961. (Bundle) 1965 

 D2498/36 Final account for Fairhill Methodist Church from Stephen Thomas and Partners of Newport, architects, and Messrs J.E. Evans and Co. (Cardiff Ltd). (2 copies) Apr 1966 

 D2498/37 Trust Secretary's correspondence regarding applications for the post of caretaker. (6 items) 1965 

 D2498/38 Trust Secretary's correspondence, estimates and so forth (some by Chapel Stewards) regarding the painting of the exterior of the Church, with 2 draft trustees' meetings agendas. (11 items) 1969, 1970 

 D2498/39 Trust Secretary's correspondence, estimates and other papers (some by Chapel Stewards) regarding the Church heating apparatus. (4 items) 1969 

 D2498/40 Trust Secretary's correspondence, estimates and other papers (some by Chapel Stewards) regarding the Church public address system. (9 items) 1969 

 D2498/41 Correspondence between the Trust Secretary and Stephen Thomas and partners regarding leaks in the Church's flat roof. (8 items) 1970 

 D2498/42 Copy correspondence between the Trust Secretary and the General Register Office regarding the Sharing agreement with the Church in Wales with regard to Fairhill Methodist Church and its changed name of Fairhill Methodist/Anglican Shared church. (4 items) 1971 

 D2498/43 Trust Secretary's correspondence regarding repairs to the exterior of Fairhill Methodist Anglican (Shared) Church. (6 items found with D2498/5) 1975 

 D2498/44 Miscellaneous Trust Secretary's correspondence and papers regarding the Church organ, new furniture, position with regard to offerings at the Church, Church heating and the resignation of Mr D. Peard as Trust Secretary, with Property Account statement, Aug 1975. 1971-1975 

 D2498/45 Architects' plans and elevations of the proposed Fairhill Methodist Church. (1 item) Aug 1963 

 D2498/46 Architects' plans of the proposed Church. (1 item) Jan 1964 

 D2498/47 Architects' sectional plans, elevations and isometric views of the proposed seating in Church. (1 item) Jan 1965 

 D2498/48 Plan and elevation of the proposed interior of the Church showing seating arrangement. (1 item) Jan 1965 

 D2498/49 Architects' plan and schedule of repairs to the exterior of the Fairhill Methodist-Anglican Shared Church. Aug 1975 

 D2498/50 Trustees' Treasurer's Account Book 1950-1979 

 D2498/51 Statements of Accounts, and Treasurer's working papers. (wallet file) 1977-1981 

 D2498/53 New Building Fund Cash Book 1962-1980 

 D2498/53 Roof and Repairs Fund and New Building Fund and New Building Fund Subscription Book 1961-1963, 1966 

 D2498/54 Cwmbran Methodist Church Deposit Account Pass Book; Trust Account 1956-1967 

 D2498/55 Cwmbran Methodist Church Deposit Account Pass Book; Trust Account 1967-1969 

 D2498/56 Cwmbran Methodist Church; Society Account (account closed 16 Dec 1965, interest transferred to Deposit Account). 1964-1965 

 D2498/57 Fairhill Methodist Church Deposit Account Pass Book 1969-1971 

 D2498/58 Fairhill Methodist Church Deposit Account Pass Book 1971-1973 

 D2498/59 Fairhill Methodist Church Deposit Account Pass Book 1973-1976 

 D2498/60 Fairhill Methodist Church Deposit Account Pass Book 1976-1979 

 D2498/61 Fairhill Methodist Church Investment Account Pass Book; Trust Account. 1977-1978 

 D2498/62 Investment Account Pass Book in the name of Mr R. Heastie (treasurer); Fairhill Society. 1977-1978 

 D2498/63 Cwmbran Methodist Church Deposit Account Pass Book; New Building Fund Account. 1962-1965 

 D2498/64 Cwmbran Methodist Church Deposit Account Pass Book; New Building Fund Account. 1965-1969 

 D2498/65 Fairhill Methodist Church Deposit Account Pass Book; Extension Fund. 1969-1977 

 D2498/66 Fairhill Methodist Church Deposit Account Pass Book; Organ Fund. 1977 

 D2498/67 Fairhill Methodist/Anglican Combined Congregation bank statements. (21 items) 1971-1976 

Chapel Stewards 

 D2498/68 Chapel Stewards' general correspondence concerning the use of Church premises by the Sunday School and scout groups, the siting of a post box at the Church, the possibility of a supernumerary minister etc., with an estimate of income and expenditure for the period 1 Jan-31 Aug 1968. (36 items) 1968-1970 

 D2498/69 Caretakers' Instruction Book 1965-1966 

Leaders 

 D2498/70 Leaders' Meetings Minute Book 1965-1973 

Society Stewards/Church Stewards 

 D2498/71 Notices Book 1975-1979 

 D2498/72 Notices Book 1979-1982 

 D2498/73 Society Stewards' Account Book 1961-1968 

 D2498/74 Register of Collections 1960-1967 

 D2498/75 Register of envelope Collections 1967-1976 

 D2498/76 Envelope (Collection) System Cash Book 1964-1968 

 D2498/77 Envelope (Collection) System Cash Book 1969-1971 

 D2498/78 Society Stewards' correspondence regarding special events and visiting speakers. (36 items) 1967-1970 

Society Affairs 

 D2498/79 Programme and Order of Service for the Foundation Stone-Laying and Thanksgiving Rally for the new Methodist Church at Fairhill, Cwmbran on 5 September 1964. (Printed - 2 items) 1964 

 D2498/80 Programme and Order of Service for the Opening and Dedication Services on the opening of Fairhill Methodist Church, 11-12 Sep 1965. 1965 

 D2498/81 Newspaper cuttings regarding the launch of the appeal for a new church, the foundation stone laying, and the opening of the new church. (6 items) 1962-1965 

 D2498/82 Papers regarding Fairhill Methodist Church Stewardship campaign. (3 items) 1967 

 D2498/83 Leaflet produced by Fairhill Methodist Church entitled "Renewal of Christian Stewardship". 1970 

 D2498/84 Alphabetical list of persons attending the Church (not solely members) for unspecified purpose. (7 folders) [1970s] 

 D2498/85 Card entitled, "Fairhill Methodist Anglican Shared Church", with devotional passages on stewardship. [1970] 

Property Committee 

 D2498/86 Contents of a file entitled "Fairhill Church Cwmbran Church Property Committee, April 1977- " including a certificate of guarantee from Rentokil regarding an organ, 1965, letters, plans, photographs and other papers regarding a proposed soundproof partition between the Church and schoolroom, and repairs, maintenance and equipment, 1977-1978. (bundle) 1965-1978 

Finance Committee 

 D2498/87 Draft minutes of Church Finance Committee, 1978-1979 and agendas and other papers regarding the Church Council and Church Joint Management Committee. (Bundle) 1978-1981 

Miscellaneous 

 D2498/88 Architects' plan and elevations of the kitchen area in Llanyravon Methodist premises, Pontypool (sic). [c.1961] 

 D2498/89 Leaflet advertising the stonelaying ceremony for the new Methodist Church, Llanyravon on 24 Sept 1960, with list of persons represneting local churches in the ceremony. (2 items founds with D2498/86) 1960 

 D2498/90 Letters, plan and estimates regarding the pews in Llanyravon Methodist Church. (4 items) 1961 

 D2498/91 Balance sheet for the Quarterly Meeting of the Pontypool Eastern Valley Circuit in December 1966. 1966 

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