Tabernacl Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Powell Street, Aberystwyth

THE CALVINISTIC METHODISTS AT ABERYSTWYTH. LAYING MEMORIAL STONES. On Friday afternoon the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new Calvinistic Methodist chapel in Powell-street was performed by Mr David Davies, M.P., in the presence of a large number of spectators. The two stones were then laid. One bore the inscription- "ADEILIAD 1879." (Welsh) and the other in English- "ERECTED 1879."

The description of the new chapel, given by the architect, says "the old chapel is situated on a peculiar site between two streets called Powell- street and Mill-street, fronting the latter, but of late years the character of Mill-street has been damaged by the construction of some works and other causes, and, on the other hand, Powell-street has rather improved, and the level of it being some ten feet higher than Mill-street, advantage has been taken of that to turn the place round. The site of the old chapel was 54 feet by 60 feet, but the new one will be 68 feet by 54 feet, an extension of eight feet having been made towards Powell-street. The ground floor will be raised two feet above Powell- street, thereby giving a very large schoolroom and classroom, with 12 feet clear headroom, all on the level of Mill-street. There will be double vestibules for the ground floor, all laid with tiles, and also separate entrances for galleries. There will be galleries on three sides, in an amphitheatre form. Seat room will be provided for 1,000 persons, all pewing being formed on the most approved fashion. The internal fittings will be of pitch pine wrought clean and varnished the pulpit and deacons' pew will be very elaborate and ornamental the ceiling will be divided into 30 panels, all surrounded with cornices, and crossed by diagonal ribs. The whole of the new front and side wings are to be carried out with native blue stone with Cefn freestone dressings. The style of architecture adopted is a free Lombardo-Italian, carried out in local blue stone, with Ruabon stone dressings. The contract for the whole work is let to Mr James Williams, of Aberystwyth, who has already made a vigorous start; the architect is Mr Richard Owen, Breck-road Liverpool clerk of the works, Mr William Davies Aberystwyth. [The Aberystwith Observer 19th July 1879 page 5]

Reference     The Aberystwith Observer 19th July 1879 page 5