Welsh Calvanistic Methodist Chapel, Sarnau, Bala

TO CONTRACTORS - The Calvinistic Methodists at SARNAU, near CORWEN, are prepared to receive TENDERS for their NEW CHAPEL. Plans and Specifications to be seen at the OLD CHAPEL, and Tenders received up to the 1st day of JUNE, addressed to Mr. T. Ellis, Cynlas, near Corwen. The committee do not bind themselves to accept the lowest, nor any tender. Richard Owens, Architect, 2, Breck Road, Liverpool [Baner ac Amserau Cymru 27 May 1868 page 1]

SARNAU NEW CHAPEL. The Welsh Calvinistic Methodists have erected in this place a fine new chapel which is generally admired and reflects much credit upon the committee, the inhabitants, and all concerned in the erection. We are informed that the entire cost, including the land, &c., will amount to nearly £2,600, of which sum about £2,450 has already been subscribed by the people of the district, who have generally come forward in a liberal and hearty spirit to contribute and co-operate in different ways for the furtherance of this good work. The building, of which Mr Richard Owen, Liverpool, is the architect, is made principally of bricks, the frontage being of St. Helens red front brick ornamented with Cefn stone, the gable end decorated with an iron finial made in three-point pattern with leaves, which looks very well. The floor in the vestibule is set in a neat manner with tiles laid in a diagonal pattern. The vestibule doors are framed with red pine, the panels being covered with crimson cloth and closing with climax patent springs. The chapel inside the walls measures 40ft. by 27ft., and is made to seat 200 persons. The ceiling is a special object of attraction, being made in a semi-elliptical form (well adapted for acoustics), ornamented with moulding and centre pieces of an elaborate and neat design, forming three rows the length of the chapel; the space between the centres being perforated for ventilation which is effected most success- fully by a process which is managed from the vestibule unperceived by the congregation. The platform pulpit is made of pitch pine and red pine carved, turned, and panelled, the deacons' pew corresponding. The book board is ornamented with a handsome magenta silk velvet cover, with tassels to match, and a cloth cushion of the same colour is placed on the carved seat in the pulpit. The velvet is also introduced into the circles in the panels of the deacons' pew. On the wall behind the pulpit are introduced three recesses, the principal one being ornamented with trusses and moulding. The joinery work, which is principally of red pine, is done in a substantial manner. The pews are made with sloping backs and rounded mahogany capping, and completed with book boards and hat rails. There are thirteen windows, five of which are in the front and made of ground glass with a narrow stripe of red coloured glass intermixed with leaves forming a neat border; the bottom also is ornamented with two blue stars at each corner, which are very effective. At night the chapel is lighted up with lamps supplied by Messrs Price and Co., Liverpool. The contractor, Mr D. Roberts, High-street, Bala, has been most successful in carrying out the plans of the architect to his entire satisfaction, and also that of the committee, having in some instances exceeded the exact terms of the contract. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the 4th and 5th inst., opening services were held at the chapel. [Cambrian News 15 May 1869 page 4]

Reference    Baner ac Amserau Cymru 27 May 1868 page 1 - contracts
Reference    Cambrian News 15 May 1869 page 4 – opening

Note: Chapel not identified in Sarnau. Is this the former CM chapel at Cafn Ddwysarn?