Bethania Aberfan

Back in 2022, Jerusalem Church in Pentrebach, Merthyr wanted to replicate their successful church model in the neighboring viallage of Aberfan. They were given the Bethania building, and decided to set about raising money to totally refurbish the building and make it fit for purpose. A large number of grants were received in order to  install a new roof, new windows and doors, re-wire, install a new kitchen and toilets and heating system, and also buy the necessary furniture and equipment.

 By the spring of 2024, the work had been completed. An Open Day was held on Saturday 18 May and the first service held on Pentecost Sunday. A variety of people from the community attended the special service, individuals from different groups within the community and from chapels around Merthyr, and one couple who had never attended a service before but felt that the opening of the chapel very timely for them.

According to one of the members, "there is great excitement and hope within the community for new possibilities of how the community and the religious community can look to the future in Aberfan. We are confident and full of faith in the long-term success of this initiative."