Bethania Cemetery

Bethania Calvinistic Methodist Chapel was erected in 1851, making it the oldest place of worship in the Twrch valley. It stands in Lower Cwmtwrch (Cwm Twrch Isaf) — the lower of the two villages that straddle the River Twrch — and has served its congregation through nearly two centuries of Welsh valley life.

The name Bethania is the Welsh form of Bethany, the village near Jerusalem where Jesus raised Lazarus and the home of Mary and Martha. It was among the most beloved names for Nonconformist chapels across Wales during the 19th century, and its choice here reflects the deep Biblical literacy of the early congregation.

The present chapel building dates from 1933, when the original structure was replaced after more than eighty years of use. The congregation celebrated their centenary in 1951, a milestone that drew worshippers back to the valley from far and wide.

In its prime, Bethania was one of eight active chapels serving the Cwmtwrch community, alongside Welsh Baptist congregations at Beulah, Capel Newydd and Bryn Seion, and Independent chapels at Bethel and Ebenezer. The chapel culture of the valley shaped everything from music and education to local politics.