On Sunday 22nd April 2012 a chapter in Bridgend history drew to a close when Ruhamah Welsh Baptist Chapel held their last service. The church was founded in 1789 but the current building dates from the early 1890s, the foundation stone being laid in 1890. The service of deconsecration was led by their minister of the last eighteen years, the Revd D Euros Miles.

The photographs below show, top row left to right; the members of Ruhamah outside the Chapel following the service; Mrs Eira Paskin at the organ; Minister Rev D Euros Miles and deaconate with a representative from Noddfa, Porthcawl and the Welsh Baptist Union.

In the second row we see the Revd D Euros Miles and Mrs Joan Hodgson, the chapel secretary, taking the pulpit Bible from the chapel; and finally the congregation including Ruhamah members and their friends and relatives with members from Noddfa, Porthcawl.

    

You can view the singing of the final hymn on YouTube.

The following three photographs show the laying of the foundation stone in 1890 by the Countess of Dunraven; detail of one of the ornate ceiling roses; and a view of the interior taken about a month ago.

  

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