20-07-2025
Historic chapel where ‘Bread of Heaven' hymn written under threat from property developers
A Welsh village is battling to buy an historic chapel where the classic hymn Bread of Heaven was written.
The Grade II-listed Capel Rhondda is on the market for £47,500, including the graveyard.
The chapel in Hopkinstown, South Wales, was built in 1885 for worshippers in the mining valleys.
But now the village wants to buy it to turn it into a community hub – and stop it being bought by property developers.
Composer John Hughes wrote the well-known hymn Cwm Rhondda for an anniversary service at the chapel in 1907.
Better known as 'Bread of Heaven', it is often sung at Welsh rugby matches, pubs and funeral services.
Fund-raiser Rhian Hopkins said: 'It would be a real shame if the incredible building which was funded and built by our ancestors was lost to a property developer who may not respect the building's history'.
She added: 'It was built by the community, for the community so I would like to see it remaining as part of the community.
'My worry is that although it's a Grade II-listed building, and will obviously be protected in some way, it's on the market for what is a relatively low price for a property these days. I'm concerned that it could be bought by a wealthy property developer from outside the area and has no connection to the building.
'It's at that sort of price where someone might just buy it speculatively and leave it to sit empty. There are repairs that are needed already, so things would only get worse.'
She decided to set up a crowd funder in an attempt to raise the asking price for the chapel and to ensure it would remain in the community's hands.
Architectural interest
The chapel was Grade II-listed in 2001 for its 'architectural interest as a late 19th century chapel in a prominent location retaining its original character'.
A spokesman for The Baptist Union of Wales said: 'The union is sad to have had to close the chapel and we are thankful for all that has been done there over the years.
'Until recently, it was a very active church. But unfortunately, attendance numbers have declined and the buildings have started to deteriorate. It's a decision not taken lightly. The vestry in particular is in a very poor state of repair and can't be used.
'At the end of last year we looked at different options for uses for the building but could not find anything suitable – there was no other available option than to put it on the market. It's such a shame, but the building needs some investment and we hope we will find an appropriate buyer and a new lease of life to this historic building that has served the community so well.'
