Ramoth, Hirwaun

The history of Ramoth starts in the early 19th century, when meetings were held in a house owned by George Overton of the Hirwaun Ironworks.[1] However, the early years were difficult and meetings ceased to be held for a time following the closure of the ironworks. The cause revived in 1818. A chapel was opened in 1825 as a branch of Calfaria, Aberdare.[1] There were around 50 members during this period and the opening services were held on 18 June 1826. The chapel was licensed in 1830 and Ramoth accepted to the East Glamorgan Baptist Association at Aberfan in 1831.[2] The first minister between 1832 and 1834 was William Lewis, who was also minister of Calfaria, Aberdare.[3]

In 1840, with membership at 76, it was decided to build a new chapel, which was opened in 1843. While the new chapel was being built, Benjamin Evans, a student from Pontypool College, was ordained as minister of Ramoth. He remained for fifteen years and during this time a branch of Ramoth was opened at Heolyfelin.[2] By 1849, membership had increased to 178.[1]

In 1853, T.W. Rammell's report on public health in the parish of Aberdare stated that the burial ground at Ramoth was nearly full and, due to its proximity to housing, should be among a number of nonconformist burial grounds that should be closed.[4]

Thomas Joseph, a colliery proprietor, was a deacon at Ramoth. In the early 1850s he opened a new colliery at Trecynon and persuaded many Hirwaun colliers who were members at Ramoth to move with him. Joseph was the pivotal figure in the formation of the new church at Heolyfelin, and for a time the membership at Ramoth declined considerably and the cause struggled to remain in existence.[5]

The following ministered at Ramoth in the late nineteenth century: Benjamin Watkins (1857-58), D. Davies (1863-69), E. Colwyn Evans (1872-91) and David Collier (1892-97).

J.S. Johns arrived as minister in 1899,[6] but died two years later at a young age.[7]

Peak membership was reached in 1904, and in 1913 a new organ was installed following a gift from Andrew Carnegie.

George Hague was minister from 1903-10 and was followed by E. Cefni Jones (1911-20).[2] E.J. Hughes was the longest serving minister from 1923 until 1958.

There is a wax cylinder recording of Rev. E. Roberts made at Ramoth during the Welsh Revival of 1905.

The chapel closed as a Baptist cause in 1982, but was renovated and re-opened as a place of Christian worship in the 1990s.[1]

Ramoth Christian Centre celebrated 150 years at its present location in 2018, and the current building is in its third incarnation.

• Coflein entry