A Welsh chapel where the hymn Bread of Heaven was written is at risk of being bought out by a major property developer, concerned locals have warned.
Residents in the village of Hopkinstown have raised almost £20,000 to save Capel Rhondda, which was built in 1885 for worshippers in the mining valleys.
Composer John Hughes wrote the well-known hymn Cwm Rhondda for an anniversary service at the chapel in 1907.
The hymn, better known as Bread of Heaven, is regularly sung at rugby matches, pubs and funeral services.
Capel Rhondda held its last service in December last year, later being put up for sale by the Welsh Baptist Union.
However, Rhian Hopkins, who is raising funds for the project, is spearheading a campaign to save the chapel.
She 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.”
GOOGLE MAPS
|Residents in the village of Hopkinstown have raised almost £20,000 to save Capel Rhondda
Hopkins 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.
CROWDFUNDER
|Inside Capel Rhondda
“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.”
Hopkins decided to create the fundraiser to match the £47,500 asking price for the chapel and its graveyard.
The intention is for the Grade-II listed building to remain in the community's hands.
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|A Google Maps image of the chapel's location
Capel Rhondda was made a Grade-II listed building in 2001 due to the “architectural interest as a late 19th-century chapel in a prominent location retaining its original character”.
All final bids for the chapel must be made to the Welsh Baptist Union by midday on Friday, July 17.
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.
GOOGLE STREET VIEW
|Capel Rhondda
"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.”
Check out the Crowdfunder page here.