Carmel Welsh Baptist Chapel, Cefn-Coed
In the early part of the 19th Century, Rev Rees Jones, the Minister of Zion Baptist Chapel, Twynyrodyn preached at Cefn Coed, holding missions in the village.
By 1833 there was a small branch of Zion meeting regularly for week-night services and a Sunday School in a local schoolroom. As this proved such a success the worshippers decided to build a chapel. A local legend says that the chapel was built by the members who carried stones from the river.
The cause continued to be a branch of Zion until it became a chapel in its own right in 1855 and Rev Edward Morris was inducted as its first minister.
In March 1895, a water pipe burst under the front wall of the chapel and flooded the building. The interior was totally destroyed and the front wall, as well as one of the side walls was very badly damaged. The two damaged walls had to be rebuilt and the interior of the chapel was totally renovated, and the opportunity was taken to increase the capacity of the chapel from 280 to 400. The chapel was closed for almost seven months and was reopened on 29 September 1895. The cost of the repairs was over £500.
By the 1970’s the chapel had fallen into a very poor state of repair and services were held in the vestry. However, due to the dedication of the members, £20,000 was raised towards the refurbishment of the chapel which eventually cost £45,000, and the chapel was re-opened following the refurbishment in 1983
Due to the rapidly dwindling congregation, the chapel was forced to close in 1986, and the Grade II listed building has since been converted to a private house.