Built: 1823
Style: Sub-Classical
Architect: R. Owen of Liverpool, builder T. Jones
History: Originally, the congregation would meet in an open-air meeting on the green field upon which the chapel became built upon. The need for a chapel was realised in 1819 by Mr Azeriah Shadrach, who was the minister of the congregation.
The foundation stone was laid on August 1st, 1821, it was left unfinished for a year, however the roof was built before the winter. Towards the end of 1822 a gallery and a few seats around the pulpit was added, which cost £164. The chapel was officially opened on Sunday May 11th, 1823 with Dr Phillips of Neuaddlwyd preaching to a large congregation. The floor and seating under the gallery was added in 1830.
Mr Shadrach had travelled through England and Wales in order to collect money to pay for the debt of the chapel, by doing so he managed to avoid a heavy debt for the chapel. Mr Shadrach noted "That not one of the members had contributed a single shilling to the building of their beautiful chapel, and they never paid one penny in interest".
On August 16th, 1835 Mr Shadrach gave up his ministry due to deteriorating health and his age, in January 1836 Mr John Saunders was asked to succeed Mr Shadrach, so in June 1836 Mr Saunders left his ministry at Buckley, Flintshire and moved to Aberystwyth. Mr Shadrach continued to live and preach in the town, until his death on January 18th 1844, aged 70.
During Mr Saunders ministry the numbers of the congregation remained constant, however the congregation was weakened due to the English chapel opening. Mr Saunder's last sermon was in April 1871 and his death followed on 27th April 1871, due to an illness he was aged 75. Leaving the congregation without a minister for a year and a half, the church decided unanimously on November 3rd 1872 to call Mr Job Miles of Bethesda, Merthyr, who accepted the pastorate and began his ministry on January 12th 1873, with his induction being held on February 12th and 13th. The chapel looked very promising with 252 members and its financial status was encouraging. Therefore, there was a feeling that the congregation could be better if the chapel was larger.
It is the only chapel in Aberystwyth that retains its early form of a lateral-entry chapel.
In 1878 its congregation moved to the Seion Welsh Independent chapel on Baker Street therefore the building became used as the headquarters for the Welsh women's movement; Merched y Wawr.
Renovations: 1878
Sources: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales: Coflein, Ceredigion Faith Trail
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