Fonds GB 0210 DANELL - CMA: Records of Danycastell Calvinistic Methodist Church, Crickhowell

Nonconformists appeared in the Crickhowell area around the middle of the eighteenth century. Prior to the existence of a church, meetings took place in the surrounding farmhouses. In 1807 John Herbert of Crickhowell executed a deed transferring land for a chapel at Danycastell to his son Edward and others, although the building seems to have been already erected by 1805. Walter Rumsey, an acquaintance of Howell Harris, was one of the trustees. A vestry and stabling were added in 1817. In 1820 the trustees acquired a long lease on a piece of land for the foundation of a Sunday school at nearby Llangenny. English services were introduced at Danycastell under the influence of Roger Williams, who was also involved in the rebuilding of the chapel between 1825 and 1829. The first minister appears to have been the Rev. Thomas Rees, from 1853. Missionary activity among the lay members resulted in the establishment of new causes at Abergavenny, Clydach and Llanbedr. In 1976 the pastor and several members resigned from Danycastell to form Crickhowell Evangelical Church. Restoration of Danycastell took place in 1884. Repairs were necessary in 1938 both to the manse which caught fire and to the windows of the church which suffered storm damage. Commemorative services were held at Danycastell in 1912 and 1962 to mark the official 100th and 150th anniversaries of the denomination, rather than of the chapel building itself.