The Capel Rhondda chapel in Hopkinstown, renowned as the birthplace of the cherished hymn “Cwm Rhondda,” has found new life thanks to a dedicated fundraising effort. Local supporters have successfully raised over £73,000, allowing the community to acquire the historic site and ensure its future as a vital communal space.
Community Ownership Secured
The local community group’s tireless work has culminated in the purchase of the Grade II-listed chapel, which had faced closure due to dwindling congregations. Rhian Hopkins, a pivotal figure in the fundraising campaign, expressed immense pride in the achievement, stating, “The purchase of Capel Rhondda demonstrates what is possible when people come together.”
The funds raised will not only secure the building but also enable the community to transform it into a multifunctional space that can host choirs, Welsh language groups, and various local activities. The sense of ownership and collective achievement resonates deeply within the community, with Hopkins adding, “Community ownership of the chapel is not just a powerful symbol, but ensures that the future of Capel Rhondda will be shaped by local voices.”
Support from the Welsh Government
In recognition of the community’s efforts, the Welsh government has provided a grant of £10,000 to assist with initial surveys and necessary repairs to the chapel. Hopkins acknowledged the challenges ahead, remarking, “We recognise the many challenges that lie ahead, from securing significant additional funding to carrying out extensive repair and restoration work. We are committed to consulting with residents to create a welcoming space for all.”
The history of Capel Rhondda is significant; it was here that composer John Hughes created “Cwm Rhondda” in 1907 to celebrate the installation of a new organ. Closed in December 2024, the chapel was subsequently listed for sale by the Baptist Union of Wales, prompting the community to rally together to save it.
A Hymn that Resonates Beyond Borders
Donations poured in from across Wales and even further afield, with many contributors expressing their connections to the hymn and the chapel. Some gave in memory of relatives who had once sung in its choir, while others were simply drawn by their love for the hymn itself.
Mark Drakeford, the Welsh government’s cabinet secretary for finance and the Welsh language, recently visited Capel Rhondda and was treated to a performance of “Cwm Rhondda” by the Pontypridd male voice choir. He described the experience as deeply moving, stating, “It was an honour to visit Capel Rhondda so soon after the community received the keys and to celebrate what has been achieved.”
This purchase comes just before Wales’s first home match in the 2026 Six Nations, a time when supporters at the national stadium are expected to sing this beloved hymn, further highlighting its cultural significance.
The Broader Context
Capel Rhondda is the inaugural project in the South Wales valleys to benefit from the Welsh government’s Perthyn grant, aimed at supporting community initiatives rooted in the Welsh language. Sadly, a report from the Bevan Foundation indicates that approximately a quarter of Wales’s places of worship have closed over the past decade, largely due to diminishing congregations. Many of these chapels have been repurposed into private residences, holiday lets, or second homes, underscoring the pressing need for community-led preservation efforts.
Why it Matters
The successful acquisition of Capel Rhondda is more than just a local triumph; it represents a broader movement towards community empowerment and cultural preservation. In a time when many historic sites face the threat of neglect or closure, this initiative underscores the importance of collective action in safeguarding heritage for future generations. The chapel’s revival not only honours its rich history but also fosters a sense of belonging and continuity within the community, allowing local voices to shape its future.
