RELIGION

 

 

Early Churches and Chapels in Gorseinon were mainly Welsh speaking, with the influx of an English speaking Community this caused many rifts. A proposal put forward at one Chapel for an English Service on alternate Sundays caused havoc, with reported members of the Congregation leaping out of the pews. Hands and faces stretched heavenwards beseeching the Almighty to save them from this calamity, eventually calm was restored and settled amicably.

 

The Holy Trinity Church built in 1882 stood on the corner of Trinity and High Street was the first Chapel in Wales to be lit by electricity. Demolished in 1984, the Roma Villa now stands in its place.

 

Brynteg Chapel was the first totally Welsh Chapel.

 

In 1913 St. Catherine’s Church was built for English worship, later a Hall was added dedicated by Lord and Lady Llewellyn.

 

A Roman Catholic Church stood on Pontardulais Road later rebuilt on Alexander Road and known as the Church of The Blessed Sacrament.

The first Roman Catholic Church was made of corrugated tin and housed an enterprising Priest called Father Bennett. He held jumble sales every Friday and Dances on Saturdays to swell the coffers, many a couple owed their pristine appearances to Father Bennett’s Boutique.

 

Splinter Churches appeared to cater for the spiritual needs of all creeds, sadly many of our Churches have now been replaced or fallen into disrepair.