The Newtown Baptist cause established 1730. Th first custom chapel built in 1801, the enlarged in 1814, 1821 and 1836 due to the rapid expansion in the congregation which by 1851 is recorded as 500 morning attendees and 900 evening attendees. A sthe largest denomination in Newtown, by 1880 it was decided to build a new chapel, a plot of land on a prominent position on New Road was purchased. A grand, Classically-styled chapel was commissioned from architect George Morgan of Carmarthen, a prominent architect for the Baptist denomination and Baptist preacher, and the chapel was built by Griffiths and Williams of Knockin. The foundation stones were laid 17th August 1881 and the chapel opened July 1883. The total cost of land and building came to £10,000.
The exterior of the chapel displays an imposing two-storey facade of 5 bays, constructed of brick with chanelled freestone blocks to the ground floor, pediment,and pillars. A wide flight of stone steps lead to three panelled, double, doors flanked to either side by a segmentally arched window with marginal glazing. The first floor displays three round windows with keystones to the cardinal points, set within the centre bays, set over blank Classical plaques. To the two outer bays are round-headed windows with marginal glazing. A stone pediment decorated with a molded architrave, pulvinated freize and dentil modillion, and with centrally placed rose window, is supported on four Corinthian columns set with memorial stones to the bases. Behind the pediment is a Dutch gable. Side elevations of brick with round-headed windows to first floor, square headed sahes to basement and ground floor. Two storey red brick chapel house to rear.
Entrance into vestibule dominated by a centrally placed memorial to the fallen of World War I, either side of which are oak collecting boxes carved in the representation of the chapel facade. From here two doorways into groundfloor auditorium, and two staircases to first floor gallery. The auditorium has a fine oak pulpit at the opposing end, and oak pews, both by Evan Powell & Sons. The raking gallery is fronted by intricate cast iron panels by the Cambrian Foundry. Behind the pulpit is an organ by Peter Conacher & Co of Huddersfield set within a Serliana marble arch. The floor of the pulpit raises to reveal a lead-lined baptistry.
The chapel held a closing service on 27th October 2024, subsequently being placed on the market.
RCAHMW, November 2024