At the start of the 19th Century when most church services were conducted through the medium of the Welsh language, a small group of Christians at Upper Trosnant Baptist church decided to establish an English speaking cause in Pontypool. The founding congregation at Crane Street was formed in 1836 initially holding meetings in the then disused Quakers meeting House in Lower Trosnant. In 1847 a new building was erected on the Blue Boar Field at Crane Street.
Crane Street Church has often been described as on of the most outstanding non-conformist buildings in the United Kingdom. It is constructed of Bath stone and the Doric Columns at the entrance are repeated internally in the design of the pulpit. The feature of most architectural interest is the etched glass ceiling. A carved wooden screen in laid with art deco stained glass curves around the dais housing the pulpit and baptismal pool. The aisles now covered with carpet have glass tile prism blocks directing the daylight into the schoolroom beneath the chapel. In 2002, the current Minister, Reverend Alvan Richards Clarke was inducted as the new Minister of the church and was together with Reverend Shem Morgan (URC) instrumental in guiding the fellowships at Crane Street Baptist Church and Mount Pleasant United Reformed Church to forming a united Local Ecumenical Partnership. A Formal Service of recognition was held 2nd November 2002. The united congregation at Crane Street endeavours to serve God and the community of Pontypool. The work undertaken by the members are friends of the church allows the continuity of its Christian witness in the Town Centre whilst maintaining a building of local architectural interest. Each week the church schoolroom is open to the public on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and offers a warm inviting atmosphere in which to sit and chat with family and friends. Light refreshments are available. A craft class is held each Thursday afternoon 2.00pm - 4.00pm open to all. Many local charities are supported by the ladies who mostly knit and sew to provide goods for use or for sale to raise funds. |
ServicesFor more information on the services please click below.
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Craft ClubFor more information on the craft club please click below.
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Coffee MorningFor more information on the coffee please click below.
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