Church Surgery's Secret

Did you know that the organ on which Joseph Parry composed the hymn tune 'Aberystwyth' lies hidden in a converted Church building in the town? Local builder Charlie Downes sent us a selection of photos showing how a former Church in Portland Street became home to a doctors' surgery and a drama company.

This photograph of the Church was taken in 1986, shortly before renovation work began. 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  17  18  19  20  The Church was built in the 1860s and was known as The English Congregational Church, then as the United Reformed Church. In the early 1980s, extensive dry rot was discovered in the building which would cost thousands of pounds to repair. With dwindling congregations, a decision was made to sell the building. This picture was taken shortly before the property developers moved in.

your comments

eleanor from Notts
My ancestor Charles James Campbell was a deacon and trustee of this church for nine years in the early 1900s and I wonder if anyone has any more information about him. I know also that he was an engine driver on the Cambrian railway,secretary of the N.U.R. for 12 years and a chief ranger of the Teify Lodge of Free Foresters.
Tue Sep 9 16:26:51 2008

Yvonne James, Bristol
Used to live in Aberystwyth was not aware of the work carried out at the church.Good set of photographs
Thu Sep 13 12:15:14 2007

Lil from Aberystwyth
Fascinating... I'm going to the surgery today actually, will be having a look.
Fri Sep 1 13:48:06 2006

Janet from Aberystwyth
What an interesting set of photographs. Although sad that the organ was bricked up, it's nice for future generations to know of its whereabouts (and the step by step photographic evidence). Love looking at these sort of photos ('before, during and after'). Interesting to read about the whereabouts of the Celtic projector.
Wed Oct 26 21:29:24 2005

Ian from Aberystwyth
Did you also know that the projector from the old Celtic cinema was so bulky that when the Celtic cinema was demolished, the projector was buried in situ, in what is now the car-park behind the Commodore cinema?!
Fri Sep 16 11:36:34 2005

Angela from Chepstow
I've spotted Reg, Howard, Kenny and Tracy. But where were you Charlie!!!
Fri Sep 16 11:19:39 2005

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