Chapel with a troubled past
Siloah Chapel, built in 1841, once stood as a centre of worship in Llanelli’s Seaside area. But in recent decades it has fallen into disrepair, suffering break‑ins, an arson attack and wilful damage. Conservation advisers have long warned that urgent work was needed to safeguard the listed building’s distinctive interior and frontage.
Vision for a new community hub
The £134,000 award from Benefact Trust will support Century Church’s £2 million restoration plan, which aims to reopen Siloah as both a place of worship and a civic resource.
Plans include:
- A café to provide a welcoming space for residents.
- A “social justice wing” offering support for vulnerable children, in partnership with police, social services and statutory agencies.
- Children’s and youth activities, alongside ad‑hoc community events.
Backing from national funders
Benefact Trust, which distributes profits from the wider Benefact Group to support churches and charities across the UK and Ireland, said it was proud to back a project that combines heritage preservation with social impact.
A spokesperson said: “With churches present in nearly every village, town and city, we are committed to supporting those playing a vital role in rebuilding and enriching their local communities.”
Local leadership
Pastor‑elect Heulwen Davies, who will be ordained at Century Church this month, said the restoration was about more than bricks and mortar: “It’s not just about saving a building — it’s about restoring hope in a community that has carried so much pain. We believe Siloah can once again be a place of life and renewal.”
