About Us





Ebenezer lies at the top end of the lovely Honddu Valley in the ancient parish of Merthyr Cynog, in an isolated situation on a steep, west facing slope at nearly 1000ft above sea level. There is a large original graveyard with a smaller additional plot added in the 1940‟s. Gravestones have been removed to the sides to make an attractive lawn fronting the building and there are several rare species of native plants growing there. It is within quarter of a mile of the Military Ranges on the Eppynt Mountain plateau and is a basic building.

The chapel was originally built in 1805, when there was a sizeable population in the surrounding farms. Most of these were cleared in the 1940‟s to form the Eppynt Ranges and the membership comes now from a scattered population. Although small in numbers the membership is enthusiastic and active, hosting special services during the year when the chapel is filled. Upper Chapel has an extremely well-known Eisteddfod, renowned throughout Wales and beyond, with the Committee almost entirely composed of members of Ebenezer. The day after the Eisteddfod, the Chapel has its Songs of Praise when several of the competitors of the day before take part. Although there is no kitchen or toilet area (having no access to a water supply), we are fortunate in being able to use the well- appointed community hall in the hamlet of Upper Chapel where there are good facilities and capacity for over 200. The hall is well used and a popular venue, used by the chapel for teas, concerts and meetings. It is also used if there is a problem getting to the Chapel during winter, and our carol service has been held there for several years, with a large attendance.

The members of Ebenezer consider there is scope to increase membership among the families who come to the carol service, and are an optimistic and can-do group of people. Although no-one can say with any certainty what the future holds, and we have the same problems as many other rural churches, we also appreciate our close community and sense of fellowship. Members of Ebenezer are involved in many of the events held in the community of Merthyr Cynog which has a thriving Young Farmers Club, well known Women‟s Institute, a Senior Citizens Club which meets monthly and which is run by members of the congregation, and several members who serve on the Community Hall Committee which hold a range of events throughout the year.

Every congregation is unique and has its strengths; perhaps the best way to describe the group of people worshipping at Ebenezer is to say they have a strong and respectful sense of the past, an enthusiasm for today and hope for the future.