It was a sad day in the Ceiriog Valley when Soar Chapel had its last service on Saturday, February 17.

The few remaining members of the Chapel will now be welcomed at nearby Seion Baptist Chapel, Glyn Ceiriog.

More than 80 people turned up for the last service led by Glyn Evans of Hengoed, assisted by former ministers to Soar –  Eric Greene, John Roberts, Glyn Jones, David Owens and Deacon Richard Jones.

Recent attendances were a pale reflection of times gone by when it was not only a place of worship but also played a big part in the social life of the members.

The annual Sunday School trip was the only time members would visit the seaside from one year to the next. 

One of the original deacons was Thomas Hughes of Plaslleucu, brother of great bard John Ceiriog Hughes whose life is celebrated in the magnificent stained glass windows at the Ceiriog Memorial Institute and museum.

The chapel also played a big part in the life of Welsh writer Rev Islwyn Ffowc Ellis and his brother Rev Bryn K Ellis both born and lived with their family at Aberwiel and both served as deacons as did their father Edward Ifor Ellis and grandfather John Ellis.

More recently, deacons included Trefor Lloyd, Henry Hughes, Mair Eluned Roberts, Marian Roberts, Sydney Davies, Mona Davies, Richard Jones, Beti Jones, Rowena Lewis, Hugh Lloyd and Vaughan Salisbury.

Rowena Lewis was caretaker for the chapel the for 32 years between 1977 and 2009, living next door at Arwelfa (known locally as Ty Capel) with her husband Henry and their three children Meirion, Delyth and Gareth.

It was fitting that she closed the door for the last time at the end of the service.

Those present then gathered for a buffet at Canolfan Ceiriog to reminisce and catch up with each other before returning home as far away as Cardiff and Caernarfon.