FISHGUARD'S Pentowr Chapel closed its doors after over 200 years of service, last Sunday, November 26.

A final service of dissolution was attended by the current congregation as well as representatives from the Presbyterian Church of Wales, local churches in the area and from many former members who had travelled home for the occasion.

The chapel on Tower Hill is closing its doors due to declining numbers and an aging congregation.

It is the second religious establishment in the twin towns of Fishguard and Goodwick to close in two months; St Peter's Church in Goodwick announced that it would not re-open its doors in October.

The final service was led by Marian Beech-Hughes, the president of the Area Presbytery. The church deacons took the main body of the service with the first hymn being read out by Mr Owen Morgan.

Two of the hymns chosen were by JT Job -who was a pastor of the chapel until 1938. Mrs Nansi Morgan read a variety of verses from Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament and from St Matthew's Gospel in the New Testament. Mrs Glesni James read the prayer followed by Mr Denzil Watts, the most senior Deacon gave out the next hymn.

Euros Lewis, the son of a former pastor of the chapel, Rev Stanley G Lewis, took to the pulpit for the very last time. His address was interspersed with personal references and memories as he looked at the history of the chapel and referred to the many famous people who were influential to the cause. He also posed the question -is this the end of a cause or is it just the beginning of a new path?

Mrs Marian Beech-Hughes then asked all attending to stand while she read out the Church Dissolution Statement, the Rev. William Owen from the local Presbytery prayed on behalf of the Church members and this was followed by the Lord's Prayer. Mr Philip Roach announced the final hymn and the final blessing was led by the Rev. Roger Ellis Humphreys (Area Presbytery Secretary)

The Organist was Mr Huw Thomas who played beautifully throughout the service.

Following the service and photographs, we all had a chance to catch up with old friends over a cup of tea and light buffet in the vestry - arranged by Eunice O'Hara.

"This was a bittersweet day full of emotion and memories but hopefully it can also be the start of a new path, with chapels working together within the community," said chapel secretary, Glesni James.

"The Chapel has special memories for so many people and we are eager to collect and publish as many as possible in a chapel booklet."

If you have any photographs, mementos or stories to share, please contact Glesni on 01348 873965 or email – glesni.james@gmail.com.

Commemorative mugs will be available for sale from The Heritage Centre on Fishguard Square or through chapel members, they cost £8 and all proceeds will go to Christian Aid.