Capel Salem

Capel Salem is a Grade II listed building featuring a classical design with a scribed rendered front. The façade includes a pediment that is broken at the base by a keyblocked giant arch, which contains a large semicircular date plaque. Additional classical details consist of acroteria and a deep cornice, along with a semicircular datestone. The central bay is recessed and has a balustraded apron, featuring a Venetian type window topped with a tall pediment over the middle light. Below, there are round arched doorways with panelled doors and half round Doric columns. The outer bays are accentuated by giant order fluted pilasters and paired round arched headed windows, set upon a rusticated base. All windows are fitted with glazing bars, and the building has slate roofs.

On the left side, there are five bays set into the slope of the hill, showcasing similar giant order fluted pilasters and round arched headed gallery bars on both floors. The right side mirrors this design. The northern gable end is pedimented and features acroteria and corner pilasters, although this detail was originally more visible when the first hall was smaller.

The building includes a two-storey transverse hall that maintains similar architectural details. It has an open pediment facing Salem Terrace, with round arched headed openings; on the ground floor, two doorways flank two windows. The northern side has six bays, with a gable on the end bay closest to the road, and features cement rendered chimney stacks and a lower range at the eastern end.

Inside, the classical interior showcases a raked gallery with a bracket cornice, fluted Ionic pilasters, and an elaborate ribbed ceiling adorned with foliage and arabesque carved panels and roses. The gallery is supported by cast-iron columns made by MacFarlane and Co, Glasgow. An organ is positioned behind a round arch opening in the end wall, featuring decorative spandrels. The platform is embellished with barley twist balusters and ornate panelling to the ‘set fawr’ and octagonal pulpit. The schoolroom contains fluted columns by Pickering of Pwllheli, topped with composite foliage capitals. The hall features a boarded ceiling with coves and wheel pattern ventilators.