Salem Chapel

This is a large, imposing chapel built in a simple classical style, likely of the 18th century. The building is symmetrical, with a prominent three-bay gable front. It is rendered over what was likely originally masonry, and sits upon a low stone plinth. The roof is slate, featuring modillion eaves and verges, and decorative ridge tiles. The architectural detailing includes rendered dressings and a prominent moulded string course. The front has round arched openings with hood-moulds, keystones, and corbelled stops, as well as stone sills. The entrance is framed by panelled double doors surmounted by a fanlight, and is flanked by windows to the left and right. The upper storey features a central, stepped tripartite window with round-headed lights, also flanked by windows to the left and right. Small, paired windows are set into the gable apex. All front windows have been replaced with PVCu double glazing. An inscribed shield bearing the word “SALEM” is situated below the gable window.

The side walls have four windows each. The upper-storey windows are round-arched with hoodmoulds mirroring those on the front elevation. The lower-storey windows have square heads with slightly arched hoodmoulds and keystones. The south wall’s windows have been replaced with PVCu double glazing, but the north wall retains its original glazing pattern, with each window containing a central mullion dividing the panes into either two or three sections on either side, with margin glazing. The rear gable has a lean-to section, likely for an organ, with a flue on the right side.

The interior features a three-sided gallery, supported by fluted cast iron columns with foliate capitals. The wooden gallery front has moulded recessed panels and a dentilled cornice. The gallery contains three rows of pews. A wooden pulpit, also with decorated recessed panels and a dentilled cornice, is accessed by wooden steps on either side, complete with moulded handrails and turned balusters and newel posts. A large organ is housed within a purpose-built recess behind the pulpit and is contained within a decorated wood-panelled case. There are ten rows of simple pews, likely dating to the 20th century. The ceiling features a very ornate plaster rose in the centre, with smaller rosettes to the east and west. These are enclosed by a boarded and ribbed wooden frame with geometrical designs. The interior also has wide moulded coving and wood panelled wainscot. An entrance vestibule provides access to a staircase leading to the gallery. Memorials are present to the Rev. David Jones of Llangan, who erected the first chapel on the site in 1775, and to Arthur William Howells.