St Mary’s Church in Wales is the parish church for Brynmawr, which is a hilltop community once exactly on the border of Breconshire and Monmouthshire. The church lay firmly in the diocese of Swansea and Brecon – and despite a number of changes to secular boundaries over the years (and debates on whether or not to be ‘transferred’ to Monmouth diocese) – it remains resolutely and faithfully in Swansea and Brecon, and now in the Catwg Ministry Area.
The parish grew out of the parish of Llanelly and separated in 1875. After some temporary buildings, a more permanent structure was built in 1872. This proved to be of poor quality and condemned: “It is ill-proportioned, its walls slight, and badly built with but little foundation.” A new building was needed and its foundation stone was laid by the Lord Bishop of St David’s on June 14th 1899 and consecrated by the same bishop on July 25th 1900.
Today our small but steadfast and loyal congregation continue to maintain this beautiful church. We are currently waiting to implement plans for a kitchen and toilet to be attached to the northeast corner. This should increase the range and flexibility of its use.
Sunday services are at 9.30 every Sunday for Eucharist (although the 2nd Sunday may be Matins). Mid‐week Holy Communion is currently monthly on Wednesday at 10am.
We strive to attain high standards of worship with flowers, vestments, music, prayer and liturgy maintained through a small band of dedicated communicants. As well as Easter and Christmas we have continued to celebrate Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Eve through Lent as well as Advent and Christmas Eve. Harvest Festival is another highlight of our year.
In much of this we are supported by our Church School. The children are frequent visitors offering services for parents and parishioners alike throughout the year. The churchwardens and congregation very much appreciate the hard work and dedication of the headteacher and staff. Confirmation is a high point of the year with many children from Year 6 confirming their vows.
Together with the other churches in our town (Churches Together) we work and pray for God’s blessing on all we do.
St Mary Virgin, Brynmawr, NP23 4RA