Welcome to the Benefice of Dinas and Penygraig with Williamstown

History of Dinas Mission, Dinas, Rhondda

Exterior of Dinas Mission 2003

On the 24th July1897 Dinas Church was officially opened as a place of Christian Worship. It came into being in an area already bustling with activity and one that had grown up as a direct result of the coal mining industry.

The Dinas that existed originally has long gone, however the Dinas Mission Church has remained unchanged. One hundred years on it still remains as a beacon proclaiming the eternal truths of the Christian Gospel. The congregation are determined that there will remain a worshiping community in Dinas for a very long time to come. On April 7th 1990, history was made when the first and only marriage service was held in Dinas Mission Church. A special licence was granted by the Archbishop of Canterbury at a cost of £75.00 thus enabling the service to take place

Walter Coffin (1785 - 1867) - Walter Coffin came to the village of Dinas from Bridgend in 1806 to prospect for coal at Graig Ddu. In 1812 he sank the first shaft in the Rhondda and discovered the celebrated Number 3 Rhondda Seam. Among his many other achievements he constructed a tramway linking Dinas Colliery with Pontypridd and he was one of the first directors of the Taff Vale Railway. He also established the very first school in the Rhondda which was maintained by a deduction of one penny in the £ weekly from the workmen's wages.

Interestingly enough Dinas Mission had never been consecrated. Apparently, whenever a new coal mine was sunk, a community sprung up around the mine, and of course there was always a need for a Church. Dinas was bought as a complete building, like the pre-war prefabricated houses you sometimes see even today. Then when a mine was established, new mines were sort in other areas. Most of the time, when a community was established a stone Church was built, but this never happened in Dinas and it is one of the oldest, and best preserved Tin Tabernacles left in the country.

2006 was a very special year in the life of Dinas Mission Church.

First it was refurbished after over a 100 years of continuous use. The cost was nearly £15,000 raised mostly by its members and also with donations from the Church Charity Shop.
Secondly, Dinas was finally consecrated by the Archbishop of Wales, The Most Reverend Dr Barry Morgan on Sunday, 23rd July with a glorious celebration and a church bursting at the seams.
Thirdly, Dinas had its very first confirmation which was held on Thursday, 30th November, with 18 candidates being confirmed by the The Very Reverend Dr David Yeoman, Assistant Bishop of Llandaff.

Though small in numbers we are a very strong, dedicated congregation continuing the to witness God's work as the only Christian place of worship in Dinas. If you would like to join us you will be made most welcome.

BBC News covered the consecration of the Mission. You can read it HERE