A Pembrokeshire chapel has held its last service, celebrating the good work of the chapel, the thousands of lives it had touched and wonderful memories of the special events it had hosted over the last two centuries..

Tabernacle Chapel, Fishguard held its last ever service on Sunday, September 29.

Tabernacle Chapel was built in 1845 to replace an existing chapel on The Wallis, which dated back to at least 1798, and accommodate an increasing congregation.

According to Hanes Abergwaun, the Grade 2 listed building, as well as the adjoining caretaker’s house and graveyard to the rear, was built at a cost of £800.

Many of the stones from the original chapel at the top of the Wallis were carried down the steep hill to the new site by members of the congregation.

The new chapel, Tabernacle was opened on May 7, 1845. The exterior of the chapel is much the same as it was when it was originally built and the interior was refurbished and completed in 1924.

Although originally built to accommodate a growing congregation, the chapel has been forced to close due to dwindling numbers and an aging congregation.

At its final service Reverend Geoff Eynon was in the chair, Reverend Dyfrig Rees gave the address, Reverend Alwyn Daniels offered prayers and Reverend Ken Thomas gave the readings. Huw Morgan spoke on behalf of the chapel members and Huw Thomas played the organ.

Members of the congregation were sad to say goodbye to the Grade 2 listed building, known for its distinctive richly ornamented interior, but focused of the future.

“Tabernacle has been central to my life and to that of my family for generations and it’s served us well,” said trustee, Melanie Stark. “We now look forward to being able to support good Christian work in the future.”

Berian Williams, secretary to the Trustees, added: “Tabernacle has done us proud, and the memories and contribution it has made will be remembered. We will now find new ways to come together to worship.”

It is understood that after the chapel closes, the building will go on the market as soon as possible. The chapel’s congregation will look to join with members in Fishguard’s Hermon Chapel and other local places of worship.