THE MERTHYR TYDFIL Synagogue is the oldest surviving synagogue in Wales and the only one in the UK built in heavy Northern Gothic style. Architecturally, it is considered among the most important in the UK.
The cornerstone of the synagogue was laid on March 15, 1876, 150 years ago, and it functioned as a synagogue until 1983. After a brief time as a Christian centre, it was for 20 years the main fitness centre in Merthyr. The historic interior, including the prayer hall, was lost, the ark removed and a new floor replaced the balcony to accommodate gym equipment.
The Synagogue will be fully restored and provide new opportunities for local people through jobs, volunteering, activities, schools engagement and the valuing of local stories and experiences, as well as the provision of new community facilities.
David Bearman, Chair of Trustees, Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre said: “We are delighted to have received funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to save the historic Synagogue in Merthyr Tydfil, the most important Jewish heritage site in Wales.
“Lottery support will allow us to reopen the building to the public and establish a new Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre with an exhibition that tells the stories of the contribution of Welsh Jewish communities to social and economic development in Wales, and with a diverse programme for learning, events and activities.
“We thank all Lottery players who have made this possible.”
Andrew White, Director for Wales, The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “The Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre project will bring to life the rich and often under-told stories of Jewish communities in Wales, celebrating over 250 years of history and culture.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, this support will help restore and safeguard a historic Welsh synagogue and create a vibrant space where these stories can be shared, explored and enjoyed by future generations.”
An artist will work with the local community to create new stained glass that reflect contemporary themes and links past to present. The prayer hall will be recreated by restoring the Ark and balcony and there will be a permanent exhibition exploring key themes including Judaism, Welsh Jewish history and the story of the building.
The surrounding landscape will provide further activity space and feature interpretation with a tree propagated from the original Anne Frank tree in Amsterdam.
Events will include:
- Talks, performances, tours, festivals and workshops on Jewish and local themes:
Celebratory events centred on major Jewish festivals supporting inter-cultural and inter-faith activity - Young Curator programme, with younger people working on displays and activities:
Development of archive and digital resources - Jewish Heritage Trails:
A project with primary schools to research Jewish families who lived in Merthyr, with research used to inspire artworks
Art projects with local youth groups and Merthyr College.
