Rhydwilym Baptist Church was formed during a period of great persecution and people attending the services were liable to heavy punishments. Therefore great discretion was needed. A story has been handed down through the ages, and recorded by the late Rev. E. Llwyd Williams, about a woman, who had walked from near Carmarthen to attend a service in the valley of the Cleddau. On being questioned on Ty Coch crossroads as to where she was going her answer was “My eldest brother is dead and I am going to claim my share of the inheritance”. The constable did not see the double meaning in her words and she continued on her way.
The Baptist movement at Rhydwilym was started in 1668 but the chapel was not built until 1701. It is the oldest Baptist church in West Wales and stands in Llandissilio East near the western most point of the old county Carmarthenshire. Although not located in the parish of Llandissilio West, the history of the parish would be poorer were it not for the Christian ethics that flowed from Rhydwilym. Anyone visiting this attractive rural chapel cannot help breathing in its sense of history, whilst the beauty, peace and solitude capture the imagination of all who survey this ancient site.
For further information on Rhydwilym chapel please vist the website http://www.rhydwilym.com/