Until 1835 the Congregationalists of the area worshipped in a building in Llanybri, but it was realized that the membership was too big for that chapel by then, and so the decision was made by the Congregationalists of the area that a cause should be established here in Llangain and so, construction began.
The inaugural services were held over two days, 23 and 24 February 1835 under the leadership of the Reverend William James. Following his death, his nephew, the Reverend Thomas Williams from Brecon College, was installed as minister.
In 1865, the building was completely renovated and in 1872 the Welsh language was heard in the chapel for the first time during the ministry of Reverend T. Lewis, Solfach. In 1882 the interior of the chapel was further renovated, adding new seats and a gallery, the price at that time being £150. In 1914 it was realized that the building needed to be expanded once again, and a fund was established to finance the work.
It is said that the family of Wauncorgam Fach farm from the parish invited Reverend James John, the minister at the time to choose any animal from the farm and sell it for the highest price as their contribution towards the new building. Also, John Richards Eithin Cefn, or Ardwyn as it is called today, the house opposite the chapel building, returned home from work regularly with stones to prepare the foundations of the building. Here is an example of the kindness of the community and their dedication to their church at that time.
The current building was opened in August 1915, a heater and pipe organ were installed, which is still in use, although it has been electrified since the 1960s, and a system of doors that can be opened behind the pulpit in order to increasing the size of the building further into the vestry. The cost at that time was £2,300.
Among the guest preachers at the official opening was the Reverend Elfed Lewis who at that time was minister at Tabernacl Kings Cross, London. Eisteddfodau and concerts were held here, with the food being prepared in the loft of the small whitewashed stable across the road, the horses being tied up on the ground floor, and food upstairs, who knows what the hygiene standard would be today on a set-up like that.
Five of Smyrna's sons were ordained to the ministry: namely the Reverend James Charles, Denbigh, former chairman of the Welsh Independent Union; H. Smyrna Jones, Rhosmeirch and Bodffordd Sir Fôn; T. Twynog Davies, vicar in the parish of Mathry, who was ordained to the Congregational ministry in Rhydybont Llanybydder; G. Brynmor Thomas, Milo and Penygroes; and Iona Williams, and it seems that he finished his ministry in Perth Australia, the people of Smyrna travelled far even at that time.
We have been without a minister since the retirement of the late Reverend J. Towyn Jones, and unfortunately there is no Sunday school being held here either, but the cause continues through the collaboration and the use of the different talents of the members present. We are extremely proud of you all!
We are looking to the future by worshiping together with neighboring churches and being part of a new pastorate.
To finish here is a poem about Smyrna written by the late Nathan Davies, a native of this parish. A poem that is as relevant today as it was when it was written:
Smyrna Llangain (an approximate translation)
Lovely chapel, you look beautiful,
You are the decoration of the top of the hill,
Your name is sacred
And in Heaven's gate for us.
White was the day of your building
to old saints morning of life
who faithfully served –
He gave his life for them.
Broad is your welcome,
still wide is your gate,
You healed many a soul
on his journey to another world.
Glad is your foundation today,
sweet is your divine sound,
there was news of your speech
over the broad allotments of Llangain.
May the heavenly dew fall
as before slowly intense,
again guide the pilgrims
to draw together the divine summons.
Sweet be the law of your altar
To the worshipers of the ages of the world,
And let your truth be a lantern –
to flourish at all times.
