A church that has been a place of Christian worship since 1806 is facing closure.

Watergate Chapel in Brecon is facing significant upgrades to its facilities, with the cost being too high to manage alone, with an estimated excess of £300,000 needed to complete the work.

The congregation is made up of 16 members, with the occasional drop-in from members of the public. They hold services, as well as Bible study and a prayer meeting. The congregation are currently worshipping elsewhere.

An initial condition report suggests a number of possible issues that have to be addressed.

Nikki Wheeler, deacon, the secretary, and the acting treasurer, hopes that something can be done to keep the church doors open. Speaking to the Brecon and Radnor Express, Nikki said: “This is not what any of the members want and would be a devastating result. The members of Watergate would not have anywhere long-term to worship.

“Our vision is that Watergate Chapel will become a vibrant church once again – a place of worship and a House of Prayer. A place where everyone is welcome, where people can have a coffee/meal, a chat and company; and a place where people can learn of the love of God and the hope that is in Jesus Christ.

“Sadly because church facilities need upgrading, we are not able to fulfil our vision of Watergate being much more available for the community of Brecon and the surrounding areas.”

Watergate Manse has already been sold, to pay for building work, but it is still not enough to complete the work.

Watergate Chapel in Brecon was founded by the members of Maes-y-Berllan chapel, contributing to the building of a sister Baptist chapel at this very strategic point, near one of the four old gateways into Brecon. Since 1806, there has been continuous Christian worship. Because the building was too small for the numbers attending, in 1880, a new building with an added school room and vestry was built. This is the building you see today.

Watergate is the place where the Street Pastor initiative for Brecon was initiated and was based.