24/7/2008

One of Port Talbot's oldest chapels is keeping abreast of new technology by using a computer as an organist.

Like congregations across the UK suffering dwindling membership, Beulah Prestbyterian Chapel was finding it increasingly difficult to secure the services of an organist - or a musician of any kind - who was willing to play for them week after week.

So the enterprising worshippers hit on the idea of managing without such an officer, instead using a computer as their accompanist.

With the aid of a 400 pound grant from steel firm Corus the chapel now has a software package that allows a hard drive attached to a keyboard to play up to 400 hymns.

"Our organist wasn't well," said Deaconess Wendy Jones. "We were looking around for a new one for over a year and were having to manage without. Then we heard that many churches and chapels were deciding to use computers."

Beulah Chapel, known locally as the round chapel, was the only bulding that survived the demolition of Groes Village in 1975. Then, 21 houses and a school were destroyed to make way for the westbound M4 motorway.

The chapel - dating back to 1838 - was dismantled brick by brick and rebuilt in Tollgate Park in Margam, where it reopened in April 1976 and is now a CADW Listed Building.

"Being a small and elderly congregation, our funds are limited and wouldn't stretch to the costs of the computer," Wendy Jones added. "It's been marvellous for us, and we're very grateful to Corus for their support."