Aberaeron Spiritualist Church, Waterloo Street, Aberaeron, Cardiganshire

Description

Name: Aberaeron Spiritualist Church

Denomination: Spiritualist

Built: 1986

Photography: John Ball
Date: 16 September 2005
Camera: Nikon D50 digital SLR

Edited transcription of item (right) published in Psychic News, 23 Aug 1986 A thirty year old dream has become a living reality in the Dyfed, Wales, town of Aberaeron. In 1958 a Midlands couple, Alice and Frank Penney, settled in Dyfed with the hope of establishing a Spiritualist church. The inaugural meeting of the First Cardiganshire Spiritualist Church was held at the town's Memorial Hall in 1958.
"The meeting was an astounding success," said New Quay Spiritualist B. Boore last week. "Over 400 people were present, many coming from long distances." A medium, Mrs Penney held a weekly gathering in Aberaeron and one in Aberystwyth for many years. The proceeds from an annual sale of work were placed in a fund to purchase suitable property to give the church a permanent home. In 1976 Frank Penney passed on. "Alice realised her time here was short;" said Mr Boore. 'Like Moses, she could see the Promised Land, but knew she would not inhabit it." Mrs Penney—she passed in 1977—made plans for her work to be carried on. A month after her promotion, letters went to all those in the area known to be interested in Spiritualism. Over 100 people attended a meeting. A committee was established and the First Cardiganshire Spiritualist Church re-formed. Mr and Mrs Penney left a large part [£1000] of their estate to the church. Money carefully saved over the years was further boosted by financial help from supporters. Now a suitable site has been purchased in Waterloo Street, Aberaeron. Last month it was dedicated. "As we now have a permanent residence, the church has been renamed the Aberaeron Spiritualist Church," said Mr Boore. "But it still continues to serve a large area as people regularly attend from 40 to 50 miles away." Photography: John Ball Date: 16 September 2005 Camera: Nikon D50 digital SLR

Image 1:

Psychic News, 23 August 1986

• http://www.jlb2011.co.uk/walespic/churches/aberaeron3.htm (link opens in new window)