Sixteen parishes have closed in Adamsdown since 1950
THE last vicar in Adamsdown has warned that his parishioners “would have nowhere to go” if his church was to close.
Sixteen parishes have closed in Adamsdown since 1950, according to analysis by the Roath Local History Society.
That’s the highest number in Cardiff’s ‘inner circle’ of wards, which includes Roath, Cathays, and Splott.
Some of Adamsdown’s former parishes have been turned into car parks, student accommodation and private flats.
Now, only one remains: St German’s Church, on Star Street.
“If we closed, residents would have nowhere to go,” said Canon Jarel Robinson-Brown, 33, Vicar of St German’s for two years.
“St German’s is Adamsdown’s largest community space.
“People from all walks of life come here. We have winter shelters for the homeless and help asylum seekers, while Tredegar Primary School come in for mass.
“We have at least one funeral a month and weddings occasionally.
“One day, a man in his 50s came into the church at midday and sat by the altar. He walked up to me, burst out crying and hugged me because he needed comfort. That is just one example of many.
“It is vital for us to stay open, as there is no other church in Adamsdown now. At least 45 people attend our Sunday mass each week.”
From 2019 to 2022, St German’s had no priest, which made the church vulnerable to closure.
“Since I’ve been here, luckily, there hasn’t been a threat,” Father Jarel said.
“The only reason why we’ve survived is because we are Anglo-Catholic, meaning we combine teachings from both denominations.
“It is inevitable more parishes will close so the Church needs to think strategically about which churches they invest in and which communities it resources.”
The congregation and volunteers
Gerald Voisey, a volunteer at Adamsdown Gospel Hall, described the church closure numbers as “concerning”.
The 80-year-old, who has lived in Adamsdown his whole life, said: “When I was a kid, every child went to Sunday school, but now nobody goes. It’s a sign that people are no longer religious.
“In Adamsdown Gospel Hall, 25 people attend every week to pray. We’re a fellowship, not a parish, but residents need somewhere local, so they come here.
“We also team up with other Christian parishes around Cardiff to check on the homeless every Thursday evening.
“That’s also why I’m worried about the closures. We have a community purpose which would go, especially in Adamsdown which is an already vulnerable area.
Heather Ralis has attended mass at St German’s for over 15 years.
The 82-year-old said: “I come from Penarth every Sunday to attend mass, and I help bake the cakes for tea and coffee sessions afterwards.
“The community feeling you have coming here is special. That physical connection would go if St German’s closed.”
James Escott, 80, has attended mass at St German’s since 1968.
“I share the concern that many parishes in Cardiff, but mostly in Adamsdown, are closing.”
Mr Escott helps to deliver mass to inmates in a chapel inside Cardiff Prison, as part of an initiative called The Welcome Directory.
“Over 40 inmates turn up once a month. You can tell they enjoy the service,” he said.
“They sing their hearts out. It’s like being at the Principality Stadium for a rugby match.
“If residents lose the physical connection which a place of worship offers, they’ll struggle.”
Have you been affected by parish closures in Cardiff? Contact thompsonba1@cardiff.ac.uk
