A Llandybie church is to close this week after more than nine decades in the community.

Ebenezer Apostolic Church on Rawlings Road has been forced to close after low attendance.

The granddaughter of the late Pastor Stephen Bowen, who built the church said she was disappointed by the news, particularly as it it holds such deep memories.

At the age of 84 Nerina Williams is the oldest member of the church and she said she is deeply saddened by the news but understands the reasons for the closure.

She said: “It certainly is a very sad time for Ebenezer. I’m particularly heartbroken over the news because of my roots and the fact that my grandfather built the church back in 1922.

“My grandfather was the first Pastor at the church and my mother, Meredith, the first organist.

“Services were held in the homes of people in Llandybie prior to 1922 and it soon became apparent that there was a need for a bigger place of worship. Plans were then put in place to build a new church in the village, namely Ebenezer Apostolic Church.

“The closure has been hard to come to terms with but I understand that if the attendance isn’t there we cannot continue. Unless there is a revival I presume the building will be sold on.”

The news comes a year after the church celebrated the centenary of the founding of the Apostolic Church.

Mrs Williams added: “We have many good memories to look back on and we have had many Pastor’s come through who have done exceptional work to keep it going over the latter years.

“But it is a new year and that means new beginnings. I am really reliant on the Lord’s help and I look forward to new things and new challenges.”

Before the closure the church is inviting the public to join them for an evening of celebration this Saturday at 7pm.