We are situated in the Principality of Wales (part of the United Kingdom). Approximately 20 miles north-west of Cardiff, the capital. We belong to the Anglican Church in the province of Wales, the Diocese of Llandaff and the Area Deanery of the Rhondda Valley.

The Parish of Tonyrefail with Gilfach Goch has been in existence since the early part of the last century and was originally a curacy of the Parish of Llantrisant. In 2003 we celebrated our centenary. Within the parish an even older church exists (now a scout-hall) St John’s. It stands on a site which goes back to the 1100’s! Possibly even before that. Situated on the old parish road and an old well close by, this church must have served the small hamlet for hundreds of years.The area boast a very historical past, close by a king of England was captured and eventually killed in a most despicable way! King Edward II was captured at what is known today as Pantybrad (The Grove of Treason).

It was all a long time ago and those involved are long since dead but the Church is still here and very much alive.

St David’s Church was built to serve the fast-growing population as the coal seams were exploited bringing 1000’s of labourers to the mines. In less than 50 years the once wooded valleys sprouted black tips and winding towers. Railways were dug out, helping to fuel the hungry machines all across the world. The area exported millions of tonnes of coal via Cardiff and Barry docks. Today the Ely valley is green again, the mines all gone. Other industries have taken their place and the valley has been reborn.

Click here to see us on Multimap ..