A Brief History of St Nicholas on the Hill

On 20th July 1937, St Nicholas on the Hill became a parish in its own right, comprising; Townhill, Mayhill and parts of the parishes of St Jude’s, St Peter’s, Cockett, St Barnabus, Uplands, St Paul’s Sketty, St Luke’s Cwmbwrla and St Mark’s. In 2007 we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Dedication, but also the 70th Anniversary of the creation of the Parish of St Nicholas on the Hill .

As the parish grew it soon became obvious that a much larger church was needed, but due to lack of finance and the advent of war all was put in abeyance.

The original St Nicholas Church, was the Mission Church, built in the 1920’s , with a red tiled roof, bell tower and leaded windows. It could seat about 100. It served as part of the Parish of St Jude, it was built to serve the ever increasing population of the area.

On 12th July 1956, the foundation stone was laid by Mr WF Parry de Winton of Brecon, one of the diocese’s greatest laymen. The foundation stone is on the outside wall of the entrance porch.
Mr De Winton wearing a top hat declared the inscribed stone well and truly laid as he expertly manoeuvred it into place.
The service was attended by the Bishop Dr Glyn Simon, the Archdeacon JJA Thomas (later Bishop) and the vicar, the Reverend EG Morgan along with many members of the congregation.
The bishop said that the requirements of Christians were for them to be;
‘like a city to be set on a hill’, and that this church would be a literal carrying out of this picture of Christianity.’
The site is indeed a commanding one set in a triangle at the junction of Powys Avenue and Dyfed Avenue.

The interior of this church is modern, but traditional in design, light and airy, it is a worthy House of God, unpretentious and always tasteful. 200 can be seated in the nave, the furnishings in the Chancel are of light oak, the altar is long by tradition and carved with gothic arches.

Many people have donated gifts over the years from money, cloths, vestments, pictures, etc to items of furniture all in memory of loved ones or in commemoration of a special event or anniversary. All these gifts have enhanced the beauty of this place of worship and for many have contributed to their worship