A Welsh chapel in Carmarthen is set to undergo a transformation into a unique paranormal museum, sparking mixed reactions from the community. Laura Rowton and her husband recently acquired the Penuel Chapel from its previous owners, Penuel Church, with plans to convert it into Rowton’s Museum of the Paranormal and Spirituality. The couple aims to provide an immersive experience for visitors interested in exploring beliefs about the paranormal and spirituality throughout history.
The decision to choose this specific chapel for the museum was influenced by its own paranormal history dating back to the 19th century. Laura explained that the site was reputed for hosting miracles such as faith healing and supernatural manifestations in the past, making it a fitting setting for a museum dedicated to exploring such phenomena. The couple has been actively preparing the chapel for its new role, highlighting a special seance room in the old school building where they plan to host historical reenactments of Victorian seances.
The museum will feature a variety of exhibits ranging from angels and saint relics to a ‘laboratory’ for parapsychological research, complete with interactive gadgets and artefacts for visitors to engage with. Despite the enthusiasm from Laura and her husband, not everyone is in favour of this conversion. The previous owners, Penuel Church, expressed disappointment upon learning of the couple’s intentions, stating that they were initially under the impression that the building would be used as a historical museum, not a paranormal one.
In response, Laura defended their plans, stating that they had been transparent about their vision for the chapel throughout the sale process. She expressed disappointment in the church’s statement, emphasising that they had always been open about their intentions to create a museum of spirituality. While Penuel Church remains firm in their beliefs and values, Laura asserts that they operate under the name Rowton’s Museum and welcome constructive discussions with any concerned parties.
As tensions arise over the future of the chapel, with differing perspectives on how the site should be utilised, the community awaits further developments. The clash of beliefs and values serves as a reminder of the diverse cultural landscape present in Carmarthen, where tradition and innovation intersect. Whether the chapel will stand as a beacon of paranormal exploration or a source of contention within the community remains to be seen, highlighting the complexities of heritage preservation and cultural evolution in modern society.