Butetown was a culturally diverse community and it’s not surprising that a large variety of religious faiths were represented - Baptist, Catholic, Church-in-Wales, Greek Orthodox, Lutheran, Judaism, Methodist, Muslim, Quaker, Salvation Army – including Welsh language chapels.
Religious tolerance was the order of the day. Indeed, it was not unusual for people to attend various different denominations. This was especially true for children who would join whichever religious festival was being celebrated regardless of their own background. Eid and Christmas were pretty much celebrated by the whole community.
Many of the church and chapel buildings have now disappeared. But two notable exceptions remain.
The little Norwegian Church began life beside Bute West Dock in 1868. It was dismantled in 1987 and rebuilt on its present prominent position alongside the waterfront in 1992.
St Mary the Virgin church with its twin towers on Bute Street was opened in 1842 on land given by the Marquess of Bute who was at the opening. The church continues the thrive as a diverse congregation.
