History
The farm of Trevecka fawr was the home of Howel Harris, (1714 - 1773) who was schooled in Talgarth, and at the dissenting academy at Llwyn-llwyd. As a result of an overwhelming spiritual experience at Talgarth in 1735 under the influence of the Rev. Pryce Davies, he was converted to missionary work. He set up at Trevecka fach his 'teulu' as a model of Christian life and co-operation, and began a life dedicated to preaching in Wales, setting up further 'seiat', the first being at Y Wernos, Llandyfalle. His success drew the attention of John Wesley, whom he met in Bristol in 1739 and agreed separate areas of prozletising, and also of Selina Hastings, the Countess of Huntingdon, whose influence on Harris from late 1739 was significant to his further work. He drew many supporters and followers, including George Whitefield (from 1739), William Williams, Pantycelyn, teacher at Llwyn llwyd, and Peter Williams. Harris and Daniel Rowlands underwent a public schism at Llandiloes in 1750, partly due to Harris being inspired by the Moravians after a visit to Fulbeck, and he returned home to Trefeca.
He received a donation from Madam Sidney Griffith of Cefnamlwch of ú900 in 1752 for the enlargement of the house, and for the building of community buildings, a chapel, infirmary, bathhouse, dovecote and a fishpond. Building apparently commenced forthwith in a Kentian 'Modern Gothick style', then being newly promoted by Sanderson Miller at Lacock, and by Bateman, under the influence of Walpole, at Shobdon, Herefordshire, although further enlightenment on Harris's choice of style has not survived (Alwyn Lloyd claims that Harris acted as his own architect). Harris's influence in the world of dissenting protestantism continued however, and Wesley visited Trefeca in 1756, 1763 and 1769. Harris, with his brother Joseph, also became involved in agriculture, founding the first agricultural society in the Principality in 1754 [Society for the Improvement of Agriculture in Breconshire], and established a printing press at Trefeca in 1758. This continued to operate until 1806, printing inter alia the John Canne Bible in 1790. Harris also established, in 1756, a school for woollen manufacture with 8 looms. At one time there were 120 people resident, plying up to 60 crafts and trades.
The property was bought in 1838 as a Theological College (Calvanistic Methodist) which commenced activities in 1842, and closed in 1906, having built the present chapel. The present college in now the Lay Training Centre for the Presbyterian Church of Wales.