CHURCH BELL STOLEN

The 200-year-old bell in the bell tower of St John the Baptist Anglican Church in Pinetown was stolen last week. The 15 kg bell was brought to South Africa from Scotland, by A.K. MURRAY, one of the church's founding fathers. Parishioners have searched local scrap yards and pawn shops, without success.

CHURCH BURNS DOWN

The NG Kerk Hennenman-Oos burnt down last week. The fire, believed to have been caused by an electrical fault, spread so fast that nothing could be saved. The church has more than 400 parishioners, and celebrated its 50th anniversary two years ago.

ST GEORGE'S CENTENARY

St George’s Presbyterian Church in Wellington celebrates its centenary this year. A Re-dedication Service will take place, after which a Wall of Remembrance will be unveiled. On the 07 April 1902 the Presbytery of Cape Town considered wishes of a group of friends under the leadership of James HARVIE to start a Presbyterian Church in Wellington. Rev. J.M. RUSSEL was appointed to investigate the matter. He reported his findings on 07 July 1902 and the Presbytery resolved that the Moderator, Rev, J.J. McCLURE, would conduct services on the first Sabbath of August 1902. The Moderator became ill, and Rev. RUSSEL conducted the services in the hall of the Normal College in Pentz Street on Sunday 03 August 1902. About 40 worshippers attended the morning service and 45 the evening service. The cornerstone of St George’s Presbyterian Church was laid on 01 August 1908 by the Right Rev. John DEWAR.

KIMBERLEY CHURCH CENTENARY

The Anglican Cathedral Church of St Cyprian the Martyr, in Du Toitspan Road, Kimberley, celebrates its centenary in 2007/8. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid on the 5th March 1907, but the parish history dates back to 1870 when John Witherstone RICKARDS became rector. By 1876 the congregation had grown too large. In 1879 a new iron church building was imported from England. The cornerstone was laid by Lt.-Col. WARREN on the 28th August 1879. On the 18th November 1879, a strong wind swept away the new church before it was completed. The church was constructed again in Jones Street and dedicated on the 28th March 1880. When this church again became too small, the architect Daniel Westward GREATBATCH was asked to design a new church. The cornerstone was laid on the 5th March 1907 and the church was dedicated on the 13th May 1908. The building contractor was J. NEWTON. On the 30th June 1912, the church was elevated to cathedral status, with the formation of the Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman. The steeple, completed in 1960, was to serve as a reminder of parishioners who died during World War II. The church also has the longest nave in the country.