Benoni Central Methodist Church to celebrate 100 years
The church invites the public and former congregation members who share sentimental memories – whether baptised or married here – to join the celebrations.
Located at 26 Bunyan Street, the church, home to 250 congregants, will host a birthday service, during which they will unveil a plaque marking the centenary.
The event will also honour prominent individuals who have been part of the church journey. Later in the month, they will host a centenary gala dinner to celebrate former reverends and ministers during a thanksgiving service.
Current minister Reverend Samuel Muller, who is in his fourth year serving at the church, said: 'It is a privilege for the church to be here after 100 years. It is refreshing and speaks to the church's hospitality,' said Muller.
The church which forms part of a circuit that includes Methodist churches in Northmead, Great North, Crystal Park, Wattville, Daveyton, and Etwatwa, is considering applying for national heritage status to preserve the building and attract more visitors to the heart of Benoni.
History
Reverend T Ferrier Hulme a former president of the British Conference, laid the foundation stone for the Wesleyan Methodist Church on August 1, 1925. Designed in Gothic style by architect P Rogers Cooke, G Moffat built the church.
At the time, it measured 60 ft × 32.5 ft and included a communion apse, two vestries, and a hall.
The first minister, Reverend John Howard, served the church from 1924 to 1926, initially at the Lake Avenue church before moving to the Bunyan Street church. His sister, Miss Jennie Howard, assisted him and the foundation stone for the present church was laid during his tenure in August 1925.
In 1925, the church sold stand no. 728 Howard Avenue, using the proceeds to fund the new building. Jennie Howard, president of the Women's Auxiliary, officially opened the church in 1926. Reverend Howard was known for his compassion for the working class.
He died later that year at Kleinfontein Hospital. Fundraising efforts continued after his death, with young members organising a concert and social gathering on June 16, 1926.
Notable ministers who followed include Robert Good (1927–1932), Reverend Howard Young (1937–1941), Reverend C Veysie (1965–1969), Reverend George Irvine (1969–1975), Reverend Colin Andrews (1975–1990), Reverend Mike Reece, Reverend Brian Smith (1989–2007), Reverend Pieter Greyling, Reverend Theuns van Aardt (1997–2002), Reverend Hilton Volkwyn (2004–2021) and Reverend Samuel Muller (current minister).
Evolving
Muller emphasised how the church evolved over the years. 'The church, like most town churches, was historically a white church, but today, we embrace a diverse, inclusive, and cosmopolitan community. Another historic moment in the church's history was when Reverend Colin Andrews defied restrictions by opening Corner House, a coffee shop for all races, at the back of the church in the late 1980s. Today, Corner House still serves as a gathering place for congregants after services to enjoy coffee and tea,' said Muller.
Community upliftment
Staying true to its mission to be an oasis for the Benoni community and a place of physical, spiritual, and emotional renewal, the church has several community initiatives, including the Harvest Care which provides meals to more than 100 people every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
This initiative supports youth-headed households, raises community awareness and offers support to those affected and infected with HIV/AIDS. The Bula Monyako (Open the Door) Program provides monthly food parcels to beneficiaries.
The church also assists in children's early childhood development by running a preschool, an aftercare programme for teenagers, and it has created a platform for domestic workers and caregivers to find employment while empowering them through skills development. A project in the pipeline is the eco-brick garden programme.
For more information or to receive an invitation to the centenary events, contact the church at 011 845 2953 or email [email protected] and [email protected].
Also Read: [WATCH] #IMadeMyMark @ Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Brentwood Park
Also Read: Haworth to take U3A members on a tour of the central African Copperbelt
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