To celebrate a history in Strand that is both passionate and painful, the area’s Methodist congregation gathered on Sunday (1 October), to mark 174 years of its existence.
Methodists from the then-named Mostert’s Bay originally worshipped at the historic Somerset West Methodist church. In 1849, when their new minister Rev Richard Ridgill arrived, he helped them establish a congregation, purchase land and build their first church in 1850, with a loan he had secured. The little fishing community quickly paid their loan off.
White folk who moved into the area joined the church, resulting in a racially mixed congregation. A day school was started in the church, which provided education for the community. The Muslim community also used this building and the white Dutch Reformed congregation can trace its origins back to this little church.
After AECI (dynamite factory) was established in 1902, a larger church building was needed. By 1905 the stately Gothic church building, near Friedman and Cohen was completed. For five decades the bright light of this church was a beacon for fishing boats out on the stormy waters of False Bay. The large church bell was also used to warn the fishermen of other dangers.
For more than 100 years coloured and white folk worshipped as one congregation. Their children played together and went to the same school, which afterwards became the all-white Lochnerhof Primary School. Sadly, in 1945, the congregation separated racially. The coloured folk remained, while the white folk moved out. The latter worshipped in the Dutch Reformed church hall, until they built their own church in the Strand.
In 1955, as dictated by the Group Areas Act, the coloured congregation was forced to move to “Halfway”, where they built a church (Jubilee Hall) and the CR Rhoda Primary School. Their beautiful Strand church was demolished in 1958. Christian Robert (CR) Rhoda who started his teaching career at the Strand Methodist church school in 1912 was the school’s first principal. On his retirement the school was named after him. Methodists produced numerous teachers, among them Denise Visser, who related parts of the history at the 174th Anniversary service.
By the mid-1960s, Halfway was declared an all-white area, and the coloured community was forced to relocate once again, this time to Rusthof. The Methodists had already built Wesley Hall in Hammond Street, which also served as a junior primary school. This building was too small to accommodate both congregations. In 1969, construction of the present church, on the corner of Broadlands and 3rd Avenue, was completed. Although the official opening service of their new church was filled with joy, the congregation still experienced feelings of uncertainty, because they did not know if they would be forced to move again.
Despite the disruptions and moves they experienced the Methodists gave the Strand community both hope and a purpose for being when it was really needed. Besides the many schools they built that offered education to the community, numerous Methodists also became teachers.
The Boys Brigade was started in 1912, and some years later the Girls Brigade. These initiatives taught young people about values, integrity and discipline. The Methodist Brigade in the Strand was highly ranked, often taking first place in competitions in the Western Cape. The Brass Band, which still exists today, continues to enthral.
The Methodists had two professional rugby football clubs, which won many trophies and accolades. There was also a professional Methodist Cricket Club. While unfortunately, these clubs don’t exist anymore, Methodists still excel in various sporting codes, provincially, nationally and internationally. In August 2023, we celebrated our young sportspeople’s amazing achievements. Some received provincial and national colours, while others were selected to represent South Africa abroad.
A Methodist trademark is our music and singing. In addition to leading the congregation during worship services our choirs have also won numerous competitions. Sunday schools, confirmation classes and youth groups, provided firm grounding, not only in the Christian faith, but also in morals and integrity, for many leaders in all areas of society.
The women’s groups have excelled in serving not only the church, but the wider community with their many acts of care and love. Helping Hands, a weekly soup kitchen, and other forms of community outreach, are a testament to God’s mission in the Rusthof community. The Methodist Sencit Retirement Home is still serving the community 40 years after it opened.
The Rusthof Methodist family is proud to celebrate and give thanks to God for 174 years of Christian witness in Strand.
The congregation is the proud recipient of a rich heritage passed down to them, from the time they were a fishing community way back in the 1840s.
Among the plans to celebrate its 175th birthday next year, is the writing of the church’s history. Therefore an appeal is extended to anyone who had an association with the Strand Methodists to show any old photos or memorabilia in their possession. The church also launched its R175 000 Building Fund, which people are welcome to contribute to. . For more information, contact Reverend Gabriel on 082 856 8499 or at revemgabriel@gmail.com.
