Goodwood Methodist Church is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year as it marks 60 years of ministry, worship and service to the Goodwood community.

The church’s story began in 1966 through the vision and determination of local resident and Methodist lay preacher, William John Watling, explains Retha Wiid, circuit treasurer. At the age of 65, Watling grew weary of travelling long distances each Sunday to attend worship and felt called to establish a Methodist presence in Goodwood.

Going from door to door, he searched for fellow Methodists living in the area. His efforts soon resulted in 13 families and 26 children gathering for worship and Sunday School, laying the foundation for what would become the Goodwood Methodist Society, said Wiid.

Early days

The first church council meeting was held on 16 May 1966 under the leadership of Rev David Sadler of Parow Methodist Church. Initially, the congregation worshipped in the Seventh-day Adventist Hall in Goodwood, paying a rental of just R2 per Sunday. In those early days, there were occasions when the weekly collection did not even cover the rent, but the congregation persevered in faith, Wiid said.

The roots of Methodism in Goodwood, however, stretch back even further. Historical records recall Methodist worship gatherings in the area as early as the 1930s. By 1948, a Methodist Society had been established in Goodwood, serving the local Coloured community until it was forced to close in 1960 as a result of the Group Areas Act.

A major milestone was reached in 1979 when land was purchased in Alice Street for the construction of a permanent church building. Through sacrificial giving, fundraising and loans, the congregation raised the necessary funds to build the church. The building was officially dedicated on 12 December 1981.

Over the past six decades, generations of ministers and members have contributed to the growth and development of the congregation, Wiid said. From humble beginnings in a family home and rented halls, the church has grown into a vibrant place of worship and fellowship that continues to serve the community today.

Milestone

As members gather to celebrate the church’s 60th anniversary, they do so with gratitude for God’s faithfulness and for the vision, dedication and sacrifices of those who helped build the congregation over the years.

The anniversary celebrations serve not only as an opportunity to reflect on the past but also to look forward with hope as Goodwood Methodist Church continues its mission of sharing faith, serving the community and making a positive difference in the lives of others, said Wiid.

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