Tafta church requires community support

THE Tafta Park Oldfield Church in Bellair will commemorate its centenary anniversary in October this year and is calling for the community to support its drive to commemorate this auspicious event in the community’s history.

The 100-year old church, which was acquired as a Methodist church but now serves an inter-denominational congregation, first opened for services in 1919 after having had its foundation stone laid by Mrs AH Smith in 1918.

To celebrate the church’s rich history, The Association for the Aged (Tafta), will host a commemorative ceremony on Friday, 26 October, and according to Tafta CEO Femada Shamam, is desperately in need of the community’s support to come to their assistance to build an archive of information around the Church’s history.

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“Not much is known about the Church’s history as many of the area’s forefathers have passed on, but we want to make an effort to document this event in the area’s history, as well as in Tafta’s own historical record in this, our 60th year. I’m led to believe the church existed prior to us taking over ownership of the building and there must be residents of the area whose family members played some role in the construction of the Church. We’re looking for information about its history, old pictures, anything that may be of value to contribute towards its commemoration as a historical building in the area,” said Shamam.

In addition, in August of this year, Tafta Park residents will host a fete at the Oldfield centre to raise funds for the repair of the Church which was affected by a storm in Durban in October of last year. The community are also asked to visit the fete on 4 August to contribute towards the upkeep and commemoration of this milestone in the area’s history. On offer at the fete will be a few karate demonstrations, live music and kids entertainment, and of course, food and goods stalls.

To sponsor flowers or cake towards the church’s commemoration activities, contribute content towards its history or simply book a vendor table at the Oldfield fete, contact Mary Fouche on oldfield@tafta.org.za or 031 465 9268.

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