St Thomas’ Church celebrates 160 years of history

St Thomas' Anglican Church will be celebrating their 160th with a jam-packed fête next weekend and a tour of the main and old church, which is open to the public who want to learn more about the history of the Musgrave church.

Reverend Ian Blyth and Margeret Blyth invite the community to their local fête at St Thomas’ Anglican Church to enjoy the fun activities in store. Photo: Nia Louw

ST Thomas’ Anglican Church in Musgrave is celebrating 160 years since Anglican worship began at old St Thomas’ on the Berea. To find out more about the history of the local church, Berea Mail visited St Thomas’ and spoke with Reverend Ian Blyth and his wife, Margaret Blyth, both faithful members of the parish.

“The foundation stone for the old St Thomas’ in Ridge Road (now Peter Mokaba Road) was laid on April 19, 1864. When building began on a timber and corrugated-iron structure, the materials had been donated by Mrs Danby Harcourt in England and originally destined for a site in Congella,” said Margaret.

The Te Deum window above the altar at St Thomas’ Anglican Church. Photo: Nia Louw

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The church was consecrated on June 28, 1864, by the Lord Bishop of Cape Town, Robert Gray. “This structure was in use until 1899 when a new church, also called St Thomas’, was built on Musgrave Road. By 1928, the old church had become so dilapidated that its steeple collapsed, and as a result, the remainder had to be demolished. A new church was built in its place,” said Margaret.

A picture of the beautiful Old St Thomas’ Church, built before St Thomas’ Church in Musgrave. Photo: Submitted

Now after 160 years, St Thomas’ Anglican Church is still a place that provides the community with pastoral care and a place to worship, and the local church has two events coming up to celebrate its anniversary. If you’re interested in getting to know the history of St Thomas’, join a tour of the church on Saturday, July 20, to find out interesting facts about the historic Durban church and tour two historical landmarks in Durban.

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St Thomas’ Church was established in 1864 and is still a big part of the Musgrave community. Photo: Nia Louw

The tour will include a tour of the Old St Thomas’ Church and the main church located at 195 Musgrave Road. A tour ticket is R50 per person, and tea/coffee and a muffin is R20 per person. The first tour of Old St Thomas’ Church will start at 13:30 with the second tour of the main church at 14:30. The local church is also inviting residents to celebrate at their fête on Saturday, July 27, on the church grounds.

The fête will start at 08:30 and end at 15:00, a wine-tasting will be held from 12:00 to 15:00, and a dance event will start at 18:30. For more information about both events, contact Margaret Blyth on 072 228 2890.

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