Local church celebrates 65th anniversary
One of the oldest churches in South Africa - the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (Uccsa) celebrated its 65th anniversary at the church premises in Katlehong on November 12.
The church was founded in 1952 and was known as American Board until the name was changed to Uccsa in 1967.
Rosemary Tshabalala, one of the church elders, told Kathorus MAIL the purpose of the ceremony.
“The church has been through difficult times since it was founded. We used to conduct sermons in different people’s houses as we did not have a proper building. Currently we have a lot of members leaving the church to join other churches because we do not have a full-time leader.
“We also want Kathorus MAIL to send a message to those who left the church so they know that the fire of the Holy Ghost is still burning in this church,” said Tshabalala.
She pleaded with those members to return as their seats were still reserved for them.
Rev Peter de Villiers, the current acting minister, explained the history of the church and what has made the church one of the most successful churches in the history of this country.
“The church didn’t have the proper building after it was founded. The house of Rev Sibase (the minister then) was used to conduct church sermons. As time went on, the church sermons were conducted at different households,” said de Villiers.
Rev de Villiers said they only managed to build their own church in 1961.
“We used the help of Rev Joseph Wing and other white ministries to build our own church. Miners from the mine in Germiston joined in and became the main active members of the church. When the mine was shut down, some of the members left as they had to return to their homes in different areas around the country, but some remained behind and are still members to this day. Even their families joined,” said de Villiers.
Tshabalala said after the church was founded, it used to have full-time ministers.
“For 30 years now we have been having acting or intern ministers. At the moment we have Rev de Villiers who is working by the grace of God to grow us spiritually and financially. As the church we thank God for such a minister even though he only comes once a month. We still hope that soon we will be blessed to have our own full-time minister,” said Tshabalala.
