Before you stands St George’s Cathedral. Known as the People’s Cathedral it stands as the oldest cathedral in Southern Africa. It is more than just a beautiful building. It is a symbol of democracy and resistance.
In 1827, the Bishop of Calcutta visited Cape Town. He suggested building an Anglican church. Before that, Anglicans used the Cape Town Castle for services. Later, they were offered space by the Groote Kerk.
The colonial government donated land at Government Avenue and Wale Street. Governor Sir Lowry Cole laid the foundation stone on St George’s Day in 1830. Erste Berg Dwars Street was renamed St George’s Street. Architect John Skirrow based the design on St Pancras Church in London. Hermann Schutte was the contractor. The church cost about sixteen thousand pounds. St George’s Church opened for services on December 21 1834.
Robert Gray became the first bishop of Cape Town in 1847. He made St George’s Church his cathedral. He wanted a grander building. But this did not happen during his time.
William West Jones became the second bishop in 1874. In 1901, the Duke of Cornwall and York laid a new foundation stone. The letters AMDG were on it. This means “To the Greater Glory of God”. The South African War delayed work until 1904.
By 1908, the eastern end was underway. A new chapel was built in memory of West Jones. It was dedicated to St John the Baptist in 1909. Work continued slowly. In 1930, the Earl of Athlone laid a memorial stone. The north transept was completed in 1936. Sir Herbert Baker’s design was finally a reality.
St George’s Cathedral became a provincial heritage site in 2014. This protects it under South African law. The cathedral played a big role against apartheid. It became known as the People’s Cathedral. Desmond Tutu, the first black archbishop, led marches against apartheid from its steps.
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is buried in front of the high altar.
The original cathedral had eight bells cast in 1834. These bells were rung by chiming. In the 1950s the old cathedral was demolished. The bells were stored. In 1963, they were recast into a ring of ten bells. In 1979, they were properly installed in a new bell tower. The smallest bell weighs 594 pounds. The largest is named “Good Hope” and weighs 2800 pounds. The bells are named Joy, Love, Peace, Faith, Charity, Service, Patience, Sacrifice, Redemption, and Good Hope.
Inside, the great west window shows a triumphant black Christ. Mahatma Gandhi is also depicted. The cathedral has stained glass windows by Gabriel Loire. The most recent is Christ in Triumph over Darkness and Evil. It is in memory of Earl Mountbatten. Eight Gabriel Loire windows show the theme of creation. The rose window shows Christ in Majesty.
The cathedral’s crypt houses a jazz restaurant called The Crypt.
Two stained glass windows are from the old cathedral. They show the Ascension and the Last Supper. The Ascension is a memorial to Robert Gray. The Last Supper is a memorial to Felton Matthew.
Before entering the north aisle, there is a plaque. It commemorates the visit of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1995. Four windows by Frank Spears show the Nativity, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension.
The north transept has a large stained glass window. It is dedicated to the saints and pioneers of the church in Africa. Francis Skeat created it.
The pulpit and lectern are from the old cathedral. They are in memory of the wreck of the SS Drummond Castle in 1896. The high altar is of black marble. It has mosaic crosses from Jerusalem. A painting Descent from the Cross hangs on the north wall. The original throne of Robert Gray is also there.
The Lady Chapel is for private prayer. Two stained glass windows show soldier saints. The circular window shows the Virgin with her crucified Son.
St David’s Chapel has a Canterbury stone. It is a memorial to those who died in the South African War. St John The Baptist Chapel contains the painting Adoration of the Magi.
St George’s Cathedral stands incomplete. Yet it stands strong. It embodies the spirit of Cape Town. It represents faith justice and resilience. Take a moment to reflect on its history.