Hidden within Somerset West lies All Saints Anglican Chapel. Its story echoes the growth of this charming town. Let’s journey back to 1838. The Reverend J W Sanders, sent by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, began holding Anglican services in the Hottentots-Holland area. He traveled from Stellenbosch, bringing spiritual solace to the scattered communities. But when Sanders returned to England in 1840, these services ceased. A few years later, Bishop Robert Gray arrived, marking a turning point for the Anglican Church in the region. In 1855, land was designated for ecclesiastical purposes in Somerset West, between Victoria and Oak Streets. This plot was initially used as a burial ground. Then in 1860, construction began on a combined chapel and school, near where the municipal library stands today. The Reverend James Robert Godfrey became the Curate-in-Charge and schoolmaster in 1861. A charming anecdote tells us that Godfrey likely chose the name “All Saints” because his birthday fell on November 1st, All Saints’ Day. All Saints Anglican Chapel remained a chapelry of Stellenbosch until 1890. Then it became a Parochial District, encompassing Strand, Sir Lowry’s Pass, and Gordon’s Bay. All Saints Anglican Chapel stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Somerset West. Its journey from humble beginnings to its present glory reflects the growth and resilience of the community it serves.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to