St John’s Church

St John’s Church in Wynberg has a fascinating history. It whispers tales of resilience, faith, and change. St John’s Church celebrates its 190th birthday in 2024. Its story unfolds in three distinct periods. The first period, from 1834 to 1891, marks its birth and establishment of legal authority. A group of evangelical Anglicans began worshipping together in a simple Glebe cottage on Waterloo Road. As their numbers grew, the need for a dedicated church became evident. They secured legal authority through Ordinance 6 of 1833, the Wynberg English Church Ordinance. The church building was consecrated in 1834. Decades later, St John’s Church resisted incorporation into a general Act of Parliament, fearing it would compromise its evangelical character. As a result, the St John’s Act (Act 9) of 1891 was passed. This act, specifically for St John’s Church, superseded the original ordinance and remains in effect today. This period saw St John’s establish itself as a beacon of evangelical worship in Wynberg. This contrasted with the Anglo-catholic stance of the Anglican diocese under Bishop Robert Gray. The second period, spanning 1891 to 1956, witnessed the growth of St John’s Parish and its eventual affiliation with the Anglican Church. St John’s established schools in Diep River and on Ottery Road in Wynberg. This expansion led to the construction of St Luke’s Church in Diep River in 1897, Christ Church in Kenilworth in 1907, St Philip’s Church in Kenwyn in 1921, and Emmanuel Church in Wynberg in 1928. These five churches were overseen by a Parish Rector, who also served as Minister-in-charge of St John’s Church. St John’s maintained its evangelical tradition. It desired the offices of a Bishop but also wished to remain within the Anglican Communion. Numerous attempts were made to bridge the gap between St John’s Parish and the Anglican Diocese. The Bishopscourt Declaration of 1936 finally paved the way for a working relationship. This declaration recognized the Church of the Province of South Africa (CPSA) as independent from the Church of England in South Africa. It restored the CPSA’s link with the Church of England under the Archbishop of Canterbury. In 1956, a Declaration of Association was signed, formally uniting St John’s Parish with the Anglican Diocese of Cape Town. The third period, from 1956 to 2024, is characterized by charismatic renewal, a focus on social justice and unity, and rebuilding. The charismatic movement significantly influenced St John’s Church in the 1970s. The gifts of the Holy Spirit became integral to worship. Through inspiring ministers, the church grew. It became a vocal opponent of apartheid injustices during the 1980s. However, forced removals and other factors led to a decline in congregation size. The remaining members focused on healing, spiritual growth, and strengthening relationships. This challenging time fostered a strong sense of community. Efforts were made to attract families and young children, and the worship style evolved to become more contemporary. On Pentecost Day 1999, the Church of the Holy Spirit in Kirstenhof was established, becoming the sixth church in St John’s Parish. St John’s Church has strived to be a welcoming home for all, embracing diverse generations, cultures, and backgrounds. It has become a sanctuary for many displaced people from Central African countries, enriching its community. Rebuilding and reconciliation continued into the 21st century. Outreach efforts, particularly those directed at the nearby military base, had a significant impact. The global pandemic disrupted worship but did not diminish the church’s resilience. St John’s Church continues to stand as a testament to enduring faith and community. It navigates the complexities of history, embraces change, and serves as a spiritual home for many.