St. Saviour’s

In 1850, a seed of faith was planted in Claremont. This seed, nurtured by Bishop Gray and his wife Sophia, blossomed into St. Saviour’s Church. St. Saviour’s stands at the corner of Bowwood and Main Roads. It has witnessed the ebb and flow of Cape Town life since 1854. Sophia Gray, a skilled architect, designed the original neo-Gothic structure. The church we see today is a testament to her vision and subsequent expansions. The bell tower, two nave bays, and northwest porch were added later. These additions honored Bishop Gray and Sophia after their deaths in 1872 and 1871 respectively. Further enhancements were made in 1903 and 1953. St. Saviour’s isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a historical landmark, declared a National Monument in 1981. Adjacent to the church lies a cemetery, also overseen by St. Saviour’s. Here, amidst the tranquility, rest prominent figures like Bishop Gray, Sophia Gray, and even the first Prime Minister of the Cape Colony, John Charles Molteno. The cemetery also holds Commonwealth War Graves, a poignant reminder of sacrifices made. Though closed to new burials in 1973, ashes are still interred in this hallowed ground. St. Saviour’s has been a spiritual home for generations, a constant amidst changing times. Even during the turbulent Apartheid era, it remained a beacon of hope, eventually becoming a symbol of integration. St. Saviour’s has evolved over time, growing alongside the community it serves. But it remains deeply rooted in its rich history. Each stone, each window, whispers tales of faith, perseverance, and community.