Have you heard the tale of the Silent Bell? It hangs in the tower of the Methodist Church. This is not just any church but a landmark. It is a testament to Cape Town’s rich history. We are standing before the Metropolitan Methodist Church. It is a beacon of faith and resilience.
The story of the Methodist Church in Cape Town begins in the early 19th century. British soldiers stationed here brought Methodism with them. A soldier named John Irwin became the first Methodist convert in South Africa. He started prayer meetings with other like-minded men. They met in a small room to read, sing and pray.
Sergeant John Kendrick held services in Cape Town in 1806. John Middlemiss was an early Methodist leader. In 1806, he and others sought out Methodists among the regiments. They found about 42 Christians, some of whom were sincere Methodists. Early meetings took place in adapted buildings. These included a hayloft and a disused wine store. In 1822, they built a church and mission house on Barrack Street. It served as both a school and a church.
Reverend Barnabas Shaw arrived in Cape Town in 1816. He played a significant role in the church’s growth. In 1829, the Wesleyan Methodist Church was erected on Burg Street. Methodist House now stands on this site. Shaw is regarded as the founder of South African Methodism. A memorial tombstone in his memory is to the left of the pulpit.
Reverend Thomas Hodgson returned to Cape Town in 1836. He preached to slaves and ex-slaves on the Grand Parade. Facing violent opposition, he raised funds for a church. This would allow him to preach without disturbance. The Sidney Street Church opened in 1837. Sadly, it marked the beginning of racial separation among Methodists. The Burg Street church became predominantly White. Sidney Street became predominantly Coloured.
In 1875, the Wesleyan Church on Burg Street needed a larger space. They bought the site where the Metropolitan Church now stands. Charles Freeman was the architect. TJC Ingelesby was the builder. The church opened on November 12, 1879.
The tower houses a bell weighing three-and-a-half tons. It has not pealed since Queen Victoria’s Jubilee in 1887. The bell shook the foundation stones of the church and surrounding buildings. It became known as the Silent Bell. But on 1 August 2020 during renovations, the Silent Bell rang very briefly.
Many prominent citizens attended the Methodist Church. It was known for its fine preachers and choirs. Reverend Ernest Titcomb conducted the first radio broadcast of a church service in South Africa. This was from the Metropolitan Church in 1928. Metro, as it was called, attracted large crowds until the 1960s.
The Sidney Street church was sold in 1882. In 1883, a wine store was purchased on Buitenkant Street. It was converted into a place of worship. Buitenkant Street Methodist Church served the people of District Six. It thrived until District Six was declared a White Group Area in 1966. Thousands were forcibly removed including church members. The congregation resisted apartheid. They mounted a Plaque of Shame on the church. It reminded people of the injustice. The congregation continued to worship despite the removals.
In 1988, the congregations of the Metropolitan Church and Buitenkant Street Church united. They formed the Central Methodist Mission. Today, a vibrant congregation worships at the church on Greenmarket Square. The Buitenkant Street church houses the Stepping Stones Children’s Centre. It also houses the District Six Museum.
Both churches have been venues for protest and community events. Buitenkant Street Church was a place of sanctuary during the 1980s. Families of detainees and victims of police brutality found refuge there. In 1990, the Metropolitan Hall hosted the first ANC press conference after the unbanning. Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki spoke there. In 1994, the church launched the Gun Free South Africa campaign. In 2000, it hosted the World Methodist Council Peace Award Ceremony for Nelson Mandela.
The Methodist Church in Cape Town continues to be relevant. Its buildings are places of praise. They are also places where people find sanctuary. They encourage people to relate their faith to the challenges of the day. Remember the Silent Bell. Remember the voices that echoed within these walls. Remember the Methodist Church’s enduring spirit.