New Apostols Church

Gazing at the New Apostols Church, can you imagine a time when two churches bearing the same name existed in South Africa? For over a decade, between 1913 and 1926, two separate New Apostolic Churches thrived, one led by Apostle Carl Georg Klibbe and the other by Apostle Schlaphoff. This unusual situation eventually led to a court case that resolved the conflict. The New Apostols Church, as we know it today, traces its roots back to these turbulent times. Originally, services were held in homes and then later in rented spaces and repurposed houses. The first dedicated church building for the New Apostols Church was in Claremont in 1906. Interestingly, the sermons back then were delivered in German, leading locals to refer to it as the “German Apostolic church”. The New Apostols Church in Tafelsig, a monumental structure capable of holding 4,000 people, stands as a testament to the growth and resilience of the church. This very church hosted the international Pentecost service in 2023. The design itself is quite remarkable. Built on columns, it allows for parking underneath. The double gallery and mezzanine floor, along with the glass balustrades and roof construction, ensure that the altar is visible from every seat. While the main sanctuary seats 3,500, the mezzanine level, with its additional rooms and Sunday school facilities, can accommodate another 500 people. Even the altar is designed with functionality in mind. Built on two levels, it serves as both a sacred space and a stage for choir and orchestra performances. The New Apostols Church is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a place of community, a symbol of faith that has endured through division and grown to become a global presence.