“Religion, Churches” is how New Apostolic Westbank Central is described. This might sound simple but this church has a rich history. Let’s delve into the story of this New Apostolic Church Westbank Central in Cape Town.
New Apostolic Westbank Central is more than just a building. It is a community hub rooted in faith and service. The New Apostolic Church in Southern Africa is part of a global network. The head of the entire church is the chief apostle. His office is in Zürich, Switzerland.
The Southern Africa region includes South Africa and Namibia. It also encompasses Mozambique, Madagascar, and eSwatini. Lesotho, Botswana, St Helena Island, and the Falkland Islands are also part of it. Further territories are Le Reunion, Mauritius, Mayotte, Rodriguez, Seychelles, and Ascension Island. District Apostle Peter Lambert has been responsible for the Southern Africa region since December 10, 2023.
The New Apostolic Church in Cape Town has a history spanning over a century. In 1889, Apostle Carl Klibbe arrived in Cape Town from Australia. He started a small New Apostolic congregation. The growing community needed a dedicated space for worship.
Nine New Apostolic families collected 700 pounds. They bought property on Palmyra Road in Claremont for 175 pounds. With the remaining 525 pounds, they built a small church. The church was completed in just four months. It was dedicated on Pentecost, June 4, 1906. This marked the first New Apostolic Church in Africa.
The dedication ceremony included a reading from Psalm 122 by Apostle Klibbe. He emphasized the simple truths of the Christian faith. The German General Consul and the mayor of Claremont also spoke. They praised the community’s diligence and sacrifice.
Services were held in English, German, and Dutch. They often lasted three to four hours. In 1932, the church on Palmyra Road was expanded and renovated. Today, it hosts meetings, seminars, and weddings. It also houses photos and memorabilia from its history.
From this first congregation in Africa, about 1,000 congregations emerged. These congregations spread across the Cape District. They include around 500 church buildings. Membership now exceeds 290,000.
Some areas have seen such growth that multiple churches stand close together. The Tafelsig church is the largest New Apostolic Church building globally. Other New Apostolic churches are prominent landmarks in their cities. The New Apostolic Church Westbank Central connects to this network. It stands as a place of worship. It offers services on Sundays at 9:00 and Wednesdays at 19:30.
The New Apostolic Westbank Central is good for children. It provides access for people with disabilities. It also provides parking. New Apostolic Westbank Central continues to serve its community. It is a testament to faith and perseverance.