Saint Andrews Anglican Church

Did the stones of Saint Andrews Anglican Church in Cape Town ever whisper their secrets? Here at Saint Andrews in Newlands, the Table Mountain stone whispers stories of a century past. Saint Andrews Anglican Church celebrated its centenary in 1994. Lady Loch laid the foundation stone in March 1894. This church holds the distinction of being the first of over fifty churches designed by Sir Herbert Baker in South Africa. The original thatched roof has been replaced twice. First by wooden shingles in 1949 and then by mazista slate in 1969. A turret was added to house a donated bell in 1897. Inside Saint Andrews Anglican Church, discover a unique treasure. Three stained-glass windows grace the east wall above the altar. These windows are the only examples of Burne-Jones glass in South Africa. Gifted by Lady Loch, they were dedicated in August 1912. The church also houses a children’s window brought from an earlier chapel. This circular window depicts Jesus with six children. Pews designed by David Stapleton Cotton replaced the original chairs in 1970. Embroidered front panels adorn the wooden altar, donated in 1919. These panels change with the seasons. Kneelers, a striking feature of the church, were crafted by the Tapestry Group. Their unique designs use only seven colors. Saint Andrews Anglican Church faced a difficult period during the 1960s. The Group Areas Act forced many parishioners to leave their homes. A simple wooden cross inside the church commemorates this challenging time. It stands as a testament to the resilience of the remaining congregation. Outside, a wooden lych gate welcomes you. Erected in 1908, its story involves the Church Lad’s Brigade, the Cape Government Railways, and a train accident. A low marble wall flanks the path to the church. This wall bears plaques remembering former parishioners. Their ashes rest in the Garden of Remembrance. Saint Andrews Anglican Church has weathered storms and celebrated milestones. It continues to serve as a vibrant center of worship in the Anglican community. As you leave Saint Andrews, may the whispers of history stay with you. Remember the stones, the windows, and the stories they tell.