Did you know that St George’s Church in Johannesburg began as a church hall in 1904? Sir Herbert Baker designed St George’s. The original structure was intended as a temporary space. The plan was to build a full church later.
In 1910, the hall was modified. It was repurposed as a church. These modifications included the bell tower and vestry. Final alterations were completed in the nineteen sixties.
St George’s celebrated its centenary in October 2004. The congregation undertook many projects. They aimed to celebrate its existence. They also wanted to raise money for the church’s future.
St George’s has always been linked to mining magnates. This is because of its location in Parktown. Parktown was a fashionable suburb back then.
The church retains some of this link. But it is also embracing a changing role. This is in line with the changing demographics. St George’s occupies a liminal position. It sits between affluent northern suburbs and melting pots. These include Braamfontein, Hillbrow and Berea.
Parktown itself is no longer primarily residential. This means that the church lacks an easily defined parish. Adjoining suburbs still provide the main body of the congregation. These include Parktown West and Westcliff. Also Forest Town, Parkview, Saxonwold and Parkwood are part of it. More parishioners now come from farther afield. Many are non-white. They come from similar educational and professional backgrounds.
The demographics of nearby areas are rapidly changing. These areas include Braamfontein and Hillbrow. Also Berea, Auckland Park and Melville. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for St George’s. The changing demographics need reflection. It needs to be reflected in pastorally transformative ways.
Educational institutions are important to St George’s. These include Wits and the University of Johannesburg. Also St. John’s College, Roedean, The Ridge, and St Katherine’s. St George’s is most active at Roedean. It functions as a chaplaincy there.
So, St George’s Church has a rich history. It has evolved. It continues to serve its community in Parktown.