Did you know that St. Stephen’s African Methodist Episcopal Church in Cape Town wasn’t always a church? It has quite the backstory. This building standing before you has seen many transformations.
Originally, in 1799, this was Riebeeck Square’s first theater. The British Governor Sir George Yonge wanted to entertain the public. Especially the Garrison needed entertaining. Construction began on what was then Boeren Plein. The theater opened its doors on November 17, 1800. Shops, workshops, and storerooms filled the street level. The theater itself was built above. Table Mountain sandstone formed the walls. A low-pitched roof and buttresses topped with urns gave it a unique look.
But the theater wasn’t a success. It fell into disuse. In 1838, Dr. Adamson of the Presbyterian Church stepped in. He wanted to create a school for freed slaves. The Dutch Reformed Church supported the proposal. The building was soon used as a school during the week. Sundays saw it transform into a place of worship and religious school. It was then named after St. Stephen, the first martyr.
Legend has it that the dissatisfied slaves stoned the church. This happened one Sunday during a service. That’s why it was named after the first martyr. In 1857, the congregation joined the Dutch Reformed Church. The church was purchased by its Elders. St. Stephen’s became the only Dutch Reformed Church named after a saint.
The 20th century brought challenges. The area changed. The congregation dwindled. There was even a proposal to demolish St. Stephen’s African Methodist Episcopal Church. A parking garage was planned for the site. Fortunately, the space proved too small.
The Apartheid Government then proposed making the suburb exclusively for White residents. This proposal was also abandoned. On October 22, 1965, St. Stephen’s African Methodist Episcopal Church was declared a National Monument.
This declaration saved St. Stephen’s African Methodist Episcopal Church from demolition. Cultural organizations and the Historical Monuments Commission fought for its preservation. It stands today as a testament to resilience. It is also a symbol of community. It is a place where ex-slaves found solace. It remains a unique landmark. It’s the only Dutch Reformed Church to bear the name of a saint. Its story is etched in every stone.
St. Stephen’s African Methodist Episcopal Church is a historical treasure. It stands as a reminder of Cape Town’s complex past.