Lutheran Church in Strand Street

The Lutheran Church in Strand Street in Cape Town is the oldest church building in South Africa, dating back to 1792. It was declared a National Monument in 1949.

Lutheran Church in Strand Street
Lutheran Church in Strand Street
33.918939°S 18.419561°E / -33.918939; 18.419561
LocationCape Town, Western Cape
CountrySouth Africa
DenominationLutheranism
History
Founded1780
Architecture
Heritage designationNational Monument and Urban Conservation Area
Architect(s)Anton Anreith
Completed1792

Background

In 1740 a few hundred residents of the bigger Cape area were Lutherans. Lutheran Pastors from Danish and Swedish who's ships were passing through the Bay in the Cape were allowed to preach, administered Holy Communion, baptized babies and confirmed members. This was done on land after they have docked. Baron Gustaaf Willem van Imhoff drew up a memorandum to the Here XVII ("Lords seventeen")(Here XVII was the controlling body of the Dutch East India Company) in 1741, asking that Lutherans in the Cape, be allowed to have their own congregations. It was unsuccessful. In 1741 the Politieke Raad (The local government body) determined that there were 509 Lutherans. 64 Lutherans requested in 1742 to have their own congregation. This was followed by requested of other Lutherans in 1743, 1751, 1753, 1778 and 1779. Request came from the bigger area including Swellendam. Approval were given on 18 October 1779. The first congregation had 442 people, 415 men and 27 women.[1] [2]

Building used

They used a warehouse in Strand Street close to the sea. This was given to them by Martin Melck.[3] From 1787 to 1792 several alterations and additions were made to the building. Anton Anreith created the front elevation of the building, the figure of King David with his harp on the organ loft, the façade of the organ and the pulpit.[4] A memorial plaque for Martin Melck is at the entrance of church.[5]

First pastor

Members JW Hurter, C Nelson and others expressed their wishes to have Christiaan Frederik Blettermann as their first pastor; however Governor Joachim van Plettenberg opted for Andreas Lutgerus Kolver, from Rotterdam the Netherlands. The inaugural service was on 10 December 1780.[1]

Additions

In 1812 the church received an organ and in 1820 a clock tower was added to the buildings[6]

Monument status and conservation

In 1949 it was declared as a national monument.[7]

The church is also declared an urban conservation area.[8]

Modern day

Today it is the oldest church building in South Africa and church services are still held in the building every Sunday.[6]

References
  1. "History of Strand Street Lutheran Congregation and the early Lutherans at the Cape". www.safrika.org. 4 May 2012.
  2. Encyclopaedia: Afrikaanse kinderensiklopedia, publisher: Nasionale Boekhandel Beperk, second revised edition, Place printed: Elsiesrivier, 1972,Editor Dr. C F Albertyn etal, volume 10, page 236
  3. "Martin Melck's history is certainly one of the greatest success stories". www.muratie.co.za.
  4. Book: Cape Baroque and the contribution of Anton Anreith : a stylistic survey of architectural decoration and the applied arts at the Cape of Good Hope, 1652-1800, Author Fransen, Hans Publisher: Rapid Access Publishers Place: Stellenbosch Year: 2014 ISBN No :13 978-1-919985-59-6
  5. User, Super. "Our History and Heritage". www.lutheranchurch.org.za.
  6. "Lutheran Church". Lutheran.co. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  7. "Lutheran Church - Cape Town History". capetownhistory.com.
  8. "Lutheran Church".
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