Historic St Thomas Church opens its grounds to community
St Thomas Church is set to open its grounds throughout the week, welcoming the public with a reflective garden, tea garden and community programmes.
THE month of September is shaping up to be a significant one for St Thomas Anglican Church in Musgrave as it seeks to revive its role as a beacon of hope for the Berea community.
The 160-year-old church plans to open its gates and doors to the public throughout the week, beginning with the opening of a reflective garden during Arbor Week in the first week of September.
The initiative aims to create a safe space for anyone in need of guidance, hope, prayer or simply a quiet place to reflect, regardless of their religion.
“Durban is in need of hope. Our call is to open the gates daily so that St Thomas reclaims its heritage as the beacon for everyone in Berea,” said the church as it unveiled plans for the welcoming tea garden and reflective area. “This vision is about creating spaces where children play, families gather, elders rest, and strangers find a home.”
Also Read: St Thomas’ Church celebrates 160 years of history
Under the theme ‘Open Hearts, Open Ground’, the church, which shares a gate with a local café, plans to use the synergy between the two spaces to encourage café customers to also make use of the church grounds.
“It is not just about beautification, it’s about opening the church grounds daily and not only on Sundays. Increase the footprint into the church by making the grounds a place of welcome, reflection, and activity. By the church opening during the week allows people to walk, sit, and pray.”
As part of the revival, the church will also host book exchanges, community initiatives and wellness programmes.
“Create a place that brings creativity, courage, and energy where young people gather, share ideas, play, learn, and grow in faith. We must act and take ownership and showing that St Thomas Church is not only for Sundays, but for every day of the week. A church filled with music, art, laughter, and belonging for the community we serve.”
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