DCC celebrates 35 years

A CELEBRATION was held at Durban Christian Centre this month to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Durban Christian Centre at the Jesus Dome in Mayville.

From baptising new converts in the crocodile-infested Zambesi River in Zambia to preaching in super-size churches overseas, Pastors Fred and Nellie have endured hardship, lack, sorrow, countless victories and overflowing joy in 60 years on the frontline of gospel ministry.

Of course they never realised what a journey it would be when they set off for Zambia (then Northern Rhodesia) in 1954. They were newly-wed and Fred was fresh back from two years studying at the Assemblies of God College in Britain.

Life on the mission field was an exciting start, but after two years Fred and Nellie were led back to South Africa and started work in Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal. By the time they decided to return to Durban they had been given land on which a church, a school and an orphanage were later established. Today the Estcourt Christian Centre continues to play a significant role in the local community.

Always looking for bigger challenges, Fred and Nellie arrived in Durban and planted a thriving congregation in the suburb of Malvern. Their formula was simple – get the children to Sunday school and the parents will soon be netted for the Lord as well.

Despite the Malvern assembly becoming the boast of the denomination, Fred was still wrestling with a vision to win even more people to Christ.

At the start of the Charismatic Renewal in South Africa in the late seventies he left the denomination in order to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit.

It was a major decision to leave after 31 years' faithful service to the church. However, Fred and Nellie followed the vision and the will of God to establish one of the first interdenominational, non-racial churches in South Africa, calling it Durban Christian Centre.

Hiring a movie theatre, they started with services on a Sunday afternoon and soon the 2 000-seater auditorium was packed. Soon the Alhambra theatre building was bought and Durban Christian Centre was established as a genuine 'people’s church', where people of all colours and backgrounds were welcome.

These premises became too small, so land was purchased and work began on the Jesus Dome, an impressive 55 000-seater church. It was dedicated to the Lord in 1999 and has become a feature of the city. This was the fulfilment of a vision for Pastor Fred and Nellie to found a 'house of prayer for all nations'.

A well-functioning Bible Institute has been running for over 25 years with hundreds of college graduates now pastoring and involved in ministries in various parts of southern Africa and around the world. Because of the high prevalence of HIV/Aids in the province, Durban Christian Centre also has an effective outreach providing education, HIV testing and primary health clinics.