Through its heavy wooden doors, the heart of the Boksburg Central Methodist Church is awash with colour, as the sun coaxes the colours of its stained-glass windows to dance on the pews.

Its domed ceiling creates a harmonious echo of hymns that have been sung inside the religious sanctum for the past 120 years.

Establishing its roots near the banks of the glistening Boksburg Lake in 1906, the church has served as the spiritual home to some of the mining town’s first settlers.

According to historical records held by the church, Boksburg Methodists were initially served by ministers and local preachers who were part of the Johannesburg East Circuit.

They were known to travel from Denver by bicycle, traversing dense bush to meet settlers in homes or small buildings until the formal church was constructed.

Celebrating 12 decades of faithful service on October 18, Rev Graham Huxtable said the occasion is about more than acknowledging the brick and mortar that has stood the test of time, shaded by towering trees.

It is about honouring those who have made the building a home.

Delivering messages of hope, guidance and God’s love from the church’s pulpit for the past 19 years, the serving leader likens church members to family in faith.

“Compassionate care and endearing support for one another is characteristic of this congregation,” he said.

“Deeply entrenched in its culture is family spirit, and due to this I pay particular care to prepare sermons that speak to the hearts of each member, bearing their personal journeys in mind.

“Connecting on a personal level, delivering the word of God to the souls of members, aids them in their journey with our Father.”

An ageing congregation and fast-paced living, however, threaten the survival of the religious institution, whose doors remained open when wars raged and the country took its first steps into democracy.

“Immigration has beckoned many former members to foreign shores, leaving once-full pews vacant and empty,” said Huxtable.

Another blow came in the form of the Covid-19 pandemic, with live church broadcasts keeping many opting to receive the word in the comfort of their own homes.

“In a world where devices keep us connected, as a society we have become increasingly disconnected,” he said.

“On Sunday mornings, gathered here, we not only connect in worship, but with kin.

“Laughter of children attending our Sunday School services has grown quiet. Meaningful and life-changing services such as the domestic employment service, which connected potential workers with employers, have ceased due to increasing transport costs. Blushing brides no longer walk down the aisle to be wed. However, we remain hopeful that worshippers will once again fill the church, receiving divine benediction.”

Despite dwindling numbers, Joycelynn Schulltz (91) says the church is still her home.

“I have recently moved to Witfield, but attend the Women’s Fellowship and Sunday services to spend time in God’s presence,” she said.

At her seat at the organ, Lynn Moodie said that when the notes of her instrument wail in praise and worship, empty spaces are filled with God’s grace.

Join a special service

To commemorate the church’s milestone anniversary, members, past and present, as well as members of the community are invited to join in a celebratory sermon at 09:30 on October 18.

“It would fill our hearts with joy to enjoy a service in a full worship space,” said Huxtable.

For more information, contact Pat Graham on 069 633 5663.

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