St Dominic’s marks 90 years of faith and community
Generations of worshippers have called St Dominic’s Catholic Church home.
St Dominic’s Catholic Church celebrated the 90th anniversary of its historic building on October 3, bringing together clergy, parishioners and guests to honour nine decades of faith, fellowship and service to the Boksburg community.
The celebration began with the blessing of a commemorative plaque near the church’s main entrance by Archbishop Emeritus of Johannesburg, Buti Tlhagale, Oblate of Mary Immaculate, marking the milestone in the life of the parish.
The Mass was celebrated by Tlhagale, representing Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Johannesburg.
He was joined by parish priest Fr Solomon Mphela, Order of Friars Minor; Dominican Vice-Provincial Fr Clement Mweni, Order of Preachers; former parish priest Fr Jeff Jawaheer; and Dawn Park parish priest Fr Sizwe Mkhonza, Order of Friars Minor, alongside four deacons.
“The 90th anniversary is a time to remember all those who worshipped here, received the sacraments, raised their children in the faith and cared for those in need,” said Mphela. “Their contribution forms part of the parish’s history and continues to shape our community today.”
Although the church building is 90 years old, the Catholic Church’s presence in Boksburg dates back even further.
The parish hall stands on the site of the original parish church, built in 1910, bringing the parish’s history in the area to 116 years.
Situated opposite the City of Ekurhuleni administrative buildings, the church remains a prominent landmark in the Boksburg CBD.
An article published in the East Rand Express on October 2, 1936, highlighted the church’s prominent position and suggested that it should attract the civic interest of Boksburg residents.
Nine decades later, the building continues to form part of the town’s historical landscape.
Maintaining the church has also meant preserving its historic features.
Its stained-glass windows, damaged during the 2022 gas tanker explosion in Hospital Road, have recently undergone maintenance.
The anniversary Mass carried additional significance as it coincided with the 800th feast day of St Francis of Assisi.
Boksburg is served by Franciscan friars.
The celebration continued with a formal dinner in the parish hall.
Guests embraced the Dominican black-and-white theme, representing veritas, or truth, while enjoying an evening of entertainment and fellowship.
Among those attending were Richard Loring, principal of St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls, and Pamela Diesel, representing Christian Brothers’ College Boksburg, highlighting the longstanding relationship between the parish and the schools.
Looking ahead, Mphela said the parish remained committed to its role in the community.
“We remain a vibrant, diverse community, committed to passing on the gospel and serving those around us,” he said.
Through its charitable initiatives and community organisations, St Dominic’s continues to serve residents, carrying forward a legacy built by generations of parishioners.
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