ST Agnes Anglican Church in Kloof is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, marking nine decades of worship, Christian witness and service to the Highway community.

Rector of St Agnes, the Ven. Sizwe Ngcobo, said although the present Stone Church dates from 1936, the congregation’s story began much earlier.

“In the 1890s, when Kloof was still known as Krantzkloof, the first formal Christian services in the area were held in the waiting room of Krantzkloof Railway Station. Clergy from St John’s Anglican Church in Pinetown travelled up Field’s Hill on horseback to minister to the small community.

“In 1904, the Church of the Holy Spirit, a modest wood-and-iron building, was erected on the property where St Agnes stands today. It was the first church built in Kloof and became a spiritual home for the growing village.

“By the 1930s, the congregation had outgrown the original building. The foundation stone of a new stone church was laid in August 1936. Designed by WB Oxley in the Norman architectural style, the church featured a prominent stained-glass window depicting the risen Christ,” said Ngcobo.

He added that St Agnes became an independent parish in 1946, having previously formed part of the Parish of Pinetown.

“As Kloof and the surrounding Highway area developed, the parish expanded its ministry. A church hall was built in 1960, providing space for Sunday school, youth gatherings, community activities, weddings and outreach programmes.

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“During periods of unrest, the hall also provided refuge and support to vulnerable members of the wider community. “Further growth led to the enlargement of the stone church in 1993, increasing its seating capacity to more than 300. In the early 2000s, continued growth resulted in the construction of a 1000-seat auditorium.

“Today, St Agnes is a diverse and intergenerational congregation offering traditional, family and isiZulu worship services. Its ministries continue to support children, young people, families, senior citizens and those experiencing hardship. The parish remains guided by its vision: ‘To know Jesus and make Him known’,” said Ngcobo.

He added that the anniversary celebrations honour the prayers, sacrifices and generosity of generations who shaped the parish.

They also look towards the future, with a renewed commitment to develop leaders, nurture disciples of all ages and remain a caring spiritual home for the community.

“Over the decades, St Agnes has been served by a succession of devoted rectors whose leadership helped shape the worship, growth and mission of the parish. They include the Revds J. Blore, Heywood Harris, R. Yates, George C. Oakley, Richard Brooke, Philip Russell, Tom Heywood Harris, John Henderson, Charles Parry, Nigel Juckes and Peter Houston. Each ministered during a different chapter of the parish’s life, guiding the congregation through periods of change, expansion and renewal.

“We hold the past with gratitude, serve the present with diligence and face the future with hope. The same God who has carried St Agnes through 90 years will continue to lead us into the generations to come,” said Ngcobo.

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