Stanger’s iconic house of prayer has stood the test of time

For more than a century the light of Christian faith has shone in Stanger from the Trinity Methodist Church.

The tall steeple of the church in Gigenza Street, central Stanger, has called the faithful to service since it was founded in 1913 and is a beloved landmark of the town.

The very first foundation stone was laid by A.S Hulett on behalf of his father, Sir J.L Hulett on July 5 in 1913. The church was completed and held its opening ceremony three months later on October 5 that same year.

As one of 14 Methodist churches in the Lower Tugela church circuit, this iconic yellow house of prayer is certainly one of the warmest and most welcoming.

The church’s long history has seen it serviced by a superintendent minister – Reverend Allen Lea – who used to visit in a one-horse buggy in the early 1900’s. The reverend witnessed the change from paraffin to pressure lamps, with a reservoir outside the church which the steward often had to pump halfway through a service to keep up the pressure, to the eventual arrival of electricity.

The church also welcomed Stanger’s first ever female minister in 1982 with the addition of Reverend Dorothy Spink to the staff.

Current preacher Reverend Michael Vorster says what stands out to him is the warmth of the people.

“The congregation here is really what makes this church. Not a week goes by without them rallying behind some member who is in need. The people are full of surprises and the growth of the flock both as individuals and as a group is truly inspiring,” said Vorster, who was the district bishop and joined Trinity Church in January this year.

He said their congregation was holding strong at around 120 members, and the numbers have been roughly there for as far back as he remembers.

“Unofficially, as one of the largest congregations in the circuit, we take a leadership role for many of the initiatives of the local Methodist Church.”

The church is involved in several outreach programs, including a fantastic initiative to train women in sewing that has seen great success in providing skills for employment. Trinity also supports a crèche looking after the babies of school-going mothers as well as offering supplementary maths education.

The Women’s Auxiliary is another program that punches above its weight. Since 1929 the Women’s Auxiliary has been an integral part of church life and has gone from small beginnings to hosting district meetings for women’s auxiliaries when they are not busy lending a hand all over town.

“This is a dynamic congregation where we place great emphasis on discipleship,” Vorster explained.

“In the last decade or so, it has become less conservative and more charismatic. Our members are full of faith in the Lord and often lead prayers and hymns of all sorts.”

Vorster invited all who are interested to their weekly services on Sundays at 9.30am, as well as their School for Christian Formation on the first Saturday of each month from 10am-12pm.

For more information, email mikevee103@gmail.com or pay them a visit on Sunday morning for a truly inspirational experience.

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