All Souls Umhlali can trace its history back over 160 years, when the area’s first Anglican church was built for just £90.

That first church was a wattle and daub building constructed using red mud and coarse grass, later being formalised on the same site with a permanent structure in 1864.

Known then as St James, the church served the community until its demolishment in 1889.

Twenty years later, a new Anglican church was built along what is now the R102 and consecrated as St Albans in 1909.

St Albans was built using a church kit imported from England, which was disassembled and sent to Darnall in 1921 after which a brick and mortar church was finally built.

That church building, consecrated as All Souls Umhlali in 1921, still exists and is currently the home of Co-Church on the R102 next to Umhlali Saps.

The main All Souls congregation was housed there until 2011 when it moved to its current location on beautiful grounds in Sheffield.

A second location in Nkobongo, called KwaKristu iNkosi Anglican Church, also falls under the All Souls bracket.

Both are led by Rector Andrew Manning who has been in the post since 2022 after moving from the South Coast.

Originally from Pietermaritzburg, Manning did not immediately seek the ministry after school but later joined full time after first following a farming career.

“I was actually raised and baptised in the Methodist church, but felt very drawn to the liturgical nature of the Anglican church, with its rich history and unique spirituality.”

“People often look down on tradition, but it is one of the great strengths of Christianity – these are not new ideas. While the world may have changed, who we really are has not.”

His first ministry post was in Mpumalanga, before moving back to KwaZulu-Natal in 2012.

“The move to the North Coast coincided with a difficult time in my life personally, but I have found the community and congregation to be incredibly welcoming and supportive,” he said.

“It is my hope that the church will become a centre that reaches out into the community to deal with its most pressing challenges.”

Manning said he thought it was the duty of the church to confront difficult global topics and to struggle with those struggling.

“Churches often stay insular, but I feel it is important to break from the thought of building oneself to building up others.

“The church is one of the only organisations that finds reasons to do things for no personal gain and can be a great force for good.”

He cites food security, developmental challenges and environmental issues as his primary concerns.

All Souls Umhlali shares a parish with Anglican churches in Phoenix, Greytown, KwaDukuza and Tongaat of which Manning is the Archdeacon

The parish falls within the diocese of Natal and the province of Southern Africa.

All Souls hosts a congregation of around 150 people across its two Sunday services, one traditional (7am) and the other contemporary (9am).

Find more information at allsouls.co.za or on the All Souls Umhlali Facebook page.

You can find All Souls Umhlali on Sheffield Beach Road and contact them via admin@allsouls.co.za or 032 525 4529.

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