Church celebrates 120 years

St John the Divine Anglican Church in West Porges celebrated its 120th anniversary recently.

According to Father Jabulani Miya, the church was built in 1905.

“It is a big milestone. We need to come together to appreciate the people who crossed our path and shared in our mission over the years,” said Miya.

They are planning events each quarter to celebrate this milestone, and in November, they are looking at hosting a mass celebration. They also invite the community, church leaders, and friends to join them in this celebration.

He continued that the church has a rich history and that maintenance on the building is much needed. Some of the events they will be having will include fundraising for the maintenance of the building.

Having been the priest of the church for the past four years, Miya stated, “I am proud of the ministry of outreach and fellowship as well as the spiritual hunger of the people. It is what motivates me to push forward. Our motto includes existing to listen to God following in Jesus’ footsteps and growing together in faith and grace.

“I have no doubt it is what God wants us to do. We still have a lot of contributions to make in our surrounding areas and there is still work to be done.”

He added he came to the church post-Covid to help the church recover and they have a new concept of clustering where they are clustering with the St Joseph’s Anglican Church in Toekomsrus. They are working together to give support and help with the exercise of sacraments. He noted they also receive wonderful support from the wider diocese of Johannesburg.

“I hope in the years to come the church will grow in spirit and the vision we are called into and also become more and more the centre of hope. We also hope to inspire the generation to come to experience the presence of God,” said Miya.