Nestled in the heart of the Hangberg community is a church crying out for help as it prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
The Hout Bay Methodist Church is hoping to raise R20 000 through is anniversary celebrations to fund repairs.
Magdalene Jurgens is one of the leading figures at the church. She said damage caused by several burglaries over the years had taken its toll on church.
On top of the burglaries, extra plumbing work is needed and the church’s roof is in a sorry state.
“Keeping the church standing for all these years has not been easy. As with any old building, there’s always something that needs
fixing or maintained, and we don’t always have the funds for it,” Ms Jurgens said, speaking on behalf of Reverend Derek Maregele, who has been the church’s resident pastor for the past 10 years.
The church was built in 1979. The plan was laid by the late Reverend Dudley Moore and it was officially opened for service on December 2 in 1979 by Reverend Abel Hendricks.
“The history of this particular church is a long and complex one, but it means so much to our society and followers. We have a congregation of 180, though not all of them are active members. What makes us special is the way in which we keep our traditions, beliefs and values as a methodist church and that means giving to charity, helping people, whether it be members or non-members,” Ms Jurgens added.
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the church will run prayer-evening services from
Monday September 23 to Friday September 27. On Saturday September 28, the church will celebrate everybody who was involved with the church over the last four decades, “in any way, shape or form,’’ said Ms Jurgen.
Also on the Saturday, the church will hold a high tea fund-raiser, open to all, at the Hout Bay Community Centre.
The celebrations will end on Sunday September 29 with the usual Sunday service.
“This will be a special Sunday service, where we will spend most of our time giving thanks and reaching out to those who made it possible for us to be celebrating this milestone today,” Ms Jurgen said.
Contact Magdalene Jurgens at 082 307 1277 for more information.
