The Chapelry of St John the Baptist celebrates 111 years

- Ailsa Tudhope -

The weekend of 23rd - 24th June was a time of reflection and celebration for the people of St John’s. On Saturday the Parish Council and Lay ministers met for a workshop in the church hall.

Father Peter Minaar, the rector, based at St Jude’s church in Oudtshoorn, drove through to discuss a variety of issues including Spirituality, Church structures, the Diocesan plan to gather local history and Stewardship.

Spiritualiteit en die plaaslike kerk-struktuur is gedurende die oggend bespreek. Na ’n smaaklike ete is die voorbereiding vir huwelike en doop en Rentmeesterskap bespreek. Kennis is geneem van die plan om die Bisdom van George se geskiedenis te versamel. Gedurende die vergadering is Eva Marsch genooi om by die Kerkraad aan te sluit. ’n Sertifikaat van inhuldiging tot die posisie van lekepredikant aan oorlede Dawid Bezuidenhout is aan sy dogter, Emmie Willemse, gegee.

Sunday saw glorious celebratory flowers in the foyer, thanks to Renee Finn, which welcomed the parishioners who packed the church for a Sung Eucharist to celebrate the Feast Day of St John the Baptist and the little church’s 111th year.

Three babies were baptized, the choir sang an anthem: God is Love, and the congregation rejoiced and gave thanks for all that has happened in the building’s long history. Once again we were blessed with Chrisna Smit’s presence – how wonderful it is to have a pianist for these special occasions.

The Diocese of George is compiling a history of their parishes. If you have any information, interesting photographs or anecdotes about St John’s or its previous parishioners, Andrew or Ailsa Tudhope would love to hear from you.

Please phone 023 5411 211.