HISTORY
Beginnings

By the 1890s Presbyterians had settled in Stellenbosch, and were holding English services in the Dutch Reformed Church (Moederkerk). The outbreak of the South African (Anglo-Boer) war in 1899 heightened tensions between English and Afrikaners in the town. Although the Dutch Reformed church terminated the use of their church by the Presbyterians, Rev SJ Hamilton, a young Irish minister from the Transvaal (South African Republic) formed a ‘preaching station’ for Stellenbosch Presbyterians. The first service was held in the Rhenish school on 21 October 1899. The congregation grew so rapidly that, by February 1900 the General Assembly changed its status from ‘preaching station’ to ‘congregation’. The Rev JL Scott was inducted as the congregation’s first permanent minister in November 1900..
Growth



The post-war years were equally challenging. By the mid 1950s Stellenbosch Presbyterian Church was in crisis: membership figures were down; the church finances were precarious; and there was even talk of the congregation reverting to ‘Preaching Station’ status. In 1956 the congregation called the Rev Gustave Pons as its minister. Under his ministry the congregation’s membership more than doubled, and sufficient money was raised to build the long-planned church hall. It was opened and dedicated in October 1960, and provided space for the Sunday school, social activities and badminton.



This involvement had been initiated under the ministry of Rev DS Robertson. In 1951 he had discovered the presence of 17 ‘Presbyterian Bantu’ in Kayamandi, and had strongly urged the congregation to become involved. In 2005 this connection was further embodied when over 100 members from the GG Ndzotyana congregation in Kayamandi transferred their membership to Stellenbosch United Church. Although we recognize that different needs and preferences require different styles of worship, pastoral care and Christian education, we endeavor to build bridges between the two communities as much as possible through shared monthly Communion services, elders serving on the Council, and support for various community projects in Kayamandi.
Ministers
Eight ministers have served our congregation over the past century

In March 1903 the Scotts left, and in May the Session Clerk offered Rev JA Campbell “a salary of £200 pounds p.a. and a Manse” which was not yet built. Campbell accepted. The Manse eventually built and, in 1904, Campbell and his family moved into their new home at 22 van Riebeeck Street. It was to be home to six ministers.


The post-war years were equally challenging. By the mid 1950s Stellenbosch Presbyterian Church was in crisis: membership figures were down; the church finances were precarious; and there was even talk of the congregation reverting to ‘Preaching Station’ status. In 1956 the congregation called the Rev Gustave Pons as its minister. Under his ministry the congregation’s membership more than doubled, and sufficient money was raised to build the long-planned church hall. It was opened and dedicated in October 1960, and provided space for the Sunday school, social activities and badminton.




