Community

History

When looking at the present-day Methodist City Mission, an imposing sanctuary standing on the corner of Andries and Visagie Streets, Pretoria, (next to Burgers Park), it is interesting to remember that it all started in 1879, when George Weaver bought, on behalf of the Society, Erf. in Andries Street for £130 for the purpose of erecting a Methodist church. The property had a frontage of 750 feet on Andries Street, and 150 feet on Church Street, right in the business centre of Pretoria. The church built on this site was eventually sold, the proceeds of which went towards financing the erection of the present church, involving a capital outlay of about R750 000.00

On 5 December 1971, the inauguration and dedication service of the new Wesley Methodist Church took place, and the service was conducted by the Rev RC Bellis, the former resident minister at the "old" Wesley. In those early days, Wesley was regarded as the "Mother" Methodist church of the Pretoria region. Service attracted packed congregations and the Women's Auxiliary (two branches, morning and evening) gave dedicated support, financial and otherwise, to the church's activities. The Men's league (now no longer in existence) actively provided monthly functions (a dinner with guest speaker) resulting in fellowship enjoyed by all.

As time went on, however, Wesley began to feel the effects of the flight away of its second and third generation members. Young families were less and less in evidence as they linked themselves to churches in Pretoria suburban fringes. The flight took away much of Wesley's financial security. Those who left were the most economically active and best able to sustain the life of the church. The financial burden then fell upon a dwindling number of older members. The position today is that Wesley was reborn as the Methodist City Mission but, on the positive sid,e it is now characterised by a series of projects, including flatlets for the housing of needy people and the running of an HIV facility.

Wesley has been served by a string of able and dedicated ministers, namely Arthur J Western, Kingsley Thomas, Tim Attwell, Charles Kuhn, Hansie Matteus and Gavin Taylor. They all contributed in one way or another to Wesley's progress and wellbeing, but perhaps special mention should be made of two of them:

Arthur Western served at Wesley from its inception in 1971 to his retirement at the end of 1983, when he was succeeded by Kingsley Thomas. Arthur Western is still remembered for his classic sermon with frequent references to Shakespeare. Then, too, he was widely acclaimed as pastor, ever ready to come to the assistance, day or night, of those in trouble, needing solace, guidance and support. He was blessed with a beautiful singing voice, and he and his daughter, Myfanwy, gave much pleasure to all. He was a stickler for looking after the Church's finances.

Dr Gavin Taylor came to Wesley in 1994, an although his advent was marred by the tragedy of losing their two daughters in a car accident, he and his good wife, Barbara, have gone from strength to strength.

As one of the church members who has lived through this change, I have marvelled at the miracle of a metamorphosis that has taken Wesley from being a 100% white congregation to the position today, where as a society predominantly black, all are happy to accept, and have respect for, each other's ways and values.

It is common knowledge that credit for this transformation (a difficult process at the best of times) is thanks largely to the skills and Christian dedication of Gavin Taylor, ably supported by his wife Barbara. His uplifting and innovative sermons have been an inspiration to all. He had the misfortune of having to cope with a senseless rebellion by two misguided members of the church, who attempted to take over control and stop him from becoming a bishop. In the event, he weathered the storm and is now one of our most respected and well-liked bishops.

The Wesley sanctuary was built around its grand organ and the towering pulpit. A tradition of rousing organ music and eloquent preaching marked the church's heyday. However, changing tastes in music and styles of ministry, coupled with greater informality in various aspects have brought changes to the Wesley community.

During November 1996, Wesley arranged a series of celebrations of "Heritage and Hope - thanking God for 130 years of Methodism in Pretoria" It also marked the 25th Anniversary of the opening of the present Church building. This included a public dinner on the Saturday evening to which, inter alia, all previous incumbent ministers, were invited.

(Reminiscences of Phil Grey, who at the time of his death at the age of 94 in 2007, was still actively engaged at MCM, following close association since 1971, including a stint of nine years as Circuit Steward.)