Central Methodist Church, Cape Town
History and activism
The church is known for its active advocacy efforts such as its yellow banner campaign that seeks to rise awareness of important social issues and as a site of refuge. The church windows were damaged by police water cannons during the anti-apartheid Purple Rain protest in 1989. In October 2019 the church was a refuge site for protesting refugees during the Greenmarket Square refugee sit-in.
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A yellow banner on the church in remembrance of the Marikana massacre.
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A yellow banner on the church criticizing the South African Arms Deal.
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A yellow banner on the church celebrating Nelson Mandela.
Architecture
The church is the second oldest building on Greenmarket Square after the Old Town House located opposite it. Construction started in 1876 and completed on 12 November 1879 at a cost of £17,700 (equivalent to (£2,273,000 in 2024). The architect was Charles Freeman and the building contractor was Thomas Inglesby.
Representing high-Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, the basilica-type church features a distinctive lean-to roof and a tower with a spire. It is a listed heritage building with the SAHRA identifier of 9/2/018/0125.
References
- ^ UK Retail Price Index inflation figures are based on data from Clark, Gregory (2017). "The Annual RPI and Average Earnings for Britain, 1209 to Present (New Series)". MeasuringWorth. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "A Brief History – Central Methodist Mission". Retrieved 17 January 2024.
- ^ Daniels, Oliver (29 November 2023). "A Beacon of Activism in Cape Town: Central Methodist Church". Cape Town Today. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
- ^ Hirsch, Matthew (28 November 2023). "Much-loved pastor bows out from Central Methodist Church". GroundUp News. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
- ^ Damons, Marecia (13 March 2020). "Central Methodist Church seeks advice over removal of refugees". GroundUp News. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
- ^ "Metropolitan Methodist Church details". artefacts.co.za. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
- ^ Walker, Michael (2012). The early architects of Cape Town : and their buildings (1820-1926), with postcard illustrations. St. James, South Africa: Michael Walker. p. 132. ISBN 978-0-620-55120-5. OCLC 829793158.