The minister who assisted in founding the church, Rev Rod Botsis was the guest preacher at a special 40th celebratory service of Kuils River Community Church on Sunday 5 May.
The first constituted worship service of Kuils River United Church, as it was first known, took place on 6 May 1984.
This Presbyterian-Congregational church started as an offshoot of the Bellville Presbyterian Church.
Church members who lived in Kuils River already had a Sunday school running in a member’s garage, and wanted a church locally, said Rev Stephen Nicholson, who shared some details about the history.
“A group of members challenged Rev Rod Botsis, as they were tired of travelling through to Bellville Presbyterian Church every Sunday.
“As a result, the little plant at Kuils River was established, with elders from Bellville Presbyterian taking turns to lead worship and preach.”
Nicholson said not long after Anthony Snell, a ministry probationer from Bellville was appointed.
“The church began to grow and flourish under Anthony’s outgoing ministry. Sadly, he was killed in a car crash just seven months after his ordination. This was a great shock and a very painful journey for the congregation.”
Following this tragedy, Rev David Gray was headhunted from Somerset West Presbyterian Church (which has since become a United Church). Gray stayed for around two years and consolidated the ministry that eventually grew.
“Following Rev Gray’s departure for Hillcrest Presbyterian Church in Kwazulu-Natal, Kuils River was kind-of forgotten.
“If it had not been for the faithful little membership, together with Elder George Macdonald (who later became Rev Macdonald) and Elder Dr Basil Leonard, the church may very well have closed.
“George and then Basil took on the role of preaching elder, and faithfully ministered every Sunday; sometimes to only three or four people. Ministers would come through from Bellville once a month to celebrate the sacraments.”
”The strength of the congregation had always been the children’s ministry, with approximately 60 children. This continued under the leadership of Linda de Swardt.”
The congregation was without a full-time minister for around five years when Nicholson arrived from Durban as a probationer appointed to Kuils River United Church on 22 March 1995.
He was ordained on 22 February 1996 and has ministered to the congregation ever since – despite his original plan to stay three years.
Inclusive
Nicholson said the ministers are most often remembered, but there were and are countless people who have made and still make their community thrive.
“From opening our first building bond-free on 10 August 1997, and then our children’s ministry building (also bond-free) in 2001, it is the real church … the people, listening to Jesus that makes it all come together.”
“One name that must be mentioned, is Ricus Spengler and his wife Juanita, who with incredible generosity, donated the land on which this church building was built.”
Nicholson said the name was changed to Kuils River Community Church, to reflect the purpose of their ministry.
“Included in this, is our absolute commitment to be an open and inclusive community, where all are welcome to worship.
“Trying to provide a safe worship space that includes our LGBTQI communities and all ‘’other-ed” people. This has not always been easy in our still sadly divided worldwide church.
“There have been many ups and downs, frustrations, hardships, pains, and glorious blessings, celebrations, and lives changed.
“Jesus has always been faithful and true, and we continue our journey forward to glorify, exalt, honour, and adore our sovereign God.
“Whatever God has in stall for Kuils River Community Church, we say … Yes, Lord! Your will be done,” Nicholson said.
Congregation member, Hennie Rudman said the church was fully packed on Sunday. “Most members participated by doing solos, reading, and serving cakes and tea.”
As part of their 40th anniversary year, KCC already held a thrift market and potjiekos competition. A dance and musical afternoon is still to come. Everyone is welcome.
Kuils River Community Church is at 37 Patrys Street, also the base for Tygerberg Hospice in Kuils River.
