St Bartholomew’s Church, fondly known to many as St Barts, turns 150 this year. The Anglican church on
the corner of Bartholomew and Market Street was officially dedicated in 1860.
St Bartholomew’s Church, fondly known to many as St Barts, turns 150 this year. The Anglican church on
the corner of Bartholomew and Market Street was officially dedicated in 1860.
The land for the church was granted by the Bishop of Grahamstown on Settlers Hill and became the vision of Archdeacon Nathaniel Merriman, who wanted the church to be modelled after an English country parish.
The church was built by soldiers and cost 2 200 pounds sterling at the time and was officially finished in 1859, but could only be dedicated once all of the debts had been paid off.
In 1961 a school hall was added to the original buildings, which was the home of a girls’ school for more than 100 years. This is now used as the church hall.
The inside of the church boasts impressive stained glass windows and delicate wood carvings, but the main attraction is definitely the Victorian organ, covered with intricately painted designs.
The organ was built in London, and once it reached Port Alfred, it was transported via ox-wagon to Grahamstown.
Merriman, was the first Anglican Archdeacon in Africa, and was well known for literally walking the talk, as he performed all of his missionary work on foot.
He walked to Bloemfontein twice and to Cape Town, stopping along the way to preach to people about the Anglican faith.
The church will hold a historical society meeting on Saturday 14 August, which will cover the early history of the church, so those interested in finding out more are invited to attend.
There will also be a special celebratory service at 9am on Sunday 22 August to mark the 150 year dedication of this historic, pretty little church.
