The Kewtown AFM Church will hold three days of celebrations to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its founding.
The church, which has 300 members, opened on March 10, 1963. It was founded by Pastor John Thomas and a Pastor Botha and built on land granted to it by the Cape Town municipality, according to the church’s secretary, Cynthia Scholtz.
The church has a women’s gathering and men’s fellowship on Mondays; a women’s prayer group and assembly prayer meetings on Tuesdays; worship practice, dance ministry and food distribution on Thursdays; youth on Fridays; and services on Sundays.
The community depended on the church for prayer and encouragement, said Ms Scholtz. She added that gangsterism and crime were some of the problems in the area that stopped the youth from joining the church.
“There is a lot of elderly in the church and not many youth. We really need more youth coming to church and becoming a part of what we are doing here. We need to build strong relationships with the youth and want them to be part of our vision. The church needs the community to support them and be part of all the programmes,” she said.
There are 43 AFM churches in the province, according to Ms Scholtz.
She said the church was at the heart of many fond community memories, including galas, family services, and birthdays and would continue doing its best to be the “light of the community”.
The anniversary celebrations start on Friday March 10 and end with a Sunday service on March 13.
“What a milestone, celebrating 60 years of the existence of this building, which has been such a huge part of this community. We are proud to serve and be AFM members. Well done, AFM,” said church member Catherine Jeffries.
Pastor Michael Wall said: “God has been faithful to us over this time. We are forever grateful towards the leaders who preceded us. What you see today is not what it was back then, but God raised committed people to help keep this building in shape and strive towards excellence in keeping the place of worship in order. Today I acknowledge all those who preceded me and also those today who faithfully serve the radiant house of Athlone.”
