PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION !
A BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF THE CHURCH AT IFAFA
(from early beginnings to November 2012)
Before the church building of Ss. Simon and Jude was built, five local families (the faithful people of Ifafa) would gather together at the home of Sydney Goldstone for worship. His homestead was known as ‘Mountain Home’. The incumbent of the Parish of Umzinto would come once a month to celebrate the Eucharist in Sydney’s dining-room. On other Sundays, Sydney would lead ‘Morning Prayer’ or, as it was sometimes called, ‘Matins’.
All local Baptisms and Confirmations took place at ‘Mountain Home’. Fr. Rupert and Eric Goldstone were both confirmed in the dining-room. Fr. Rupert remembers the day that he was confirmed – it had rained so hard that the driveway to Sydney’s house had been washed away. Bishop Stainton parked his car at the bottom of the hill, rolled up his pants, took off his socks and shoes and, with his shoes in one hand and his satchel in the other, walked ‘kaalvoet’ through the mud up to the house. He had to have a good wash before the service began!
It was in the mid 50’s that it was decided that a church building was needed in Ifafa as the congregation had grown somewhat. The incumbent at the time was Revd. B N W Greenwood. The Goldstone brothers, Sydney, Arthur and Douglas (Toto) donated the land so that a building could be erected for use by the people of Ifafa.
Sydney was the grandfather of Mrs
Jerry Langridge and Linda Tryon and Arthur was the father of
Father Rupert, Eric, Brian, Merle, Joy, Pat, Clarice and Royston.
A grant from the Diocese, donations from Mr Guy Tedder and Mr Mason and money raised from fundraising ensured that there was sufficient funding to start the building in 1958. Plans were drawn up by architect Mr van Voorst. Among those instrumental in the actual building, was a gentleman by the name of Depression Ogle, as well as the Goldstone brothers who were all experts in the building field.
We give thanks to our Lord for his servant, Revd. Bernard Greenwood, who did so much for the people of Ifafa, that the building was completed in 1962.
The Altar was donated by Mr Guy Tedder while the beautiful candlesticks were carved by Mr Royston.
At first ‘Globe’ chairs with red kneelers
were used – after some time Pews were made and donated by families
The church building was consecrated on 28 October 1962 with the Bishop of Natal, the Rt. Revd. Vernon Inman officiating. This was a glorious occasion with everyone turning up in their ‘Sunday Best’.
At this stage there was no electricity or running water. Water tanks were erected for flushing toilets and hand washing. Lynette de Palo worked tirelessly, scrubbing and polishing the floors every week-end, and kept the building in pristine condition. Mr Doug Isaacs, (the then principal of Mtwalume School) donated a piano which he played during services. He also sent the school’s caretakers to mow and weed the church-yard when it was necessary (a job currently well handled by Eric Goldstone). The children who stayed at the Mtwalume School hostel walked all the way to Ss. Simon & Jude to attend service.
Most weddings took place at the Mother Church, St Patrick’s in Umzinto and the first wedding to take place here was that of Brian and Norma Goldstone on 2 July 1966.
The church keys were kept by Arthur Goldstone who was the first sidesman and was followed by Raymond Goldstone.
In the 1990’s the electrical installation was donated by CG Smith Limited of Sezela.
The first Lay Minister was Victor Botha who encouraged parishioners to start a fund-raising committee so that a hall could be built. These happy and most enjoyable fund-raising occasions took place in parishioner’s homes and, finally, when sufficient money was raised (which included substantial donations from Messrs Wilfred Goldstone and Tom Archibald), building of the hall commenced. We are truly grateful to both gentlemen for their sterling work and time rendered in overseeing the construction of the hall right up to its completion. The hall was dedicated in November 1993 by Revd. Ross Cuthbertson.
The children, who had up until then used the steps at the side of the church for Sunday School, now had a beautiful hall for their lessons. These lessons were conducted by Merle Marillier and Diane Bowler.
These youngsters once staged a play called “Jesus, the Light of the World”. It was a dark and rainy day when the performance took place – very fitting, because Jesus IS the Light of the World. The proud parents could not believe how well their children could act and many other Christian plays were performed.
In the late 60’s Revd. Louis Moore offered the church to the Catholics for their services. Previously they had been meeting at the home of Mr Guy Goldstone.
A youth group was formed in the 1990’s. An interdenominational group of about 60 youth from Ifafa Beach and St. Patrick’s (Umzinto) met every Friday in the hall, led by Neil Bowler, Diane Bowler, Adiel Tryon, Craig Tryon, Jackie Tryon, Linda Tryon and Antonio Alexander. Thanks to Kelvin Marillier for the use of his van for transporting the youth.
We at Ss Simon & Jude are very thankful for the work done by Raymond Kirsten, Basil Lester and the Mac Houston when the refurbishment of the church was done. The church was retiled throughout, new aluminium windows fitted, and a pulpit built. On the left hand side of the building stable doors were replaced by the current doors. Mr Raymond Kirsten also organised the altar rail and the lovely steel aumbry. The sanctuary was then re-carpeted by Mr Ernest Wade.
Thanks to Molly Singh, Ethel Ryan, Wilfred and Vera Goldstone for donations received and to Barry Bredenkamp for the stainless steel candle stands.
Revd. Rupert Goldstone was ordained as a Community Priest in 1997, having served as a lay minister and deacon in the Parish of Umzinto
All our fund-raising events have been very successful, thanks again to all who support. In August 2012 several meetings were held with the Parish Council and the then Archdeacon Ven. Thami Thembe to discuss the possibility of Ss Simon & Jude ‘going on their own’ to administer and maintain their own finances, but still being very much a part of the Parish of Umzinto and, in May 2011 (with Bishop Rubin’s blessing) a new dawn was born in the chapelry. There is a very efficient and supportive chapelry council, chaired by the Rector, Revd Margi, which meets every two months to discuss chapelry matters and plan events.
Our fundraising events comprise of fun-walks, raffles, and potjie evening (to mention a few) and our well equipped kitchen is one of the signs of our success.
The hall is hired out for functions such as weddings, funerals, birthday parties and the like.
