St Chad’s – Harkerville
Almighty God, whose servant Chad, for the peace of the Church, relinquished cheerfully the honors that had been thrust upon him, only to be rewarded with equal responsibility: Keep us, we pray, from thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think, and ready at all times to step aside for others, (in honor preferring one another,) that the cause of Christ may be advanced; in the name of him who washed his disciples’ feet, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. – prayer on the feast of Saint Chad
Welcome to St Chad’s
THE HISTORY OF ST CHAD’S IN HARKERVILLE 1933 AD
Our Anglican Church in Harkerville was named after St Chad – Bishop of Lichfield, 672 AD. The building was erected in 1933 by Mr Schoemaker, a German. The furniture was made by Mr Redford from The Crags. The cost at that time was ₤ 998 – 0 – 3, including Redbourne and The Crags. The only school was a little house below today’s church and church services were held in the house.
The first priest was Mr Earp-Jones. He was the only priest and was required to take the services for The Crags, Plett and Redbourne.
The Parish Council members were Freddie Harker, Henry Harker, Flip Phillops and Phillip Kiewiet. They were also sidesmen. The Deacons were Joseph Manuel, Awie Christians and Cornelius Christians. The bellringer was Freddie Harker and, after him, John Kiewiet.
They built a house after the school was erected, which stands to this day. ‘Oom’ Edwin Harker moved in there when he took over and became the bellringer.
The first marriage which took place in St Chad’s was that of Mrs Dunn, from Plettenberg Bay. Mr Earp-Jones’ daughter was the first to be baptised there. Her name was Heather Saint Chad’s.
Everyone is already deceased. The first Lay Minister and School Principal was Mr Ehrenreich, from Paarl. Nearly the entire congregation of the church – who organised bazaars and dances to raise funds – are also now deceased. The only members left are Christine Prinsloo, Cornelia Davids and Annie Appels.
After Edwin Harker left to go to Cape Town, Hendrik Prinsloo moved into the house and became ‘caretaker’ and bellringer. Hendrik Pluim also helped out. During that time, Fr T. M. Wurts (1959 – 1968) took over as priest after the death of Mr Earp-Jones. During those years, Whites and Coloureds attended church services together at St Chad’s.
So many of the congregation and the people who worked so hard for St Chad’s are now deceased.
Fr Wurts was the first priest who established a Mother’s Union. The old lady of the Mother’s Union today is Christine Prinsloo, who served the Union for 40 years. The new members of the Mother’s Union who have now taken over are Annie Appels, Lydia Kiewiets and Cornelia Davids.
Visitors Welcome!
If you and your family are in town for the holidays please don’t hesitate to join us for Sunday Communion or our special Easter and Christmas services! Our doors are always open. Come early and plan to stay after the service for tea and refreshments in the Church Hall.
Wedding Ceremonies
Our Beautiful Church is the perfect venue for a “Dream Wedding Ceremony”. Combine a ceremony at St Chad’s with a reception at one of the area’s many wonderful Wedding Venues. Contact us for available dates and counseling requirements.
Baptisms
The Anglican church believes baptism is the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ. When he had risen from the dead, he commanded his followers to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
Bible Studies
Several Bible Study groups meet on a regular basis. If you are interested in joining one of the groups or would be interested in starting your own Bible Study Group please call the Parish Office or use the “Contact us” form by clicking on the link below. .
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4)
Counseling
Do you or a loved one need someone to talk to? We are here to help. Please contact us.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Cor 1)
St Chad’s Church
Address:
Airport Road
Harkerville
Service Times:
10:00am 2nd and 4th Sundays
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Weddings – Baptisms – Funerals – Anointing of the Sick – Counseling – Confirmations