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St Saviour's Anglican Church |
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This Church, on the corner of Villiers Road and First Avenue, Walmer was the first Church to be built by the newly-formed Port Elizabeth Extension Board. The original building, a church/hall which was two thirds of the present nave, was opened by Bishop Archibald Cullen on the 12th August, 1939, when the Reverend "Archie" Byrne was licensed as priest-in-charge. From the outset, the building was too small for the congregation, and funds were raised to enlarge the nave, building the chancel. sanctuary, vestries, and tower. A separate hall was completed by August 1942. The total cost had been almost 15,000 pounds sterling - an enormous sum in those days. Loans of 5000 pounds from St. Mary's Collegiate Church and 9000 pounds from Mr. A.H. Brookes were repaid in full by 1953, when the debt free church was consecrated. Firm foundations were laid by the first three priests - Archie Byrne, Jock Ellis and Donald Leavey and the Parish organisations prospered. The Ladies' Association was the key fund-raiser with bazaars, fetes and mini-markets. There was a strong branch of the Mothers Union from the outset, and the choir has been active adding to the quality of worship Sunday by Sunday. St. Saviour's has always had a strong Sunday School [now Junior Church] and in their time there have been branches of the Girls Guides, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Wolf Cubs. Up to 1960 the St. Saviour's Players put on regular performances, with the double benefit of entertainment and fund raising. Archdeacon Ruthell Johnson followed the incumbencies of Paul Adamson, John Benton, Sidney Grace and John Gale. Ruthell came to the parish in 1983 and under his leadership the Parish had many Missions, the Renew process and ALPHA courses. Ruthell also spearheaded two phases of building construction during 2000 and 2002 - the first being the revamp of the Hall and New Kitchen, and the second phase, the urgently needed Rector’s Study and enhanced Office and Conference facilities. In February 2003, Ruthell was transferred to St. Paul’s, Parsons Hill, Port Elizabeth, having spent 20 years of effective and compassionate ministry at St. Saviour’s. After a 4-month Interregnum - during which time Revd Sharon Nell and Revd Maureen Lamb maintained the daily life of a busy parish with gracious faithfulness - Canon Eddie Daniels was appointed, and became Parish Priest at his Institution on 30 July 2003. He, together with his wife Nicky and son Joshua, moved into the Rectory at the end of June, having spent the past 9 years at St. Hugh’s, Port Elizabeth. Eddie has a charming, infectiously happy disposition and his ministry to Parishioners, the local Community, and the Diocese, is supported by dedicated Assistants, an effective Parish Council, a strong contingent of Lay Ministers, and an enthusiastic Music Group and Choir. Eddie has studied extensively and is about to complete his Doctorate in Theology. He has been wished a long and successful ministry, as he leads the parish ( + 400 families) from strength to strength, in the Spirit of Our Lord. Notes by Mr. Dennis Burkinshaw, and Margaret Rumsey |