United Church Hermanus

The United Church Hermanus

We are is an interdenominational and independent congregation. Originally started by agreement amongst the Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Congregational churches in Cape Town back in 1946, the church has developed its own ethos and is not formally affiliated to any particular denomination. The United Church places itself within the evangelical tradition. However, since our members come from a variety of church backgrounds each with their distinctive approaches; it is important that the minister of the United Church be someone with a generosity of spirit and an appreciation of other spiritual/theological perspectives besides his own. This has been a characteristic of the United Church and it is something we greatly value.

It was a brave decision back in 1951 when the members of the fledgling United Church resolved to build a new church. The congregation had been meeting in the Dutch Reformed Church Hall, but the times required they take the bull by the horns and build a new church. The Lord honoured that vision and the church was built where it presently stands, on a quiet street on the perimeter of the village. 60 years later we continue to be blessed by their boldness of spirit.

Much as we may have liked the quietness to continue, it has not happened. Hermanus has changed. The quaint fishing village has gone. The quiet street has become a busy bypass. The spacious area beneath Hoy's Koppie is set to become the new hub of the town and the United Church is right in the middle of it.

The United Church has also changed. Whereas it catered for a small number of mainly English speaking residents, it has grown beyond all recognition into a large, lively and multi-lingual congregation. Space on Sunday mornings (especially during the long summer months) is at a premium. More significantly, our evening service has also seen encouraging growth in numbers. Such things are a sign of something good happening at the United Church for which we are deeply thankful.

Church Ministerial Team:
Dr Rev James Gray - Full time minister
Lt Col Malcolm Forster - Itinerant Minister
Lynette Marchant - Church Manager

Church Personnel:
Lize Joubert - Administrator
Lorraine Lamb - Receptionist
X - Property Manager
Sylvia - Cleaner
Danny - Gardener

Church Board of Management:
Les Abbott - Chairperson
Henning Viljoen - Deputy Chair
Alistair Lyle - Treasurer
Marsha Pretorius - Accountant
Lynette Marchant - Board Secretary
Rev Dr James Gray - Minister
Lt. Col. Malcolm Forster - Itinerant Minister
Frank Matthee - Board Member
Corny Rode - Board Member
Annemarie van Niekerk - Prayer Ministry
Gert Cloete - Board Member
Dinky du Toit - Ex Officio Board Member
Noel Livesey - Ex Officio Board