Plan a Tour

Walk where it began.

While the church building is under renovation, regular Sunday services are paused — but the mission itself is open to visitors. Come and walk the grounds where faith, learning and work have met since 1847.

Worship services will resume once the renovation is complete — announcements will be made here and in the community.

On the tour

What you will see

A guided walk through the historic mission station: the old church with its gabled front and arched windows, and the grounds of the 1857 industrial institution and 1883 theological seminary, set on the mission’s historic glebe lands.

Tours are led by members of the congregation who carry the stories of this place — from Rev. Bertram’s founding to the students who went on to shape South African church and public life.

Virtual tour

Step inside from wherever you are.

Walk the restored church in six stops, photographed by the congregation during the 2026 renovation. A full 360° virtual tour is on its way — this preview is just the beginning.

The restored church from outside — white walls, new roof and arched windows above the stone plinth — Stop 1 · The approach The restored church rises from the veld — fresh white walls and a new roof above the original stone plinth.

The long side wall of the church with six restored arched windows, scaffolding still in place — Stop 2 · The long wall Six arched windows, re-glazed and restored, as the last of the scaffolding comes down.

New grey roof trusses spanning the white ceiling inside the church — Stop 3 · Looking up New trusses span the nave, carrying the new roof on the lines of the old gable.

View through a restored arched window onto the open veld — Stop 4 · Through the arches The Eastern Cape veld, framed by a window that has looked out on it for more than a century.

Freshly plastered and painted interior wall with new carpeted flooring — Stop 5 · Made new Freshly plastered walls and new flooring inside the mission church.

The sanctuary — wooden pulpit, cross emblem on the wall and red carpet — Stop 6 · The sanctuary Pulpit, cross and red carpet — ready for worship to return.

Stop 1 of 6

The real thing is better — the veld, the quiet, the stories. Book a guided tour when you can make the trip.

Practical details

Arranging your visit

Booking

By arrangement

Tours are arranged in advance through the church office so a guide can meet you. Contact us with your preferred date and group size.

Duration

About an hour

Allow roughly an hour for the full walk of the church and seminary grounds. Wear comfortable shoes — the terrain is open veld.

Cost

Donation-based

There is no fixed fee; donations support the restoration of the historic buildings.

Groups

Schools & researchers

School groups, heritage societies and researchers are especially welcome — tell us your focus and we will tailor the visit.

“Wamkelekile — the gate is open.”
Visitors welcome by arrangement

Before you come

Read Our History and Heritage & Architecture for the story behind what you will see, and find directions on the Visit & Contact Us page.

Book a tour