Our origin story, brimming with God’s faithfulness and grace.
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: THE HISTORY OF CHRIST CHURCH PAARL
The conception of CCP into a body of believers is as intriguing as a mystery novel. A walk down memory lane directs one to the early 1980s and a handful of devout ladies (Liz Visagie, Shona Gainsford, Jean Retief and Dulcie Thorburn to name a few) who began gathering informally for Bible Study. Their meetings became more structured under the tutelage of Rev. Dave Rhategan who drove through from Stellenbosch. His preaching was augmented by the talents of lay preachers and guest ministers.
Seeking a larger space, the six families which comprised the ‘church’, found their way to the Scout Hall: a stone’s throw from where we worship today. After a sojourn (’82–’83) across the street, we relocated to the more suitable premises of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Upper Lady Grey Street.
As the gathering of believers increased in number and maturity in the faith, so the idea of a place of worship we could call our home, developed a miraculous dynamism of its own – and the rest is history. Months of head scratching; soul searching; meetings with all interested parties and seeking God’s guidance each step of the way, led us to 72 Bonaparte Avenue in Klein Parys and culminated in the construction of the premises in 1991.
Our current site
The fledgling church took two bold steps in electing its first council under the chairmanship of Gordon Sutherland and appointing Lee Marshall as the first official pastor. (86-88)