Olive Tree North Coast Takes Root to Thrive in Umhlali
Life returns to the abandoned church beside Umhlali Police Station as Olive Tree North Coast takes up residency on the sacred site. First dedicated on 30 May 1921 as All Souls Anglican Church, the historical building now hums with steaming cappuccino fueling a younger generation in worship.
Light streamed from all quarters, bathing the young congregation in a glow of seeming Divine delight after the inaugural church service of Olive Tree North Coast in their new premises.
Having operated from the Curro Mount Richmore Independent School hall for three years, the community based church were thrilled to finally find a place they could call ‘home. The church property, having remained empty for more than a year was in a sad state of dereliction. Undaunted by the enormous amount or work required, members of the congregation pitched together in a flurry of activity over a two week period; stripping, painting, weeding, scrubbing and building to transform the quaint church into a modern rendition of a place of worship.
Where Old and Young Meet: Byron Gould piggy backs his daughter past the flamboyantly modern ‘Welcome’ sign above the historic dedication stone of 1921.
Built and dedicated on 30 May 1921, the Anglican Church named the site ‘All Souls’ in commemoration of all those who had fought and died in the First World War (1914 – 1918). A piece of St Paul’s Cathedral (bombed in that war) is built into the masonry of the church building. The Anglican community moved to their newly built premises on the Sheffield Road in 2011.
The site has hosted various church congregations, seeding their growth until they were forced to find larger premises to accommodate. Christ Church North Coast (now operating from The Workstation in Umhlali) was one. Olive Tree North Coast is the latest young church to enjoy this rather special property.
Nikki De Beer enjoys a moment with her children at Olive Tree Church North Coast.
A freak car incident may have put newly appointed site leader Natalie Naude in ICU the day prior to opening, but it did not daunt the work done nor the opening preach from Ross Rodger, lead elder of the Olive Tree multi-site Church.
I was brought to tears, laying there in my ICU bed, I was kept up to date with pictures coming through and I could not believe how this community just pulled together and made so much stuff just ‘happen!'” said Naude.
Ross Rodger (left) shares a moment of light conversation after the first service held at the new site.
Olive Tree Church is a people-loving, potential-releasing, community-impacting multi-site church in KZN with vibrant communities meeting each week in Florida Road, Kloof (Country Club premises) and Salt Rock. Services are held each Sunday at 09h00 with 30 minutes of Worship/ Praise followed by a 30 minute topical preach. All are welcome to drop in for a visit or linger longer if they enjoy the ‘fit’. Natalie and Sheldon Naude head the local site with a strong team of local elders to support in various disciplines. Join the community on Facebook or pop in for a cappuccino next Sunday?
Buns at the ready for freshly grilled bacon….the best in life takes time to prepare.
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