URC Steenberg celebrates its golden jubilee this year
The Uniting Reformed Church South Africa (URCSA) Steenberg is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
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The Uniting Reformed Church Steenberg, South Africa (URCSA) congregation celebrates its 50th anniversary this year - a milestone rich with memory, gratitude and faith.
The official celebration was at a lunch recently, with church members and the community. “We celebrated our 50th anniversary with a Thanksgiving service followed by a lunch attended by members of the congregation, members from the Wynberg Presbytery, as well as members of the community,” said Catherine Lekay, vice chairperson for the URCSA Steenberg.
The attendees at the lunch.
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From its earliest days, the congregation focused on creating a space rooted in love, learning, and community.
The church was officially established as a congregation on October 26, 1975, when the Presbytery formally separated Steenberg from the Dutch Reformed Missionary Congregation Retreat (URCSA Retreat).
Ms Lekay said: “Two years later, on January 15, 1977, the church welcomed Reverend S Christians as its first inducted minister. His remarkable ministry spanned over four decades, culminating in his retirement as Emeritus Reverend in 2018 - a testament to his steadfast devotion to the spiritual life and growth of the congregation,” she said.
A celebratory lunch at the URCSA Steenberg's 50th anniversary event.
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Ms Lekay said: ”The church’s original boundaries included Steenberg, Lavender Hill and Westlake - communities rich in spirit but often challenged by socio-economic hardships. Recognising the immense pastoral and community need, the church confirmed Brother C Samson in 1982 as a part-time spiritual worker dedicated specifically to Lavender Hill and Vrygrond, extending ministry into areas that required urgent care and support.”
Over the last 50 years, the congregation has evolved. While spiritual formation remains the heartbeat of URCSA Steenberg, “the church’s mission has broadened to reflect its calling to be a visible sign of God’s Kingdom - a place where unity, reconciliation and social justice are not only preached, but actively lived", said Ms Lekay.
“What began as a centre for worship has become a sanctuary for the vulnerable, a pillar for the hungry and unemployed, and an advocate for dignity and justice,” she said.
The eye- catching 50th anniversary cake.
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Today, ministries extend beyond worship services to include initiatives such as a soup kitchen, food parcel distribution, and community outreach programmes. Partnerships with broader URCSA and local organisations support poverty relief, health awareness and social restoration.
While Steenberg, Lavender Hill and Westlake remain central, the church’s reach now touches families from neighbouring parts of Retreat and even newer housing developments.
People travel across districts not only for worship, but for care, companionship and support.
Ms Lekay said the acting leader is Reverend Randy Wessels.
Members who attended the Thanksgiving service before the lunch.
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