St Thomas Anglican Church in Rondebosch celebrated its 160th anniversary with the unveiling of a Heritage Blue Plaque, honoring the architectural legacy of Sophy Gray, and highlighting the church’s historical significance and enduring community presence.
St Thomas Anglican church in Rondebosch celebrated a significant milestone on Saturday 22 February, 160 years since its construction as a mission chapel in 1865.
Designed by the talented Sophy Gray, wife of Bishop Robert Gray, the first Bishop of South Africa, the chapel has remained a cornerstone of faith and heritage in the community.
To commemorate the occasion, the Cape Town Heritage Foundation has donated a prestigious Heritage Blue Plaque to the church and arranged for historian Rosalind Spears to deliver an insightful talk on the lives and contributions of Bishop Robert and Sophy Gray.
This event drew an audience of approximately 70, comprising St Thomas’ congregants and representatives of the foundation.
Spears captivated the audience with her illustrated presentation detailing the life and work of the Grays.
She highlighted the bishop’s instrumental role in establishing churches, particularly across the then-Cape Colony, aside from founding Diocesan College (Bishops) and Zonnebloem College in Cape Town.
Sophy, an accomplished horsewoman and visual artist who designed several of the churches founded, more than 40 in number (including St Thomas’), left an indelible mark on the ecclesiastical blueprint.
Ian Paul, church warden at St Thomas, expressed his appreciation of the event.
“It is a great honour for us to celebrate this legacy.
“Sophy Gray’s architectural vision continues to inspire, and the growth of this church reflects the faith and dedication of generations.”
The mission chapel, initially a modest structure, saw expansions in 1895 and 1903, eventually undergoing major renovations in 1966 to reach its current form.
Following the talk, those attending gathered outside to witness the official unveiling and blessing of the Heritage Blue Plaque.
Paul had the honour of unveiling the plaque, while the rector, Rev Claire Nye Hunter, led the blessing. As if to underscore the historical, Spears attended the unveiling dressed in period attire reminiscent of Sophy Gray.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Paul remarked: “This plaque not only recognises the architectural and historical importance of St Thomas, but also pays tribute to those who have built and sustained this community over the past 160 years.”
With the Heritage Blue Plaque now a permanent fixture, St Thomas’ church stands as a lasting testament to faith, history and architectural excellence in Rondebosch.
