2010 - 60th Anniversary Celebrations

2010 is a momentous year in South African history, with fans from around the world descending as 32 teams play 64 soccer matches in 10 local venues. For members of the Methodist church in Bellville, 2010 also commemorates 60 years as a church community. Rev Arthur Colledge, minister at Parow and Pinelands Methodist churches, proposed creating a church for the Bellville community in late 1949. The first Methodist service was held in the former Bellville Library hall on 5 February 1950with 62 people attending. After a church hall was initially built, Bellville Methodist officially opened on 20 December 1952 to the pealing bells of the nearby Dutch Reformed Church. Twenty years later, the Methodist church building was constructed opposite the hall. In celebration of Bellville Methodist's 60th anniversary, activities thoroughout 2010 will take place. A social car rally took place in April. The spiritual element was a mission run early in June by Rev. Andrew Sieborger and team, with the theme "Grace.... is is still amazing?" We will be hosting a church concert on 30 October, where the congregation have been asked to contribute their performing talents, however limited! The highlight of our celebrations will be Bellville Methodist's historical dinner on Saturday 28 August. The guest speaker, Rev Prof Peter Storey, was a probation minister at Bellville Methodist in 1960. With former ministers and youth pastors as invited guests, tickets will be on sale to any members and interested parties with links to the church. We encourage the sharing of old photos and cameos that evening. Due to space constraints, the dinner will be held at the Dutch Reformed church hall in 8th Avenue, Bellville. Those interested in attending should contact the Bellville Methodist church office on 021 948 6677/8 or email bellmeth@xsinet.co.za. A remembrance service will be held on Sunday 29 August.