Situated in Wale Street, St George's Cathedral, the seat of the Anglican Church in South Africa, has long been associated with peace initiatives and struggle movements. During the apartheid era, St George's was known for its focus on and resistance against apartheid. Being the site of many demonstrations and sheltering many victims of apartheid, it earned the title ‘The People's Cathedral.'
Land for the cathedral was consecrated in October 1827 and the initial church was opened on 21 December 1834. The church was made a cathedral in 1847. However the Archbishop was anxious that the diocese have a finer cathedral church and after many delays, work on a new cathedral began. The foundation stone for the new cathedral was laid on 22August 1901. Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, the cathedral is still incomplete today.
St George’s Cathedral is well known for its choral music and sung Eucharist. Its organ originally stood in the Church of St Margaret in Westminster.
The cathedral boasts many stained glass windows by the renowned French artist, Gabriel Loire (1904-1996), the best known being the Great West Window.
There is a bookshop and Bric-a-brac shop attached to the cathedral as well as a coffee shop, ‘Café St George’ situated in the crypt. The café is open from 7.30am to 4.30 pm.
The Cathedral holds both weekday and Sunday services. Details of the services are available on the St George’s Cathedral website or one could contact the Cathedral directly on +27 (0)21 424 7360.
