Our History

Early Beginnings (1994–2001)

After independence in 1994, there was an influx of Africans moving into Kempton Park city. Among these were Adventist families, most of whom were foreigners coming to South Africa to look for gold. By 2001, many Adventist families from Kempton City were worshipping in Birchleigh.

Most of these people were unemployed and faced challenges traveling every Sabbath to Birchleigh for church. About 25 people traveled by taxi each Sabbath, while some were ferried by Brother Nelson Chanda and Brother Kula’s cars. This arrangement was unsustainable due to limited resources.

The Search for a Place of Worship (2002)

In 2002, Brother Chanda and Brother Kula planned to establish a place of worship in the city. They wrote to the mother church in Birchleigh, highlighting the challenges of distance and poverty. The leadership at Birchleigh did not respond. When confronted, the leader told them to wait until they were elected into office to make decisions. Undeterred, the brothers proceeded to secure a place of worship.

Brother Chanda negotiated with Emmanuel Church leaders on Willow Street for a worship space, which was provided free for the first month. On the first Sabbath, Brother Chanda’s family attended alone, but by the end of the day, 13 people were present. This marked the beginning of a six-year struggle, as the mother church in Birchleigh wanted to close the branch, viewing it as a church for poor foreigners.

Growth and Evangelism (2002–2007)

Despite opposition, the church grew, moving from Willow Street to the corner of Voortrekker and Monument. In 2005, the church followed the Oxford school to Spartan and grew to five times the size of the mother church in Birchleigh. Evangelism efforts intensified, led by Brothers Easton Zinhumwe and Phillip. They preached across cities and conducted door-to-door evangelism, enrolling many in Bible studies and distributing religious materials.

By 2007, evangelism expanded into Kempton Park City, with regular prayers and Bible studies in homes. The brothers discovered many Adventists in town who were not attending church, motivating them to intensify their outreach.

Establishing a City Church (2007–2008)

Many were willing to attend church but found Spartan too far. Towards the end of 2007, the decision was made to establish a place of worship in the city. After praying for a venue, God answered their prayers—a nightclub closed, and Elder Chanda secured the building for both a school (Kings Highway) and a church. The church adopted the name Kings Highway.

A Ghanaian Adventist, Sister Ellen Mawutor, and her brother-in-law Theo joined the church. Brother Theo, though not initially Adventist, was among the first five baptized in 2008 and later pursued pastoral studies in Ghana.

Challenges and Organization (2008–2009)

The church continued to grow, surpassing fifty members. Attempts to organize the church into a branch or company met resistance from the mother church, which argued the process was not done “properly.” The brothers insisted that their role was evangelism and that the church should organize the new members. Despite secret attempts by Spartan leaders to close the city church, Elder Chanda refused, stating he had no authority to close God’s church.

Prayer became central to their perseverance. Pastor Rapitsi supported the city church, and in 2009, it was officially organized as a branch, with Brother Paul Mawutor as the first leader. By then, three baptisms had taken place, totaling around thirty people. Evangelism became a church-wide effort, and the congregation prayed for resources, receiving timely donations that enabled them to buy fifty chairs.

Continued Opposition and Triumph (2009–2011)

Despite growth, opposition persisted. Spartan leaders attempted to close the city church, citing financial constraints, though Elder Chanda had never requested rental support. A business meeting was called without the knowledge of city church leaders, aiming to close the church. However, the majority voted for the city church to continue and be organized as a church, a decision that was reaffirmed even after a second vote.

The church moved to 2 Cypress Street (now All Danquah offices), and as membership grew, it was organized into a company (New Millennium) in 2010, with Elder Nhlanhla Khumalo as leader. In 2011, it became Kempton Park Central Church (Old site), organized by TOC President Pastor Sestiba, with Pastor Madlala as the local pastor.

Expansion and New Challenges (2012–2017)

After nearly two years at Cypress Road, the church moved to 12 Willow Street, converting an abandoned warehouse into a large auditorium. By 2012, membership had grown to around 200, with Sabbath attendance reaching 400, including visitors. A Sabbath school branch was opened in Pomona, serviced by the mother church.

When 12 Willow Street was put up for sale and the church lacked funds to purchase it, they found a new venue at NG Kerk, 1 Palm Street, Kempton Park.

Recent Developments (2017–Present)

Following a successful crusade in 2017 at Blockhouse Street in the CBD, a new Sabbath school branch was opened to accommodate new members and those for whom Palm Street was too far. This branch is now known as Kempton Park City Blockhouse Branch. The main place of worship remains at 1 Palm Street, with total membership across Palm Street, Blockhouse, and Pomona standing at 325 baptized members.