Celebrating 165 years of history in 2020!
The St George’s Church family appreciate the contribution made by so many generous benefactors who have enabled local craftsmen using local materials to build and furnish this Church to the Glory of God. The first Anglican Church to be built in Knysna was the small stone Church standing South of the large Church. Building began in 1849 and it was consecrated by Robert Gray on the 3rd of October 1855. It was shortly after the building was completed that it was found to be too small for the growing local community. A wooden extension was built and later replaced by brick and iron.
In 1872 foundations were laid for a larger Church around the site of the small Church but fortunately, due to lack of funds, it was never completed and the Small Church now remains intact. These foundations were finally removed in 1912. However, in 1919 at a meeting of parishioners, a building committee was formed when it was unanimously decided to erect a new Church. Plans were drawn up by Oudtshoorn architects, Simpson and Bridgeman. Tenders were called for but the estimated cost was too high and building stalled once again. It was in 1926 that the foundation stone was laid and eleven years later in 1937 the Big Church was consecrated.
In 1872 foundations were laid for a larger Church around the site of the small Church but fortunately, due to lack of funds, it was never completed and the Small Church now remains intact. These foundations were finally removed in 1912. However, in 1919 at a meeting of parishioners, a building committee was formed when it was unanimously decided to erect a new Church. Plans were drawn up by Oudtshoorn architects, Simpson and Bridgeman. Tenders were called for but the estimated cost was too high and building stalled once again. It was in 1926 that the foundation stone was laid and eleven years later in 1937 the Big Church was consecrated.
