27/05/2026
New Apostolic Church Saxonsea Congregation turns 35 years
In 1979, the first houses became available for occupation around Saxonsea, and brothers from the Avondale area immediately started door-knocking and spreading the gospel of God. New Apostolic families moved into the area and shortly after started conducting divine services at the Wesfleur Primary School, about 3 kilometers in the south area of Atlantis. With the influx of more members the first house congregation had to be opened in Fernande Street. Later, another four house congregations had to be opened and were then known as Atlantis Four with Priest Claude Dogen as the first Rector. In 1981 the name of the congregations changed to Saxonsea and the late Priest Neville Thomas (at the time) was appointed the rector.
The need for more convenient accommodation arose and the principal of the Saxonsea Primary School, Mr. October, was approached for permission to use his school. In 1982 permission was granted and on Thanksgiving Day of the same year the first service was conducted in the school by District Elder E. Kieswetter and Shepherd Jasson (both deceased) . With more families moving into the area, Saxonsea Primary School could not cater for all of God’s children and the principal of Hermes Primary School was approached for the use of a second school.
Permission was granted and divine service commenced at the school. This congregation became known as Saxonsea B, with Shepherd N. Dogen as the Rector. Initially the Atlantis area was part of Kensington District. In July 1980 Atlantis became a district on its own with District Evangelist C.A. Hendricks (now retired Apostle) as the district leader. In November 1987 the Atlantis District was divided into two, due to the growth in the membership. The Saxonsea congregations became part of Atlantis North District under the leadership of District Elder S. Johnson.
In July 1988, through the grace of God, the purchase of a piece of ground for the er****on of our own church building to house God’s children of the Saxonsea area was approved. The turning-of-the-sod ceremony was performed by Bishop C. Laubscher on 17 December 1989 and building operations commenced in February 1990.
On 26th May 1991, a beautiful church building was dedicated by District Apostle E.H. Graf and we give thanks and praise to our Heavenly Father. We also thank our District Apostle for providing us with the magnificent building and all those who contributed and assisted in making this a reality and providing God’s children with a beautiful place to worship God.
Special thanks go to the Principals of the Saxonsea and Hermes Primary Schools who for so many years granted us the use of their school buildings.