The thatch roofs of the St Thomas Anglican Church and Oulap School (the hall next to the church) are in such bad condition that they will not last 2023's winter rains without causing extensive damage to the interior of both buildings. Unfortunately, neither the congregation nor the Caledon Anglican Diocese have the funds for the required restoration work – which is much more than only having the roofs rethatched.
The buildings, along with the Village Green, are graded as being of provincial significance under the National Heritage Resources Act.
The History
The St Thomas Church is colloquially known as “Die Klipkerk” - The Stone Church. It is one of the oldest churches in the Overberg and the oldest in Stanford.
The construction started soon after the town was proclaimed in 1857. Ephraim Moore, brought to South Africa to enlarge and operate the water mill on Robert Stanford’s farm, and his family were the driving force behind establishing an Anglican Church and later also a church school in Stanford. Built from local limestone and reed thatch, it proudly stands in the corner of the Village Green and is Stanford’s most unique and loved historical landmark.
The church building was completed in 1863, at that stage the only church in the village.
In 1875 the church was enlarged and the adjacent school building, ‘Die Oulapskool’, was built at the same time. It was in use as a school until 1983 when Die Bron Primary school was built. It then became a hall for the congregation.
Historically a penny was known as an ‘oulap’. As the children used to pay a penny to go to school, the school became known as the ‘Oulap’ School.
St Thomas Today
The “Klipkerk” and “Oulapskool” provide a unique character and sense of place to the Village Green which in turn anchors the entire Stanford - a Heritage Area proclaimed in 1996.
In addition to being a Grade 2 site of Provincial Heritage Significance, the church and school are architectural gems, often the focus of photographs epitomising Stanford. However, its significance extends beyond its aesthetic and architectural values, given that the buildings have witnessed weddings, baptisms and funerals for more than a century, and still serve as home for an active church congregation.
The effects of time and weather are however showing: The thatch needs urgent replacement; some of the stone masonry needs repair while insensitive additions to the original school building need to be replaced to enhance the site and improve the functioning of the facilities. Other smaller additions and changes to the church grounds are also necessary to accommodate contemporary use while maintaining the historic appeal of the site.
As part of the broader Village Green Precinct, the St Thomas Church Complex can significantly contribute to the heart of the Village. It also serves as a subtle reminder that this church resisted the endeavours of the Apartheid government to separate a community along racial grounds and continued to serve as an anchor for a resilient and proud community.
The Plan
After developing a Masterplan it is estimated that the total renovation cost will be in the region of R2.5 million. However, as the rethatching of both roofs must be done before the end of May 2023, it is quite urgent to raise the amount of R452 000 by the end of March 2023.
The Stanford Conservation Association and its Heritage Committee has agreed to once again step in and assist the congregation, and indeed the village in raising funds for this major task.
Several quotes for the thatching were obtained, and the decision was made to provisionally accept one from a reputable company which guarantees its work and has an excellent track record and references.
The SCA's Role
When the St Thomas Anglican Church elders approached Stanford Conservation Association and its Heritage Committee at the end of 2022 for assistance to rethatch the roofs of the church buildings, it soon became clear that the needs are far greater than only the patching of the roofs.
As the congregation does not have the financial means or the capacity to assist substantially, the SCA initiated talks with professional architects, landscape designers and other Stanford residents on how to elevate this historical site to once again be the crown jewel of Stanford.
The result is a concept sketch plan, which was discussed with representatives of the Anglican Church on 23 January 2023. It complements the Stanford Revitalisation Plan (SRP) and draws on many elements thereof.
In Practical Terms...
In essence the proposal comprises the following:
- Opening the vista to the church so that it is clearly visible from the Village Green, and indeed from Queen Victoria Street
- Redesigning the layout of the church yard, which will include:
- Creating a green square in front of the Oulap School.
- Demolishing the unsightly toilet block and incorporate it in the ‘green square’.
- Redefining the church building as the heart of the church yard.
- Utilising the poorly maintained ‘garden’ on the corner of Longmarket and Morton Streets as a multi-functional area that can be used for parking when necessary, church fêtes etc.
- Add a Wall of Remembrance on the Longmarket Street side.
- A raised table in Morton Street to slow down traffic and give the church a spatial sense of place.
Other urgent construction work
A WALL OF REMEMBRANCE
The congregation would like to build a wall of remembrance for members that have passed, as well as for other Stanford residents that have played a big role in the community. As the local graveyards fill up, this is becoming more and more urgent.
RESTORATION OF THE STONEWORK
Apart from the rethatching, some of the stonework needs to be replaced. This will require an experienced stone mason as the old stone needs to be cut out, removed and replaced with newly cut stone. Fortunately, the limestone required has been sourced from the contractors responsible for the R43 upgrade, who will deliver it to the adjacent property until funds are available to tackle this major restoration project.
A NEW ABLUTION FACILITY
It is the intention to break down the existing toilet block and build a new facility that will complement the existing buildings.
Timelines
The first and foremost priority is the replacement of the thatch roofs, as well as the removal of some trees which are destabilising the foundations of the church building and the leiwater channel. The aim is to complete the rest of the work within 24 -36 months, depending on the availability of funds.
PHASE 1
- Removal of problem causing trees
- Refurbishing of the roofs (church and school)
PHASE 2
- Restoration of the stone masonry (church and school)
PHASE 3 - New building works including:
- The Wall of Remembrance (a priority for the congregation)
- Amenities building including removal of the current facilities next to the school
- Alterations to the school interior
PHASE 4 - Landscaping works