Grahamstown Cathedral
Eastern Cape
The Cathedral of St Michael and St George, located in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) in South Africa's Eastern Cape, is the episcopal seat of the Anglican Diocese of Grahamstown. It is renowned for having the tallest spire in South Africa, standing at 176 feet (54 meters). The cathedral is dedicated to St Michael and St George, celebrating its patronal festival near Michaelmas on 29 September. Its origins date back to the early 19th century when the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel allocated funds for its construction to serve the growing British population in Grahamstown, which lacked any place of worship. The church was initially named St George's and features the oldest surviving fragment of English church architecture in South Africa in its south wall. The cathedral's construction involved notable figures such as surveyor W. Jones and builder George Gilbert, with a zinc roof replacing the originally planned thatch to improve durability. It remains a central place of worship with regular services and special events, including guided tours during the National Arts Festival.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the cathedral's official website or contact the office to confirm service times and guided tour availability, especially during special seasons like Holy Week and Advent. Guided tours are available by arrangement, with additional tours offered during the National Arts Festival. The best time to visit is during weekdays or festival periods for a fuller experience. Booking in advance for tours is recommended. Morning services start early at 7:00 on weekdays, and Sunday services include Eucharists and choral evensongs at specific times.
Interesting facts
- •The cathedral boasts the tallest spire in South Africa, measuring 176 feet (54 meters).
- •Its south wall is the oldest surviving piece of English church architecture in South Africa.
- •The original roof was intended to be thatch but was replaced with zinc due to durability concerns, causing construction delays.
- •The cathedral serves as the episcopal seat of the Bishop of Grahamstown.
- •The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel initially funded its construction to support the British military and settlers in Grahamstown.
History
The cathedral's foundation was laid in the 1820s following a £500 grant from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, redirected from Cape Town to Grahamstown due to the lack of any place of worship for its British settlers.
Construction began under plans by W.
Jones and builder George Gilbert, with the building opening in 1830, originally named St George's.
The south wall of this original structure is the oldest piece of English church architecture in South Africa.
Over time, the church's administration evolved from government-appointed committees to a vestry system established by the 1839 Church Ordinance, reflecting its growing ecclesiastical independence.
The cathedral has since become a significant religious and historical landmark in the Eastern Cape.
Place Guide
The Tallest Spire
Standing at 176 feet (54 meters), the cathedral's spire is the tallest in South Africa, serving as a prominent landmark visible across Makhanda.
South Wall - Oldest English Church Architecture1830
The south wall of the cathedral is the oldest surviving fragment of English church architecture in South Africa, dating back to the original 1830 structure.
Church Square Location
The cathedral is centrally located on Church Square in Makhanda, making it a focal point of the city's historical and cultural life.
Contact
Phone: 046 622 2445
