Before the arrival of the British Settlers in 1820 the needs of the British garrison in Algoa Bay were served by chaplains in passing ships. By 1825 the town of Port Elizabeth had grown to about 500 people and Revd Francis McClelland was appointed Colonial Chaplain. The foundation stone for the Collegiate Church of St Mary the Virgin was also laid that year. The church was finally opened for worship in 1832.
Very splendid! I can just hear the soaring voices of the choir.
I love visiting churches. And you are right about finding so much local history there.
It's a beauty. Not that different from some churches here.