A Brief History of Saint Thomas’ Anglican Church, Linden

In 1915, Louw Geldenhuys donated three-quarters of an acre (half a Linden stand)
on the north-eastern corner of 3rd Avenue and 8th Street to the Anglican Church. For
many years, however, the land remained an open field covered with tall grass.
By 1952, it was decided to establish a parish to serve the growing north-western
suburbs of Johannesburg. To begin the work, the church borrowed £3,000, and a church house was built on the property.

In July 1952, the first celebration of the Holy Eucharist was held in the newly built
house, even though it still had no windows, doors, or floors. As the congregation
continued to grow, worship services were later held in a large tent erected on the
property.

Over the following years, additional buildings were constructed to support the life and
ministry of the parish. In 1961, the church hall was completed. It featured a mosaic of
Christ the King, created by the Italian artist Amando Baldinelli. Baldinelli declined to
sign the artwork because the outer edges had been completed using locally sourced
tiles that did not quite match his original design.

Protecting the Church Property

In 1941, plans were made to upgrade the Linden sub-satellite telephone exchange to a
full satellite exchange. The authorities wished to retain the exchange in roughly the
same area, opposite Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys, and began searching for a suitable
site.
Their first proposal was to purchase the empty Anglican Church property at the corner
of 3rd Avenue and 8th Street. Members of the congregation strongly opposed the sale,
preventing the church land from being lost.
The authorities then attempted to purchase the remaining property behind the church,
owned by Mr R.H. van Huysteen. Although the owner requested £900, the official
valuation was only £500. After two years of negotiations, the government eventually
purchased the property for £500.
The telephone exchange remains on that site today, while its prominent tower now
belongs to the cellular network provider Vodacom.

The Beginning of Worship

Before permanent church buildings were completed, the congregation gathered
faithfully in a large tent, where regular services were held. This period represents the
humble beginnings of Saint Thomas’ Parish and reflects the determination and faith of
its founding members, who worshipped together while the parish buildings were
gradually being developed.
This account marks the early development of Saint Thomas’ Anglican Church, Linden,
from the generous land donation in 1915, through the establishment of the parish in
1952, the first Eucharistic celebrations, worship under canvas, the construction of
permanent facilities, and the congregation’s successful efforts to preserve its property
for future generations.