Ebenezer Church celebrates 70th anniversary

The Ebenezer Church in Umkomaas celebrated its 70th anniversary this year. In reflecting on the church’s history, the many leaders and ordinary people were commended and admired for playing significant roles since the church’s inception in an era of humble beginnings, now culminating in the realisation of a fully-fledged church.

The Ebenezer Evangelic Church was started by Missionary B. Wright in 1952.

The first service was held at Elder A. Kodi’s home in Fountain Head. The first evangelist was Sam Mariemuthoo.

The other five elders were M. Steven, S. B. Samuel, A. Arumugam, M. Samual, and J. Periah, the current church elder.

The congregants worshipped at the homes of S. Mariemuthoo and S. B. Samuel in Temple Road, Ms Ronnie Ramadu in Protea Road, and at the Naidooville Primary School and the Umkomaas Secondary School.

In his report, Church Elder Joseph Periah stated that it was the late Pastor Andrew Arumagam’s vision for a 1 500-seater church to be built.

In 1996, the two-hectare church site was purchased from Mr Billy Singh.

The late Dorrie Pillay was acknowledged for playing a pivotal role in negotiating the purchase price of R85 000.

The late George Chetty worked tirelessly to level the site and prepare for the commencement of the building.

Well-known local resident and former Umkomaas TLC Mayor and Ugu District Municipality Councillor Mannie Pillay had persuaded Umzinto businessmen Mr Gan Govender, the late Mr Vinay Singh of the Bonnie Singh family and Allison Naicker of Umkomaas to use their payloaders to level the church site free of charge.

Mannie Kisten, through his influence at the Everite Group, was able to secure the services of an architect who drew up the plans for the church free of charge.

The inauguration of the new church took place in 2006 under the leadership of Pastor Matthew Samual.

The building committee formed to oversee the construction of the church comprised Pastor Matthew Samual, Joseph Periah, the late Dorrie Pillay, Rogers Naidoo, Selvan Naidoo, Collin Pillay, Robert Ramiah, Sagie Gounden, and Krish Naidoo.

Specific areas of responsibilities were allocated to Selvan Naidoo as a building manager, Joseph Periah as secretary, and Collin Pillay as fundraising manager.

The late Mr Siva Govender was the builder.

The late Mr Gary Moodley supplied building sand at no cost. Under the leadership of Selvan Naidoo, the building progressed to roof level.

After Selvan relocated to Johannesburg, Joseph Periah took over the responsibilities of building manager.

Mr Desmond Chetty was employed as the project manager. During this period, the church was completed, and the occupational certificate acquired.

The building included carpets, a stage, lighting, a suspended ceiling, a sound room, toilets, a parking lot, burglar guards, and painting.

Members owe their gratitude to Sagie Gounden for his kind gesture of taking out a loan at a low-interest rate to finance these projects.

At this stage, Kenneth Samual took over as building manager. Under his leadership, six air-conditioners, curtains, stage décor, and the upgrading of sound equipment, including speakers and projectors, were completed.

Thereafter, Andrew Govender took over as building manager.

Together with his son Yogan, they completed the electrical wiring of the church, renovated the lapa and installed the new roof, the water storage tanks, a new air-conditioning system, built exterior store rooms and an outdoor cooking area, renovated the church entrance, and built a cry room and tiled the church.

The church management is grateful to Andrew Govender, Paven Naidoo, Shaun Pillay, and Kishore Ramdut, who unstintingly financed many church projects.

Joseph Periah stated that by the grace of God, the church community could proudly affirm that the Ebenezer Church is debt-free.

The Ebenezer Church is grateful to the many leaders and members who served on the building and fundraising committees over the years, and those who gave generously to realise this vision. “

To God be the glory that great things have been done!