A Methodist presence in the Brits/Hartbeespoort region began in 1936 when preachers travelled from Pretoria to conduct services in Brits. For approximately seven decades the area lacked its own resident minister and remained under Pretoria church supervision. As the Hartbeespoort area expanded around 2000 with new housing developments, church leaders envisioned establishing a local Methodist …
A Methodist presence in the Brits/Hartbeespoort region began in 1936 when preachers travelled from Pretoria to conduct services in Brits. For approximately seven decades the area lacked its own resident minister and remained under Pretoria church supervision.
As the Hartbeespoort area expanded around 2000 with new housing developments, church leaders envisioned establishing a local Methodist congregation that could financially support a full-time minister between two locations.
In 2005, Rev Jannie Hofmeyr was hired to lead Brits Methodist while founding the Hartbeespoort congregation. A joint venture with Anglican and Presbyterian churches was considered but did not proceed.
The inaugural service in Hartbeespoort took place on 4 November 2007 at the SAVF Dienssentrum hall, with approximately 25 adult members. A R200,000 donation and support from Pretoria Methodist churches sustained operations while attendance grew.
In 2010, the churches purchased a 2.1-hectare agricultural property in Melodie. Construction planning began in 2011 but faced permitting delays until July 2016, when municipal approval was secured. The completed church held its first service on 21 December 2018 and was consecrated by Rev Sidwell Mokgothu on 17 February 2019.
Recent developments:
- 2019 — garden landscaping by Irene Small
- 2020 — Coenie Bakkes joined as caretaker
- October 2021 — Bessie Kraak appointed as church secretary
- 2021 — Rev Mike Durrant retired, succeeded by Rev Simi Ngomane
