Today in Kimberley's History
March 5th
"Every day has a story about Kimberley's past."
On this day...
5 March marks an important milestone in Kimberley's architectural and spiritual heritage. On this day in 1907, the foundation stone of St Cyprian's Cathedral was laid, beginning the construction of one of South Africa's finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture. More than a century later, the cathedral remains one of Kimberley's most recognisable landmarks and an enduring symbol of the city's rich religious and cultural history.
1907 – Foundation Stone of St Cyprian's Cathedral Laid
On 5 March 1907, hundreds of Kimberley residents gathered on Dutoitspan Road to witness the laying of the foundation stone of the new St Cyprian's Church, the building that would later become St Cyprian's Cathedral. The ceremony was performed by the Right Reverend Dr William Marlborough Carter Gaul, Bishop of Mashonaland, and marked the beginning of one of Kimberley's most ambitious ecclesiastical building projects.
The Anglican congregation had long outgrown its modest wood-and-iron church in Jones Street. Plans were therefore commissioned for a magnificent new building in the Neo-Gothic style, designed by Kimberley architect D. W. Greatbatch. Although financial constraints meant that construction would proceed in stages, there was widespread confidence that the completed church would become a landmark worthy of the Diamond City.
The ceremony itself was nearly spoiled by heavy rain. As Bishop Gaul prepared to lay the foundation stone using an inscribed silver trowel, showers swept across the gathering. Yet as the service drew to a close, the clouds parted and a brilliant rainbow appeared above the site. Many present regarded it as a fitting symbol of hope for the new church and its future.
Following the laying of the stone, Bishop Gaul addressed the assembled crowd. Having known Kimberley for more than thirty years, he spoke warmly of those whose dedication had built the Anglican community and challenged the city to complete the project. Raising the remaining £5,000, he argued, would require only a small contribution from Kimberley's prosperous citizens. His appeal reflected the confidence and optimism of a city that had grown from rough diamond diggings into one of southern Africa's leading urban centres.
The church's nave was completed and dedicated in 1908. St Cyprian's Church became a Cathedral when the Episcopal Synod approved the formation of the new Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman in October 1911, the first Bishop, Gore Browne, being enthroned in 1912.
Additional sections, including the chancel and Lady Chapel, were completed over the following decades, creating the magnificent cathedral that continues to dominate Kimberley's skyline today.
Did You Know?
The foundation stone of St Cyprian's Church was laid during a rainstorm. As the ceremony ended, the rain stopped, and a brilliant rainbow appeared above the site—a moment many of those present regarded as a sign of blessing for the new cathedral.
St Cyprian's Cathedral today
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Kimberley's Story Continues
Kimberley's history is reflected not only in its diamond mines but also in the remarkable buildings that continue to define the city's character. From churches and schools to museums and public monuments, each tells the story of a community determined to build something lasting. Join us tomorrow as we explore another fascinating chapter in the history of the Diamond City.
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