Zimpapers Logo

Leonard Ncube in Victoria Falls
THE Anglican Church in Zimbabwe is celebrating 90 years of existence in Victoria Falls.

One of the oldest churches in Zimbabwe, the Anglican church’s history in Victoria Falls is synonymous with the growth of the country’s newest city as it dates back to the arrival of the railway line. A missionary group called Railway Missionaries was formed to give pastoral and Sacramental support to railway construction workers and passengers.

The railway reached Victoria Falls in 1904. Most Anglican churches are found near the railway line and it was through the railway that the church spread to Matabeleland North, according to the church’s history.

The Victoria Falls Hotel, built in 1905, was at one time a residence for railway workers and since the missionaries were always journeying with the workers, there were offered a place to do their services and in 1932 it was consecrated as a holy chapel that remains to date.

Anglican’s first church in Victoria Falls is the chapel named St. Mary Magdalena at Victoria Falls Hotel followed by the church of the Resurrection which was opened in 1978.

Holy Trinity which was opened in 1995 is the third and groundbreaking for construction of a bigger church was done on Saturday while the fourth Victoria Falls branch is in Lumbora, in Jambezi.

The 90-year celebrations were held at the church of Resurrection branch in Chinotimba with Bishop of Matabeleland Diocese, Bishop Cleopas Lunga leading Mass.

Other denominations namely the Catholic Church, Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, Apostolic Mission, Salvation Army, Zimbabwe Council of Churches as well as Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Somveli Dlamini and a representative of Chief Mvuthu of Victoria Falls attended.

The celebrations were also attended by some Anglicans from Livingstone in Zambia.

The celebrations were marked by three liturgical activities namely groundbreaking on a ground where a new church will be built in Monde, a service at the Victoria Falls Hotel chapel as well as Mass.

There was also ordination of two new priests, Fr Darlington Tembo and Fr Godfrey Sibanda while Light of Stewardship Awards were conferred on Victoria Falls Hotel, National Railways of Zimbabwe as well as Fr Reuben Ndebele and the late Fr Lemius Sibanda for their contribution to the growth of the church.

Chief Mvuthu who was represented by Mr Elias Mzamba and Victoria Falls Hotel general manager Mr Farai Chimba gave solidarity messages.

After the church service people were served lunch and there was a raffle draw as scores of people were kept entertained.

In his Homily Bishop Lunga said humility and hard work of its members especially in pastoral work has kept the church going.

“The sermon today is about covering faces with wings, which simply means humility. As we celebrate 90 years of existence in Victoria Falls we celebrate the life and work of people who have worked hard.

It is not easy to train these people and it takes a long time but we thank God that this has been finally accomplished,” he said while referring to the newly ordained priests.

Mr Chimba said it is befitting to have the chapel at the hotel as it serves guests.

“As Victoria Falls Hotel we treasure the relationship that has been there starting from the arrival of the railway line. It is befitting to have a facility like the chapel for our guests who come from all over the world,” he said.

Mayor Dlamini said the city is highly indebted to the work done by the church especially the Anglican Church and pledged to assist the church to get land for social facilities like schools. -@ncubeleon