- In a world that strives for ecumenism, the Maseru United Church may be unique as it was founded by three Protestant Churches:
- The Methodist Church of South Africa
- Die Nederduits Gereformeede Kerk van die Vry Staat (Dutch Reformed Church of the Free State)
- The Presbyterian Church of South Africa.
- Sometime around 1908-1910, a small congregation which was to become Maseru United Church began to meet in a modest prefabricated iron building. When the church began to meet in a former schoolhouse, it was referred to as the “Tabernacle”. For years the congregation had felt the need for a more permanent building and one that was worthy of worship of the Almighty. In 1944, a donation by Ralph Willates inspired the determination of the congregation to go ahead with plans for a new church building.
- “I declare this stone well and truly laid.”
- With these words, W. S. Blight laid the cornerstone on December 1, 1948, and the present sanctuary was begun.
Our story dates to 1903, following the Anglo Boer War, the three missionary groups; the Methodists, Presbyterian, and Dutch Reformed churches operating in Maseru sought to establish a single place of worship. Undeterred by the denominational and doctrinal differences they congregated in what came to be known as the “Tin Chapel”. It is this vision of non-denominational ism under the Christian flag that United Church was born and continues to exist over a century later. The church has transformed in its make up over the years but continues to exist as a home for the local and expatriate community in Lesotho.
