6 Gardener Circle, South End

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6 Gardener Circle, South End, Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

This is the physical address for St Peters Church.

St Peters Church

St Peter’s Church, established in 1875 in South End, is one of Port Elizabeth’s oldest churches and a landmark of early colonial Gothic architecture. Built by Rev George Smith and supported by the local community, it served a culturally diverse congregation and played a key role in education, founding a primary school for Coloured and Malay children. Over the decades, it became a hub for sport, youth development, and social justice, hosting clubs like the Paladins Soccer Club and Sea Scouts. Beyond its religious role, St Peter’s stood as a space for community organizing and remains a symbol of resilience and inclusive heritage in Nelson Mandela Bay.

St. Peter's Anglican Church, overlooking the harbor, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1871. Initially established as a daughter church of St. Mary's, it operated in temporary premises under the guidance of missionary Rev. William Greenstock. In 1875, the church purchased part of St. Mary's cemetery land and built a permanent church, with the foundation stone laid by Bishop Merriman in 1876. Rev. George Smith, the first minister, designed and built the church, which was inaugurated in 1877.

It was designed and built by Rev George Smith, who became the first minister. The church was inaugurated in 1877 and served the culturally mixed community who resided in South End. The church also housed a school for coloured and Malay children, as they had no school of their own. St Peters was the first school in South End to educate up to standard 6 (grade 8) which was the maximum level available for coloured students at that time. In 1878, St. Peter’s became a separate parish.

St. Peter's played a vital role in serving the culturally diverse South End community. It housed a school for colored and Malay children, pioneering education up to standard 6. By 1878, it became a separate parish. Father Paddy, a legendary figure, served as both minister and school principal, contributing significantly to sports with the formation of Paladins Soccer Club and St. Peter's Hockey Club.

Despite its impact, a tragic chapter unfolded in the 1970s due to Group Areas removals. The church suffered vandalism as congregants left, leading to its deconsecration in 1972. The Fisherman's Cross, a symbol of hope, stood in front of the church, surviving through the years, later relocated to St. Mark and St. John's in Parkside.

By 1983, St. Peter's fell into ruin, prompting restoration efforts led by Mr. George Holliday. The Anglican Diocese sold the church for R30,000, and restoration began, with a vision to transform it into a museum depicting the city's history.

The Fisherman’s Cross

The ‘Fisherman’s Cross’ in front of the church stood in the grounds of St Peters Anglican Church and was so called because it stood as a symbol of love and hope for the men in the trawlers and line boats in the bay. It could be clearly seen from all parts of Algoa Bay and faced across the mouth of the Baakens River. The Cross was unveiled and dedicated on 25 November 1928 as a memorial to those who served in the Great War of 1914-18.

The figure on the cross was a life-sized one and had been imported from Belgium. Kohler Brothers supplied the 12 foot high teak cross, and a parishioner John Hendricks, did the concrete work and stone masonry. Somewhere in the late 1950s the figure, for some unknown reason, fell and broke and it was replaced by a cement sculpture. The Cross survived the rigours of apartheid laws and the bulldozers of the Group Areas Act in the late 1960s and early 70s. It was then taken to the church of St Mark and St John in Parkside in the Northern Suburbs. As an acknowledgement to the fishermen of yesteryear, the cross has been recreated on the site along with a sculpture of a fishermen and son bringing home their catch.

Project Information

The historical St Peter’s Anglican Church Ruins in South End is a preserved heritage site. The rehabilitation of the ruins now offers a space for outdoor events, educational and community activities, a small amphitheatre, and the opportunity for guided tours celebrating South End’s rich history and culture. The history of South End is highlighted by a once united, multi-racial community that was a victim of forced removals of the 1960’s.

MBDA Involvement

In about 2014 the MBDA concluded the purchase of the land where the old ruins of St Peters are located. The restoration of this project began around 2018 with the stabilization of the site and later evolved to be a full-blown heritage and tourism attraction in late 2025.

Key Upgrade Elements

• Upgrading of area surrounding church for storytelling and visitor access.
• Stabilization of the church ruins with concrete reinforcement.
• Installation of containers, deck and landscaping as retail and information centres.
• Installation of walkways and arches across the site to enhance visitor experience.
• Installation of storyboards and on-site artworks, fencing and signage as visitor information boards.
• Construction of an Amphitheatre for open events and tours.
• Multimedia museum room to broadcast the sounds of old South End.
• Container coffee kiosk to serve food and beverage synonymous of South End.

SME Development

A total of 4 Emerging Micro Enterprises were appointed during the construction.

Future Operations

Today, it stands as a beacon of resilience and unity, and offers a glimpse into the vibrant, multicultural community of historical South End. The site will educate people by bringing past stories to life, keeping the vision of unity alive, and fostering a deep connection to our shared cultural heritage.

The site is set to welcome tour groups, school groups, and the public interested in exploring the rich history and culture of South End. Designed as an outdoor event space, it can accommodate between 50 and 100 people and features an amphitheatre. The area is secured around the clock by MBDA-contracted security personnel.

Opening of St Peters Rainbow Village

On 23 September 2025, the Minister of Sport, Art and Culture, Gayton McKenzie officiated at the ceremonial opening of the renamed St Peters Rainbow Village.

Speakers at the event included MBDA (Mandela Bay Development Agency) Chairperson, Glenda Perumal, Deputy Executive Mayor, Gary van Niekerk and MMC Sinebhongo Kwatsha.

Glenda Perumal Speech

MBDA Board Chairperson, Ms. Glenda Perumal delivered the official welcome at the Ceremonial Opening of the St Peter’s Rainbow Village, “St. Peter’s Rainbow Village is more than a site, it is a living space. Reimagined as a place of gathering, reflection, and renewal, it stands as a tribute to the legacy of St. Peter’s Church and to the generations who once found strength, belonging, and hope here. Today, it opens its doors to new generations, inviting all who enter to experience not only its beauty, but also its enduring purpose. Our deepest gratitude goes to everyone who has played a role in bringing this vision to life. This is the power of partnership. This is the spirit of community. Welcome to St. Peter’s Rainbow Village, a place that will continue to inspire, to connect, and to uplift all who walk through its gates.”

MBDA CEO, Anele Qaba provides the vision for St Peter’s and its contribution to heritage and tourism, “The roots of this history stretch back to the 1870s, when St. Peter’s Church was first established around 1871 becoming a beacon of faith, belonging, and resilience for generations to come. The government spared only a handful of buildings some churches, mosques, and other structures. St. Peter’s was among the few that survived, spared from demolition and even from later plans to clear the area for a highway crossing nearby.“

Gary van Niekerk Speech

Deputy Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Cllr Gary Van Niekerk delivered this address at the official ceremonial opening of the St Peter’s Rainbow Village.

“St. Peter’s Rainbow Village is not only about bricks, history, or preservation, it is about people. It is about honoring the lives and stories of those who walked these streets, worshiped in this church, and built a community of love and respect despite the barriers imposed on them. And so, as we gather here, we are reminded that this village is both a memorial and a promise, a memorial to the sacrifices of the past, and a promise to future generations that unity, dignity, and belonging will always have a home here. Today, as we open St. Peter’s Rainbow Village, we do more than mark a ceremonial moment. We create a living space of gathering, reflection, and inspiration for all who enter. Let it remind us of our duty, to remember, to honor, and to build a future that is inclusive, compassionate, and united. May this village continue to uplift our city, connect our people, and preserve the stories that must never be forgotten.”

Sinebhongo Kwatsha

MMC Sinebhongo Kwatsha extended a warm welcome to the Honourable Minister at the ceremonial opening of St Peter’s Rainbow Village.

“It is with immense pride and heartfelt warmth that we welcome you, Honourable Minister, to this special occasion. Your presence today is not only an honour, but also a powerful affirmation of the vital role that sport, arts, and culture play in shaping inclusive, vibrant, and resilient communities.

St Peter’s Rainbow Village stands as a beacon of hope, creativity, and unity — a place where diversity is celebrated, talents are nurtured, and dreams are given room to grow. We are deeply grateful for your support and leadership, which continue to inspire the creation of spaces like this, where community spirit and cultural expression thrive.

May this occasion mark the beginning of many shared successes and partnerships, as we work together to uplift, empower, and unite our people through the richness of our diverse cultures.

Welcome, Honourable Minister. We are truly privileged to have you with us today.”