FM GOW MEMORIAL AME CHURCH -1962
Francis Macdonald Gow Chapel came about as a result of
the resettlement from the Benoni Township. As a newly developed circuit, services was conducted in a school until the
church was erected at it's current location by the late Rev WW Lutumbu who was then the Pastor of the RR Wright Chapel in
the old Benoni Township. He then later became the Presiding Elder of the Germiston District before called to higher Service.
The late Rev Tshabalala then was appointed to FM Gow
and continued with the duties of the church. The Daveyton charge became one of the circuits in the Springs District after
inheriting it's name from the the Rev FM Gow, brother of the RT Rev FH Gow (first african Bishop). The church is proud to
place on record that the circuit is named after this great servant of God.
The first Pastor to be appointed to this new circuit
by the Rt Rev Gow was the Rev GZ Lethoba (dean of the RR Wright school of religion). This resulted in this church taking part
as a circuit in a conference held in Witbank 1962.
The second Pastor was the late Rev E Mokoena. Heading
the trustees was Dr PK Mokhobo who was minister of health in Bophutthatswana. The Presiding Elder of the Spring Ditsrict was
the Rev EIP Mallel. Following was the sequence of Pastors who were later assigned to the Daveyton circuit;
Rev BS Rajuili
Rev D Modisapodi (Presiding Elder)
Rev JK Letseleha
Rev E Moletsane
Rev P Monoametsi
Rev H Gwele
Rev Mkize
Rev EIP Mallela
Rev D Mnyele
Rev AN Tsimane
Rev Molefe
Rev J Dabula
Rev NL Mathekga - currently serving
During the time of the Rev JK Letseleha the church parsonage
was erected and dedicated by the Rt Rev JH Bryant and named after Mother Bryant, Bryant Villa.
Most of the afore-mentioned pastors were under the Presiding
Eldership of the Rev D Mnyele who later became pastor of the circuit and was substituted by the Presiding Elder S Modise who
was in charge of the Springs District. Historical background also reveals that the circuit served under the following Bishops:
Rt Rev Gow (1st Elected and Consecrated SA Bishop)
Rt Rev Robinson
Rt Rev Bryant
Rt Rev James
Rt Rev Ming
Rt Rev Hunter
Rt Rev Senatle (2nd Elected and Consecrated SA Bishop)
Rt Rev Henning
Rt Rev Richardson
Rt Rev Davis - current Bishop
The church also experiences the loss of all the stalwarts
who kept the church going from the beginning until there time of labour were cut, we salute and thank God for them
The names of the Stalwarts who have bequethed upon this
heritage among whom Richard Allen as pioneer must not recede into oblivion. Sacrifice, patience, toil and dedication were
the essence of the threshold upon which FM Gow stood.
It would indeed be most unfortunate if the granite AME
congregation were to abdicate their responsibility as torch bearer by withdrawing into shell of despomdency.
There is no part time in Christianity - for they that
wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strenght, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be wear,
they shall walk and not faint.
"The church is one foundation, is Jesus Christ her Lord.
She is His new creation, by water and the word,
From Heaven He came and sought her, to be His
only Bride"
LONG LIVE AFRICAN METHODISM
BY: MOTHER A NQOYI
(LIFE MEMEBER)
