Port Elizabeth of Yore: The multi-racial Union Chapel and School

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 2 Comments

The Congregational Union Chapel in Chapel Street was never one of the foremost churches in Port Elizabeth but in two ways it was unique in that it held mixed services with khoikhoi and whites as well as mixed schooling. It might not have been a prominent church but it went into use in May 1828 which was four years ahead of St. Mary’s making it de facto the first completed church building in Port Elizabeth.

Main picture: Chapel Street. Union Chapel was enlarged in 1882 to plans by John Thornhill Cook & was demolished in 1964.

Continue reading

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Cape Mounted Police

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 1 Comment

The establishment of towns witnessed the concomitant creation of an incipient constabulary albeit on a skeletal basis. This force was funded by and under the control of the local authority. At this juncture, the rural areas did not have any police presence. In view of the increasing incidence of stock theft and other such crimes, the Government was compelled to step into the breach. 

In terms of the Police Act of 1873, the Government offered to establish a special Mounted Police Force whose sine qua non was to operate solely in rural areas. 

Main picture: Sergeant in the Cape Mounted Police

Continue reading

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Opera House

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 2 Comments

The Opera House is the oldest theatre on the continent of Africa and the Southern Hemisphere. This special piece of World History is right here in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape Province.

In its final form, the Opera House might have only been opened in December 1892 but Port Elizabeth was not deprived of entertainment as its predecessor, the “New Theatre”  operated from 1862.

Main picture: Engraving of the Opera house soon after it was built in 1892

Continue reading