About This Attraction
German immigrants arrived in British Kaffaria between 1856 and 1861. Many received land in the then environs of East London. The original church built by these immigrants was in Fleet street, but this was sold to the Anglican church in 1872. Other small churches were built in Maclean Street and the suburb of Cambridge. Pastor Heinrich Muller launched the 90 strong Lutheran congregation in 1872, but his educational duties proved too onerous and Pastor Baugartten took over. Fund raising for grand church began in 1879 and foundation stone was laid in 1880. The new building was dedicated in November 1882 but cost much more than the original estimate. It took the congregation 40 years to pay off the debt.