Page 13 - Bulletin 13 2009

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The Cape Government Railways then investigated Bishop Leonard’s wish to sell the
church as they expressly wanted a piece of ground for the building of an ‘up-market’

station-master’s quarters in keeping with the future of St. James as a prestigious
‘watering place’. The site of the church proved ideal as it would not interfere with the

view and it lay to the south of the station near to the Main Road railway platform. Funds

were earmarked after the Loan Bill of 1898 for a station-master’s quarters had been
approved.

Initially the Cape Government Railways offered on 1 March 1900 a swap of property

(similar to their offer in 1886 to the Anglican Church, Kalk Bay, when Stonehaven, the
mission school, was built). This was refused out of hand as the Diocese pointed out that

more than sufficient property had been acquired on the opposite side of the road. The

Diocese then indicated that it was prepared to accept £2000. This was agreed and the
money was paid in April 1900. Transfer was effected by Messrs Van Zyl and Buissinne

acting for Bishop Leonard. In the sale it was noted by the Cape Government Railways

that the property would be required for station master’s accommodation.

The Cape Government Railways then offered the Right Reverend John Rooney, co-
adjutor to Bishop Leonard, the use of the church for a period of six months until the

new church was built, at a rate of 6% p.a. on the amount of £2000. This was refused and
on 6 July 1900 the church was demolished at a cost to the Cape Government Railways

of £35.

Then an interesting point arose. The Under-Secretary for Agriculture queried the sale

and transfer of the ground, and stated that the Church had no right to sell the property to
the Colonial Government (i.e. the Cape Government Railways) as the grant of 1858

specifically stated that “the ground is to be used as a place of worship and when no
longer required for that purpose is to revert back to the Government.”