The Central Methodist Mission (CMM) is a prominent Methodist church located in the inner city of Johannesburg, South Africa. Situated at the corner of Pritchard and Smal Streets, the church has served as both a religious center and a site of significant social activism, particularly in support of the urban poor and refugees.
Methodism arrived in Johannesburg shortly after the city’s founding in the late 19th century. The first Methodist congregation was established in the 1880s at the corner of President and Kruis Streets, known as the President Street Church. As the city grew, the need for a larger and more centrally located place of worship became evident. In 1919, a new building, Central Hall, was erected at Pritchard and Kruis Streets to serve this purpose.
In 1967, the church moved into its current five-storey building on the corner of Pritchard and Smal Streets. On 15 October of that year, the space was formally opened for worship.[1] In 1985, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Peter Storey, the congregation adopted the name Central Methodist Mission, aligning itself more explicitly with the Methodist tradition of social engagement and prophetic ministry.[1]
Ministers (1915–present)
The following individuals have served as superintendents or ministers-in-charge of the Central Methodist Church:
Central Methodist Mission is particularly renowned for its role in providing sanctuary to refugees, especially during the early 2000s when thousands of Zimbabweans fled economic and political instability in their home country. Under Bishop Paul Verryn’s leadership, the church opened its doors to those in need, at one point housing over 2,000 refugees in the building.[2]
While praised by many humanitarian organizations, this initiative also brought scrutiny, including concerns about overcrowding, sanitation, and city bylaws. Nonetheless, CMM remained firm in its commitment to social justice, viewing its ministry as an expression of the Methodist principle of "social holiness."[2]
Mission and Identity
CMM identifies itself as a city church committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ and dedicated to building an inclusive, justice-oriented Christian community. Its stated mission is to be a space where all people—regardless of background—can explore faith, experience transformation, and actively pursue the values of God’s Kingdom in the world.[3]
Architecture
The current church building, opened in 1967, is a five-storey structure designed in a modernist style. The sanctuary is located on the upper floors, with offices, meeting rooms, and community spaces distributed throughout the building.[1]
Legacy
The Central Methodist Mission stands as one of Johannesburg's most iconic and socially engaged churches. Its legacy reflects a deep-rooted tradition of combining worship with action, faith with service, and spirituality with advocacy.
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