In this fascinating lecture, Dr Chris Wingfield explores the London Missionary Society Chapel at Kuruman, South Africa, revealing its unexpected global connections. Built in 1838, this chapel was central to the missionary efforts of Robert Moffat, a key figure in the expansion of Christianity in southern Africa, and a major influence on David Livingstone.

But what makes this chapel truly unique? Its architectural and cultural links with Polynesian missionary chapels. Chris will uncover how local materials, indigenous craftsmanship, and global missionary networks shaped this building, making it part of a much broader story of colonial expansion, religious influence, and transnational exchange.

📌 About the Speaker:
Dr Chris Wingfield is Senior Lecturer in the Arts of Africa at the Sainsbury Research Unit, University of East Anglia, with a research focus on missionary encounters, material culture, and African history. His ongoing project at Kuruman, which began in 2016, examines the complex histories behind these missionary buildings and their legacy today.

🏛 Church of the Month: St Saviour’s, Tetbury
Each month, we highlight a historic church under the care of The Churches Conservation Trust. This month’s featured site is St Saviour’s Church in Tetbury, Gloucestershire.

Built in 1848, St Saviour’s was a radical experiment in faith and philanthropy, designed to give Tetbury’s poorest residents a place to worship—at a time when pew rents excluded many from attending church. Architect Samuel Whitfield Daukes, along with support from Augustus Pugin, created a stunning Gothic Revival landmark, reflecting the growing High Church movement of the Victorian era.

Though pew rents were abolished within a generation, making the church redundant, its story remains a powerful testament to faith, social justice, and community action.

💷 Help Us Preserve These Historic Churches!
The Churches Conservation Trust works to protect and maintain historic churches like St Saviour’s. Each year, it costs around £2,500 to keep these buildings safe, clean, and accessible to visitors.

💷 Want to help? Donate today!
📲 Text ‘TET’ to 70970 to donate £5
📲 Text ‘TET’ to 70191 to donate £10

Your support helps keep history alive for future generations.