Our History

15 February

Vision to plant a church in Benoni

At our QGM on 15 February 2026, the members of Benoni Baptist Church adopted a new vision. In light of growth over the past year, we have accepted the vision to plant a conservative, evangelical Baptist church with our healthy DNA in Benoni.

2025-Present

Revitalisation of Dunnottar Baptist Church

In 2025, Benoni Baptist Church began a revitalisation partnership with Dunnottar Baptist Church. Bongani Cele, the pastor at Dunnottar Baptist Church will work closely with the elders of Benoni Baptist Church, moderated by Andre Broodryk (and joined by other partners like Christ Baptist Church and the Baptist Northern Association). With the goal of seeing Dunnottar Baptist Church self-governing, self-supporting, and self-propogating.

1 April, 2025-Present

Evans Odhiambo

Evans Odhiambo joined our church as a pastoral intern. He brings a heart for discipleship, experience in youth ministry and church planting. Through a partnership with Christ Baptist Seminary, his time with us combines theological training with hands-on pastoral work. We’re excited to see how God will shape and use Evans to bless our church family and our city.

19 December, 2024

A year of faithful service and shared ministry

Alongside our staff, Mark Penrith (senior pastor) and Colleen Whitehead (office secretary), together with Lance Long (pastoral intern), we were joined by three interns, Jason Harris, Gabriel England, and Kelly Fourie. We’re grateful for the example our staff and interns set in faith and service, and pray that the Lord will continues to bear fruit through them.

2024

Growth and change

2024 was a year of growth and change for our church family. Attendance rose from 120 to 180, peaking at 250, while membership grew from 122 to 157. Bible studies flourished, and a young adults’ group began to take shape.

We introduced tea and coffee after services, adjusted the order of worship, expanded our worship teams, and refined how we connect, equip, and involve people in fellowship.

Though the year brought its share of challenges and tensions, God’s blessing was unmistakable. By year’s end, our average age dropped from 69 to 45, and we welcomed many young families with children who are now becoming active members of the body.

1 May, 2024

Elders and deacons

Left to right: Kumarin (deacon) and Lorraine Chetty, Carmit and Jason (deacon) Verreyne, Anna and Robert (deacon) Burge, Lisa-Ann and Clinton (deacon) Bester, Pricilla and Bernard (elder) Warder, Cheryl and Andre (elder) Broodryk, Mark (elder) and Liezl Penrith, David (elder) and Barbara Somerset, Rina and Ian (deacon) Bowie, Gerhard Wessels (deacon). Not in photo Robin (elder) and Beverley Sammons, Lance (deacon) and Yum Yum Long, David (David) and Alda Bell.

1 May, 2024-Present

Mark Penrith

Mark Penrith was appointed senior pastor of Benoni Baptist Church 1 May 2024. He is joined by his wife, Liezl, and their three children: Kaitlyn, Kathryn, and Thomas.

2022-Present

Lance Long

The church committed to supporting Lance Long and his wife, Yum Yum, in attending seminary in Polokwane with a view to a future ministry partnership. In 2024, Lance took on responsibility for corporate worship at Benoni Baptist Church and launched Bible studies for both young adults and youth.

27 March 2020-22 June 2022

COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges to the church. In March 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, leading to nationwide lockdowns that restricted church gatherings. Services and funerals were limited to 50 attendees.

Amid these challenges, Benoni Baptist Church quickly adapted, learning to record and upload sermons to YouTube, ensuring the continued proclamation of God’s Word. An unexpected benefit was increased viewership, leading to the continuation of online services post-lockdown.

Tragically, several church members succumbed to the virus, including Pastor Andre’s wife, Pat, during the second and third waves. Despite these hardships, church finances remained stable, and a strong spirit of care emerged. The church supported those retrenched until they found new employment.

The global vaccine rollout introduced division, with differing views within the congregation. Church leadership worked diligently to uphold unity through Scriptural and theological encouragement.

On 22 June 2022, all remaining COVID-19 health regulations were lifted.

26 February, 2013

Constitutional changes

Baptism by full immersion was reinstated as a membership requirement. The Baptist Northern Association’s 2017 Statement of Belief was adopted, which deals with contemporary issues like abortion, gender affirmation, the distinction of gender roles in home and church, the work of the Holy Spirit, the inerrancy of the Bible and the mission of God in the world.

1 March, 2010-30 April 2024

Andre Broodryk

Andre Broodryk accepted the call to pastor Benoni Baptist Church, beginning his ministry on 1 March 2010. His arrival came unexpectedly soon after the church split, but God had prepared the way.

The transition from Randburg, a larger, structured church, to Benoni, which lacked formal structure, was challenging. In the years following the split, the church faced dwindling numbers and financial strain, but stability returned, and the church eventually settled its building bond.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Andre’s wife, Pat, passed away. He later married Cheryl in 2022. After retiring as senior pastor in April 2024, he was recognized as an elder in September 2024.

2010’s

Saints over Sixty

For many years there has been a strong, and vibrant Bible study for the older members of the community.

June-August 2009

Church unity

Within weeks of Pastor Grant’s resignation, the church sought the help of Dr. Blake Coffee, an American Christian lawyer visiting South Africa with the Baptist Union. Initially unavailable, he became free after a last-minute cancellation, allowing him to assist Benoni.

His weekend seminar proved a great blessing, restoring spirits and renewing the congregation’s focus on the future.

With only two deacons remaining, a steering committee was formed to guide the church. As per the constitution, a call committee was also established, including the deacons and selected congregational members.

2008

Church split

Towards the end of pastor Grant’s ministry, a number of events unfolded that contributed to the attrition of members. At the same time several long serving deacons thought that it was time they resigned to allow younger people to assume leadership positions. Over a period of time tensions built up in the life of the church which eventually led to pastor Grant resigning along with most of the then-serving deacons. As is often the case in such situations, emotions ran high; sides were taken and a minor split in the church followed.

September 9, 2006

Translation of the Bible into Sena

Benoni Baptist Church contributed to the translation of the Bible into Sena language in Nsanje, Malawi. Recognition by Takhuta Benon Baptist Church.

2005-2008

Graham Groom

In 2005 a call was extended to Graham Groom as youth pastor. His wife and he drew a number of youth into the community. Graham pioneered the use of Mixit and other innovations. In 2008 Graham resigned to take up a teaching position.

2002-2004

Andre Bezuidenhout

The church later called Andre Bezuidenhout as full-time youth pastor, bringing the pastoral team to three. His ministry had a lasting impact, with many young people testifying years later to his influence on their lives.

2001-2006

Mike Hagemann

During this period, the church entered a new phase of ministry, calling long-time member Mike Hagemann as visitation pastor after his early retirement. For the first time in its history, the church had two full-time pastors—a testament to God’s faithfulness. His appointment proved highly beneficial to the church.

1997-2009

Grant Baston

After Pastor Louis Marais’ departure, the church called Grant Baston, a final-year student at Baptist Theological College (Randburg). Since the church had sold the manse, he was only able to purchase a home in Benoni after graduating.

During his tenure, several projects were undertaken to address space constraints. The kitchen was expanded, and the hall was connected to the church sanctuary. The adjacent house (No. 35) was purchased and converted into church offices, while the garage was repurposed as an additional ministry room.

In 2009 Grant resigned to take up a position as senior pastor at a church in Hout Bay.

1996

Reg Codrington

The committee proposed Dr. Reg Codrington as the next pastor, and the congregation accepted. He began his ministry on 1 March 1996.

Though his time was brief, his preaching and teaching were a great blessing to the church. Sadly, after just five months, disqualifying circumstances led to his resignation. And so, The call committee diligently sought the Lord’s will once again.

1990

Christmas dinner

Mid 1990’s

The Webbs as missionaries

In the mid-90s, Howard and Lynette Webb answered God’s call to full-time ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ in New Zealand. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we rejoice that two families from our church have recently entered full-time mission work, relying on their home church for support.

1990-1995

Louis Marais

After a period of growth, Rev. Louis Marais accepted the call to Benoni Baptist Church in 1990, ushering in a new phase of ministry. His leadership brought energy and inspiration, leading to involvement in American mission ventures, a team assisting missionaries in Malawi, ministry trips to Russia, and training in the Experiencing God material in the U.S.

In mid-1995, Louis announced his departure to pursue a broader ministry, later being elected Vice President of the Baptist Union. A call committee was soon formed to seek his replacement.

1989

The Funnells as missionaries

Terry and Iris Funnell have three married sons: Ivor, Barry, and Colin. During their time at Benoni, Barry experienced a life-changing accident that left him a paraplegic. Undeterred, he pursued his studies, qualified as a dentist, and later felt called to mission work. After training, he entered Bible translation ministry. Today, Barry, his wife Julia, serve Word for the World, overseeing Bible translations.

1987-1989

Grant Muhl

After graduating from the Baptist Theological College Grant was employed as a student and youth pastor. He was also involved as a worship leader.

30 June, 1984

Our new main hall

The hall was only a temporary meeting place as the building committee quickly moved forward with plans for the sanctuary. Construction began, and each Sunday, the congregation watched its progress amid the builder’s rubble. On 30 June 1984, Rev. Terry Funnell officially opened the sanctuary, marked by the inscription: “Looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). Along with our motto, “The caring and sharing church,” this focus has brought continued blessings from our Heavenly Father.

Early 1980’s

Young People’s Fellowship

The Young People’s Fellowship was led by Derek Rusch. At one stage as many as 35 young adults met on Fridays evenings.

Early 1980’s

Worship at Farrarmere

Early 1980’s

Move to Farrarmere

In the early 1980s, our morning services were held at Wordsworth High School while construction of the new hall was underway. On 3 May 1980, Rev. Terry Swart, General Secretary of the Baptist Union, officially opened the building. Soon after, the congregations and Sunday schools of the Farrarmere Fellowship and Benoni Baptist Church merged under the name Benoni Baptist Church. This marked the beginning of a new phase, during which we experienced God’s abundant blessings.

1977-1989

Terry Funnell

The call committee was working hard and eventually an invitation was extended to the Rev. Terry Funnell who was ministering in the Sydenham Baptist Church in Port Elizabeth. Rev. Funnell accepted and took up office in 1977. Rev. Funnell’s ministry was to prove to be a long one by the church’s experience. Terry certainly was God’s appointed man for what was to follow.

Perhaps one of the most significant experiences in the recent history of the church was when the idea of moving to Farrarmere was again raised. This was agreed by the membership and negotiations were commenced for the sale of the Woburn Avenue property. A building committee was formed and plans were drawn for the erection of a complex in Farrarmere. The first phase was to be the building of a hall, to be followed by a sanctuary and then an educational block. During Rev. Mason’s time at the Farrarmere extension work a child care centre was commenced. Not only did this help considerably with the finances but it has also proved to be a very meaningful service to the local community. The Sunshine Child Care Centre as it was known was an established institution in Benoni.

In 1989 Terry Funnell felt led to accept a call to the Quigney Baptist Church and this facilitated his return to his roots in East London. A call committee was formed and the Lord’s leading was earnestly sought.

1975-1976

A moderator

The church then went into an extended period without a pastor. Rev. Bill Temlett filled the role of moderator during this time.

1972

Baptist Woman Association golden anniversary

1970-1971

The deaconate

D. Landey, G. Wridgway, A. Dingwall, D. Rusch, W.P. van den Abeele, B. Rusch, M. Laws, P. Schmidt.

1971-1974

Willie P. van den Abele

In 1971 Rev. Willie van den Abele accepted our invitation and moved into the Benoni Pastorate straight from college. Willie came with a deal of vision and in the early seventies it was decided to start an extension work in Farrarmere where much residential property development was taking place. The Rev. Harold Mason was appointed extension pastor to oversee the work while keeping up with his secular employment. During this time the idea of selling the Woburn Avenue property and relocating in the suburbs was first mooted. The Farrarmere location was a natural choice, however, some of the members were uncomfortable with the idea. Eventually, at one particularly fiery meeting of the members, it was agreed to remain at the Woburn site. Shortly thereafter, in 1974, Rev. van den Abele resigned to pursue a career in education.

1969-1971

Thoughts of closing

After the Rev. Jack Patrick left there was quite a long spell without a pastor. Only four or five families remained in the church. Serious consideration was given to closing the church, and they could not afford to call a pastor. Earnest prayer was made that God would bring new folk to the church. And God answered. Four families (including the Laws, and the Hagemanns) simultaneously joined and became involved. The LORD builds His Church.

1968-1969

J.M. Patrick

The Rev. Jack Patrick accepted our call in 1968. However, he did not stay long, leaving in 1969.

1968

An interim pastor

The Rev. Norman Cliff helped for a short spell.

1967

An interim pastor

The Rev. Bill Honer, although retired, came to our assistance after Rev. Hickel left. My Honer will be remembered by many for the scripture verses he so freely distributed to the children and young people. And many of the ladies will remember the great affection that he showed them.

1954-1967

S.A. Hickel

The arrival of the the Rev. S.A. Hickel heralded the start of the longest ministry at Benoni up to that time. During this time, twenty-five members of the Benoni church became foundation members of the new Northmead Baptist Church and the property at Northmead was handed over to them. That work continued to prosper and in 1966 they took under their wing for a while the extension work at Bonaero Park, which had been started by the Baptist Northern Association. It was during the Rev. Hickel’s ministry that the hall and kitchen were badly damaged by fire. This was, however, turned to good effect as the required repairs presented the opportunity for enlarging the hall. The Sunday School continued to grow and soon outgrew the enlarged hall. The property next door to the church was purchased to alleviate the Sunday School accommodation problem. Mr Hickel left Benoni for Windhoek in 1967. Shortly afterwards Mrs Hickel passed away. She had been ill health for a number of years. Mr Hickel died tragically a few weeks after returning to Windhoek after his wife’s passing.

1953

An interim pastor

In 1953 the Queenstown church again called away one of our pastors and Mr Sorenson left for the Eastern Cape. While the church was praying about the call to his successor, the Rev. and Mrs Bacon, son-in-law and daughter of the Rev. A.B. Jack, who were holidaying from England for six months, assisted with the work.

1948-1953

T. Sorenson

When the Rev. T. Sorenson came to Benoni in 1948, he was the first pastor to occupy the manse, with his wife establishing a lovely garden. During this time, several folk from the Edenvale area were worshipping in the Benoni church and this led Mr Sorenson to conduct tent mission in Edenvale on a property which had been purchased for the erection of a church way back in 1905 for the princely sum of 17 pounds ten shillings! Cottage meetings started and by 1950 the Edenvale Baptist Church had been constituted. Also during Mr Sorenson’s pastorate, a Sunday School was commenced in the home of Mr and Mrs G E Pettet at Northmead. In due course a stand was purchased and a hall erected.

1947

An interim pastor

In1947, Mr Howes-Howell accepted a call to the Bulawayo Baptist Church and the Rev. F. Oldrieve helped for a few months while a new pastor was being sought. On his recommendation, plans went ahead for the building of a manse under the Municipal Housing Scheme.

1943-1947

A. Bennie Howes-Howell

In 1946, the church celebrated its Silver Jubilee amidst great thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness over the first twenty-one years of its existence. A manse fund was launched in that year as it was becoming increasingly evident that the supplying of a manse for the pastor would be necessity in the future.

1942

Financial independence

In 1942 the church was finally able to do without the annual financial grant from the Baptist Union, but it was not until the Rev. A. Bennie Howes-Howell came to Benoni the following year that the church was clear of debt.

1936-1942

P.W. Lowe

Mr Lowe’s ministry will be remembered for his faithful visitation, most of which was done on foot. He was an able administrator and a good preacher, with a wife who made a great contribution to the woman’s work. It was during this time that the building fund was again revived and every effort made to clear the debt on the church, with the Baptist Woman’s Association playing an important role.

1935

An interim pastor

Once again the Rev. A.H. Chapman assisted in filling the gap. He was largely instrumental in bringing to the pastorate the Rev. P.W. Lowe in 1936

1935

L.J.W. Brown

The Rev. L.J.W. Brown then came to Benoni for just one year, after which the church remained without a pastor for a while.

1934-1935

Albert Ernest Brett

In 1934, the Rev. A.E. Brett came to Benoni for what turned out to be a short, but most significant stay. Known as the “Church Builder”, it is said that he spent his 80th birthday on his knees, hammering nails into the floor of the new church which was erected during his ministry. A plaque outside the foyer of the present church commemorates the contribution Mr Brett made during that time.

1933

Without a pastor

There followed another period when the church was without a pastor, but the Rev. A.H. Chapman gave invaluable assistance during this time.

1931-1932

D.G. Vorster

In 1931 the Mr D.G. Vorster came to Benoni, but, like his predecessor, was also required as part of his duties to continue the work at Brakpan. In addition to this, he was trying to complete his ministerial studies, so his time in the church was a very pressured one. Within a few years, he accepted the call to the Salisbury Baptist Church, taking with him a young bride from Benoni.

The 1930’s

Difficult times

The decade of the Thirties proved to be a difficult time for the Benoni church, with no less than five pastors spanning this ten-year period. It is testimony to the strength of the law leadership over the years that periods without a pastor did not result in the demise of the church, but saw it continue as a light to the people of the town.

1928-1931

Author B. Arnot

Mr Author B. Arnot accepted the call, as a student pastor. The Rev. Arnot was indue course ordained in Benoni and had a very effective ministry both in Benoni and Brakpan before accepting a call to the church at Queenstown. During his time in Benoni, the building fund was revived, which was to provide the necessary finance when the church building was erected some years later.

Beginning of 1928

Difficult times

The period which followed was a difficult one for Benoni, with the Rev. A.B. Jack acting as moderator. For a short time a Mr Hurburt Janisch assisted the church.

1923-1927

Basil Holt

Basil Holt took over the pastorate of both Benoni and Brakpan (which had been established in 1903), but in 1924 left Brakpan to focus on the Benoni work. He left in 1927 to join another denomination.

1922

George Thompson Diver

G. T. Diver, from Glasgow, was Benoni Baptist Church’s first pastor. Evening services were held in the Hotel Cecil for a while. But after the Woburn Avenue hall was completed they moved there. The Rev Diver was also involved in the work in Germinston, and left Benoni to continue the ministry there.

1921

Constituted

The Benoni Baptist Church came into being in the year 1921. And a small hall was erected on the property at 88 Woburn Avenue.

1916

Services start in homes

For several years services were held in private homes in the Benoni. Then in a small shop at the corner of Bedford Avenue and Rothsay Street. Mr David Brown lead a Sunday School. And Miss Adelaide Miller served as the first organist.

1899

Baptists in Boksburg

The Rev H.T. Cousins started a work work in the billiard room of the Grand Hotel in Boksburg.

15 July, 1888

Baptists in Gauteng

The first Baptist service held north of the Vaal River took place in Johannesburg, on Sunday, 15 July, 1888. Fifteen men and woman were present. Mines were being established along the Reef. And Christians began gathering in the areas where groups of miners were living.