Nomination of the Lutheran Church as National Heritage Site

In 1764 Martin Melck was granted the block of land bordered by Waterkant-, Bree and Strand Streets (Block 8) for the erection of warehouses. Building of two warehouses commenced with the second warehouse fitted as a church with temporary seating, lectern and small organ. In late 1779 it was finally decreed that the Lutheran Congregation could have their own church. In his will Melck bequeathed the second warehouse to the Church upon his or his wife’s death. After his wife passed away on 1776 and the decree passed allowing the Lutheran Church the warehouse was transferred to the Church in 1781. Melck also donated land for the parsonage and in 1787 the Sexton House was built. The warehouse has operated as the Lutheran Church ever since making it the oldest complete church building from the VOC era, as well as the first church of any denomination other than Dutch Reformed and the first Lutheran Church in South Africa. The National Monuments Council declared the Martin Melck House a National Monument in 1936, and the Church and Sexton House in 1949.