Desmond Tutu and St. Mary’s Cathedral

ABOUT

When Archbishop Desmond Tutu considered the place he wished to be buried, his heart returned to St Mary’s Cathedral where he was appointed Dean in 1976. Ten years later, he was enthroned as the first Black Anglican Bishop of Johannesburg. 

An impressive and enduring heritage landmark in the inner city, St Mary’s was designed by the Diocesan architect FLH Fleming (the partner of Sir Herbert Baker). Fleming was also responsible for many other Anglican Churches in South Africa, including The Church of Christ the King in Sophiatown (where Father Trevor Huddleston had a profound influence on the adolescent Tutu). 

These magnificent edifices were among the few racially integrated places of worship in the 1950s, and the JHF is proud to celebrate this rich heritage right after Freedom Day (27 April) which commemorates our first free and fair elections in 1994.   

So, join our guides Kgao Mashego and Karen Curry for an unforgettable tour that includes a visit inside the cathedral as well as a visual presentation of the planned Desmond Tutu Precinct -  a public environment upgrade project initiated by the St Mary’s Diocese and City of Joburg department of Arts Culture and Heritage (as part of declaring St Mary’s Cathedral as a national heritage site). 

Please note: this tour will include a short walk through the inner city. Wear comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat and sunscreen (and leave your valuables at home). We will meet at the upper level parking area of Park Station (only accessible from the south side of Rissik Street). You can either drive yourself, catch an Uber, or catch the Gautrain to Park Station.

DIRECTIONS