United Congregational Church of South Africa

The United Congregational Church of South Africa (UCCSA) was officially formed in 1967, but can trace its early beginnings back to the arrival of missionaries from London in 1799. Today, the UCCSA is an established partner of Global Ministries, and spans five African countries: Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. In South Africa alone, it boasts 272 congregations, with over 235,900 members. One such congregation is Brownlee Congregational Church, located in Bhisho, South Africa on the Eastern Cape. With thirty rural “outstations” and 3000 members (30 percent of which are youth), Brownlee is the largest church in its region.

The Eastern Cape is the poorest province of South Africa, and most members of Brownlee Congregational Church are unemployed. The youth of the church especially have been struck hard by the high unemployment rate. In response, the Youth Executive of Brownlee has been working on ways to motivate and engage the youth through church music activities.

One such activity is the creation of a Youth Band, through which the youth are able to participate more fully in worship, as well as travel to other outstations and churches to participate in their services. Brownlee also hopes to form a Boys Brigade, one of the major youth ministries of the UCCSA, which would help keep the youth involved in constructive projects, and not left out on the street. The Boys Brigade is a program much like the Girl and Boy Scouts in the USA, but which also includes music and a marching band. Although it is called “Boys Brigade” anyone, including girls, may participate!

Unfortunately, Brownlee Congregational Church faces many financial difficulties and is unable to afford the purchase of musical instruments necessary to make these programs a reality. Steps have been taken to initiate the band, but a full band set is needed for the Youth Band, which includes drums, a keyboard, bass guitar, lead guitar, tenor and alto saxophones, microphones and stands, a synthesizer, amplifier, cymbals and other percussion instruments. The Boys Brigade requires a drum majorette set, including three types of drums, two bugles, two saxophones, two rod sticks for the Brigade king and queen, and costumes and uniforms.

The people of Brownlee Congregational Church are committed to their members, especially their youth. In an area of South Africa where citizens face overwhelming poverty and a sky-rocketing unemployment rate, Brownlee seeks to empower the youth of its congregation, providing them with a positive place to experience spirituality, positive group life, and compassionate support that will provide new options for their present and their future.