In October 1979, Bob and Margaret Thompson relocated from the Umbilo Church in Durban to Howick in the Natal Midlands. Contact was made with Gary and Gail Morrissey, who had also recently moved to Howick. Soon, Sabbath meetings were being held in their homes.

A few months later, they were joined by Margaret’s mother, Sister E. Rochat. This arrangement continued for almost three years, with occasional visits to the Trelawney Church in Pietermaritzburg. During this period, contact was made with Brother and Sister Hennie Klopper, Sister Heather Campbell, and Brother and Sister Ian MacDonald, all of whom were living in the Howick area. At different intervals, they joined forces with the group, and by early 1982, the membership had grown as other new members were found.

The facilities in the homes became inadequate at that stage, and it was obvious that a new meeting place was required. The Presbyterian Church Hall was made available to us at a rental of R25 per month, and for 12 years this hall became our church.

During this period, a building fund was started by the members. A generous donation by Brother Raymond Ritchie made it possible for the members to purchase an acre of ground from the municipality for R2,000. Early in 1993, a business meeting was held to discuss the future of the Howick members. Under the chairmanship of Pastor Dougie MacLeod, it was decided to build a church.