Inauguration of Diocese of Ukhahlamba, 3 October 2009

Pictures of the historic Inauguration, at the Queen's College Recreation Grounds, Queenstown.

Visiting Bishops in procession.

The Chapter of the Diocese of Grahamstown

Bishop of Grahamstown, Ebenezer Ntlali, with his Chaplain George van der Merwe (left) and Dean of Grahamstown Andrew Hunter (right)

Some of the joyful crowd in the marquee

Bishop Rubin Philip, the preacher. At the end of the service he was presented with a "real Basotho blanket" as a token of appreciation.

Mrs Brenda Amsterdam, Registrar of the Diocese of Grahamstown, reads the Measure determining the creation of the new Diocese, and defining its boundaries.

Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town, reads the Deed of Inauguration.

A praise singer acclaiming the Archbishop, Bishop Ntlali and Ukhahlamba Diocese

The Archbishop unveiled the Foundation Stone and the crest of Ukhahlamba Diocese.

Gordon Johnson (left) Priest-in-Charge of Barkly East, is to be Vicar-General to oversee the process of summoning an Elective Assembly to meet on 21 January and ensuing days, in order to elect the first Bishop of Ukhahlamba. The Revd Lawrence Nzwana (right) will remain Bishop’s Vicar until the new Bishop is installed.

The newly-formed Ukhahlamba Diocesan Choir led the inspiring singing.

The 250-strong Servers’ Guild of the new diocese was represented by a large contingent of young people.

There was a dance offering by a traditional group.

After the service another group entertained the crowd while lunch was served.

Some of the clergy of the Diocese of Ukhahlamba.