Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu was ordained deacon and priest in 1960 and 1961, respectively, at the cathedral of St Mary the virgin. In 1975, he became dean of St Mary’s Cathedral. Lehlohonolo Montjane (Old Girl, 1980-1983) remembers attending a multiracial Sunday school at the cathedral when Archbishop Tutu was dean of the cathedral. The apartheid government sought to separate people based on race and ethnicity. In welcoming blacks as priests and leaders, the Anglican church, together with St Mary’s in admitting black girls to the school as early as the mid-1970s, was guided by their Christian faith. As St Paul puts it in his letter to the Galatians that “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3: 28-29).

During his time as bishop of Johannesburg, 1985-1986, archbishop Tutu served as a member of St Mary’s Board of Directors. He has preached and presided at services in the chapel. Lisa Henry (Old Girl,1986-1996) remembers Archbishop Tutu coming to St Mary’s and the girls learning Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfricawhen it was still banned.

To some, Archbishop Desmond Tutu is a saint. To others, the memory is less positive. But that is a lesson for another day.

Our relationship as St Mary’s with Archbishop Tutu is one of being co-workers in God’s vineyard, “for we are God’s servants, working together” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Archbishop Desmond Tutu endorsed the Natural Sciences Centre with his name.

St Mary’s will commemorate Archbishop Desmond Tutu on Thursday 3 February 2022, at a service of lessons and spirituals, which will include readings, reflections, and music.

REVD RAKGADI KHOBO
CHAPLAIN