Evangelist Lemour (i.r.) tilling the soil. Next to him is Shepherd Petrus (i.r.)  who also served as a rector of Riverlea. Apostle Barnes, Bishop Petersen and other members look on

On 14 April 2007, Apostle Craig Barnes officiated at the turning of the sod ceremony which took place on the premises where the new church building for Riverlea would be erected. This was attended by the members of Riverlea and Riverlea Extension congregations as well as pioneers who attended there before. The ceremony was opened with a prayer, followed by a choir hymn with orchestra accompaniment. The Apostle then read a textword from 2 Timothy 2:19. The apostle also addressed the members with a few introductory words after which he shared a short history of the congregation which is as follows:

“For almost 43 years inhabitants of Riverlea and the surrounding areas have been waiting for their own church building. Due to the Group Areas Act in the apartheid years, 16 New Apostolic families moved to Riverlea. The Riverlea congregation was established in May 1963 out of the home of Evangelist Lemour. As the membership grew, the congregation was moved to Riverlea First Primary and then to T.C. Esterhysen School. The isolated position of the school proved to be unsafe for members attending evening divine services. The church then rented a hall from the Ebenhezer Church in Lion Street, Riverlea.”

After this brief history was read out, the builder who was present was wished well for his task ahead under the guidance of our heavenly Father.