Bridgeway Family Church Helderberg recently held its first Sunday service at its new premises at 91 Andries Pretorius Street in Somerset West.
If you’ve driven along Andries Pretorius Street in Somerset West recently, you may have noticed a new sign at 91 Andries Pretorius Street. It certainly caught my attention on the school run, a route I drive every morning and afternoon to drop off and pick up my son.
The new signage marks the home of Bridgeway Family Church Helderberg, which has now officially moved into the building. The church celebrated its first Sunday service at the new premises on Sunday, 26 July 2026, with pastors Riaan and Anli Smit sharing a simple but heartfelt message on social media: “Our first Sunday service! We give You all the glory Lord. Thank You.”
A New Chapter for the Church
Bridgeway Family Church Helderberg was previously known as Helderberg Community Church and has been serving the local community since it was established in Somerset West in 2017.
According to the church, the congregation began after Riaan and Anli Smit felt called to leave their home and successful business in Gaborone, Botswana, to dedicate themselves to ministry in the Helderberg. The couple relocated to Somerset West with their three daughters, where the church was established and has continued to grow as a multicultural Christian community.
Riaan was later ordained as pastor and now serves the church full time alongside Anli. The congregation is affiliated with CTMI (Church Team Ministries International) and describes its mission as sharing the message of Jesus Christ and building a community centred on the Gospel.
A Familiar Somerset West Building
The church’s new home at 91 Andries Pretorius Street occupies a building that many Somerset West residents will recognise.
Until 30 June 2023, the premises were home to Gallery 91, which announced its closure after many years in business. Since then, the building has remained relatively quiet, making the appearance of the new church signage a noticeable change for anyone travelling along Andries Pretorius Street.
At the time of writing, the church’s website still lists its previous address at Unit 4, Helderberg Village Walk Centre, 42 Caledon Street, Somerset West, suggesting the move is yet to fully reflect across all of its online platforms.
As more organisations continue to establish themselves in new spaces around Somerset West, it’s always interesting to see familiar buildings begin a new chapter. If you’re a regular on Andries Pretorius Street, this is another recent change you may have spotted along the way.
