BACKGROUND HISTORY
This Congregation was established in 1980 by a few members who were residing in Thohoyandou who were members of the ELCSA Mbilwi Congregation, HaTshivhasa Parish. The Congregation used to have its church services at Tshiluvhi Primary School under a tree. Then they were offered a classroom of which was used for Church services until 1987. In 1987, a structure was erected which was completed and dedicated in 1997. Today the Congregation has a membership of about 574 members.
Thohoyandou Congregation is one of the Congregations which makes Thohoyandou-Malamulele Parish under Devhula Lebowa Circuit in the Northern Diocese. It is the mother Congregation of the 6 Congregations in the Parish.
ELCSA
In 1975, the Churches that had grown out of the work of the mission societies, united in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA). ELCSA is by far the largest of the Lutheran Churches in Southerm Africa. The Headquarters of ELCSA are located at the Lutheran Centre in Bonaero Park, Kempton Park.
These mission societies, carried the work started by Martin Luther in 1517.
It is divided into seven Dioceses, each with a Bishop as spiritual leader. These are:
- Botswana Diocese
- Cape Orange Diocese
- Western Diocese
- Central Diocese
- Northern Diocese
- Eastern Diocese
- South Eastern Diocese
The Church is led by a Presiding Bishop.
The Dioceses are divided into Circuits, each with a Dean, and the Circuits consist of Parishes each encompassing a number of local Congregations.
Language
Language used is Tshivenda
Singing
A compiled Hymn book “Nyimbo Dza Vhatendi” is used in all our Church services. Choruses are also sung during collections.
