Since the ruling authority was intolerant of any religion other than that of the Dutch Reformed Church, the Lutheran Church began as a storeroom. Wealthy Lutheran businessman, Martin Melck, built it with the intention of modifying it into a place of worship once the religious laws were relaxed, and the first service was held in 1776. a few years later, the sexton’s house was added.

From 1787 to 1792, the German-born sculptor Anton Anreith embellished the church and added a tower. Today, both the church and the sexton’s house are national monuments. The Martein Melck House, next door, was built in 1781 and declared a national monument in1936. The building is a rare example of an eighteenth century Cape townhouse that features an attic.

The Gold of Africa Museum opened next door, featuring a collection of over 350 nineteenth and twentieth century gold objects from Mali, Senegal, Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Plans for expansion include the acquisition of further treasures from the entire African continent, a training studio and boutique.