The collection consists of baptism, confirmation, marriage and burial registers of St. Peter's and St. Saviour's Cathedrals which were united in 1976 under the name of the Cathedral Church of the Holy Nativity service registers 1914-1919.

The records comprise diaries, minutes, correspondence, memoranda, scrapbooks, registers, press-clippings, legal and ecclesiastical documents, photographs, printed items and plans. These records were transferred to the C.P.S.A. record Library in July 1972 from Darrah Hous, just prior to its demolition to make way for a new block of offices and flats, which is to be built on the same site, adjacent to the Cathedral.

From the records one obtains a clear picture of the beginning of the Anglican church in Johannesburg, of its work and growth and importance in the life of the community. The records contain much on the buying and selling of stands, on the raising and spending of money and on the relationship of St. Mary's with first of all, the Diocese of Pretoria and from 1922 with the Diocese of Johannesburg. There is much on the building, repair and ornamentation of the various St. Mary's churches, the services held, the elections and work of churchwardens and on activities closely linked with the church such as the choir, Church Men's society and the Dean's Shelter for the aged, unemployed and homeless. Closely associated with St. Mary's were might be described as her 'daughter' churches, St. Alban's, St. Cyprian's and St. Saviour's and the records contain information on their beginnings and on the missionary and educational work done at St. Cyprian's for the Bantu and at St. Alban's for the coloured people.

The records also throw light on the history of St. John's College and on the work done at St. margaret's Mission House by the sisters of East Grimstead. Side by side with the records of the church itself go the records of its commercial buildings, first St. Mary's buildings in Eloff Street (built on the site of the first St. Mary's church) and later Darragh House in Plein Street (built on the site of the second St. Mary's church), both of which produced revenue from the rents of offices, flats and shops. There is a great deal in the records on the leasing and upkeep of these buildings.

The records of St. Mary's Church are of interest not only to the church historian but also to researchers enquiring into the history of education, social services and property development in Johannesburg.

Teacher and early Afrikaans writer

'Die Heilige Evangelie volgens die beskrywing van Markus'. Afrikaans version of the epistle of St. Mark.

Teacher and early Afrikaans writer

Letter to the 'Voorsitter en die Lede van die Genootskap van Regte Afrikaanders'.

Jurist, politician and businessman

Diaries 1905, 1906, 1913; 8 scrap-books of press clippings, telegrams and proclamations 1893-1904 relating to politics, Jeppe's career as member of the Volksraad, the Reform movement, the franchise question and the South African War; letter-book 1893 containing replies by Jeppe to memorialists requesting help or redress of grievances from the Volksraad; miscellaneous papers including legal opinions, deeds of transfer, sworn affidavit, 1 Aug. 1896, re Jeppe's attitude to the Jameson Raid, invitation cards and personal documents re his admission to the English Bar and as an advocate in the Transvaal. Correspondents include J.B. Kotze and W.J. Leyds.

East India man 'William Pitt'
Extract from the diary of Edmeades, 1806, describing the capture of Cape Town from the French.

Photographs, invitation cards and letters, including one from Trooper H. Williams, 21 Feb. 1900, Ladysmith, commenting on the Siege and one from the Hon. A.E. Tuboku Metzger, 8 June 1925, Sierra Leone, in which he refers to the visit of the Prince of Wales to West Africa and to the merits of the British colonial system.

The Album is labelled "Visit of Princ (sic) Albert to Cape Town".

Album relating mainly to the visit of Prince Alfred to Cape Town in 1867, compiled by a naval officer, probably one of the Prince's entourage. Some of the photographs were taken by the Prince himself. They include a croquet party in Government Gardens, arrival of H.M.S. 'Galatea' and H.M.S. 'Racoon' in Simon's Bay, Admiralty House and Cottage, Simon's Town and many Cape social personalities. Also photographs of European royalty, naval officers, royal navy ships and various ports of call. It also contains a few loose notes and descriptions of some of the photographs.