The George Historical Church is open to the public to visit. Various facilities on the premises cater for day visitors and tour groups. People sometimes refer to the building as the "cross-church” as it is in a symbolic cross shape.
The cornerstones were laid by Rev. Johan SS Ballot in 1832. Although a historical building, the church is still active and sermons are held every Sunday.
Because of financial problems, the building took twelve years to complete. In 1842 the church was officially inaugurated by Rev. Ballot. A "Tower-festival” was held in 2006 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the restoration of the church steeple.
Visitors have the opportunity to climb the 85 stairs in the steeple and see George from a height of 27.7 meters. The church verger, accompanies tour groups to answers all questions regarding this historical building.
The original graveyard, church clock and missionary building have also been preserved, each with their own attention-grabbing story. The teak door of the main entrance was brought from Cape Town to George by ox wagon. The present organ dates back to 1879.
The yellowwood and stinkwood used in the ceiling and pillars, came from local forests in Plettenbergbay and Knysna. The pulpit is made from stinkwood.
