PASA – A 100 Year Story
A Century of Protestant Witness in South Africa
The Protestant Association of South Africa (PASA) was founded in 1925 to expound the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and uphold the truths of the Protestant Reformation. For a century the Association has served the church through literature, teaching, and public witness. The timeline below highlights key moments in this continuing story.
1923
Roots: Bible Institute of South Africa
The Bible Institute of South Africa (BISA) is founded. From the beginning PASA would enjoy a close relationship with the Institute, with leaders such as Rev. Jeffree James serving both organizations, sharing a commitment to Biblical authority and evangelical witness.
1923
1925
The Protestant Association of South Africa is Founded
PASA is established by Christians convinced of the enduring importance of the truths of the Protestant Reformation. The Association is formed as a fellowship of individuals rather than a church denomination, united in affirming the Five Solas of the Reformation. It greatly benefitted from the support of benefactors such as A.W. Baker (pictured here), who apprenticed as a carpenter, became a successful lawyer, and eventually dedicated his life as Christian missionary.
1945
A Lasting Voice: Protestant Reveille Begins
The first issue of Protestant Reveille is published. The magazine becomes PASA’s official voice, promoting Reformation truth, addressing contemporary challenges, and encouraging faithful Protestant witness across South Africa.
1945
1945
The Protestant Book Centre Opens
The Protestant Book Centre opens in Mowbray, Cape Town. For decades it distributes Bibles and trusted evangelical and Reformed literature throughout Southern Africa, equipping ministers, churches, and believers with sound theological works. Through this ministry, PASA plays a meaningful role in strengthening evangelical and Reformed witness across the country.
Mid–20th Century
Faithful Servants and Steady Growth
Leaders such as Rev. A.H. Jeffree James play a significant role in shaping PASA’s literature ministry and public witness. Through successive generations the Association maintains a quiet but consistent influence in Protestant and evangelical circles.
Mid–20th Century
2000 - 2010
Continuing Witness in a Changing Nation
PASA increasingly addresses issues affecting religious freedom and Christian witness in South Africa. Representations are made on matters such as religious liberty, public recognition of Christian holy days, and legislative developments impacting the Church’s freedom to proclaim Biblical truth. Throughout, PASA seeks to act as a respectful yet clear witness to the unchanging claims of Christ in a changing society.
2018 - 2019
Transition in a Digital Age
After more than seventy years of service, the Protestant Book Centre closes. PASA begins focusing more intentionally on digital outreach through writing, teaching, and online resources.
2018 - 2019
2025
Centenary Year
PASA celebrates one hundred years of Protestant witness. The centenary marks both gratitude for God’s faithfulness and renewed commitment to the Association’s founding purpose.
TODAY
Entering the Second Century
As PASA moves forward, its calling remains unchanged: To expound the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. To uphold and expound the doctrines of the Protestant Reformation. To expose and counter the departure from the principles of New Testament Christianity.
TODAY