The Genesis of the Anglican Church in Ndenderu could be traced to 1910. This is when Canon Harry Leakey (Giteru) and Reverend Joseph Magu came to Nguiriria (present day Ndenderu) Kwa Munyinyi wa Igogo and requested him to allocate them a plot to build a church.

However, Munyinyi Igogo declined and the duo moved to Karura area and placed their request before Mzee Koibita but again their bid was unsuccessful. They however pitched up a tent at his compound, where they prayed and worshipped as they awaited for instruction from their superiors.

Never to give up and determined to accomplish their mission, the duo put up a structure known as Gitayaya (a temporary hut) on the farm of a colonial settler Mr. Knight on the border of Redhill (Colonial settlement) and Kianjogu (African Reserve). From there, church services were held together with reading and writing classes. This were led by the late Jonathan Nguyai and the late Jeremiah Njuria. Very many people were attracted and say in earnest that the seed of Christianity, and indeed Anglicanism was planted in this area.

Around 1918 the idea of Building a church was mooted and the late George Kirongothi Ndegwa offered a plot for that purpose.

This pioneer church underwent serious challenges especially during the first and the second world wars and the struggle for independence. (The Mau-Mau war of liberation.)

In 1958 when land consolidation was done, the church was allocated its own land at the site where the present day St. John’s A.C.K Karura is situated. It was around this time that some elders from Ndenderu area led by the Late Morris Kinyanjui Ndenderu thought it wise to make it easier for the congregation from Ndenderu to worship nearer home. It was better to have their own church.

These gallant elders who persistently agitated for a church of their own included Charles Kariithi Muthuma, Henry Kariuki Ndenderu, John Igogo Munyinyi, Erastus Mbugua Muthuma, David Igogo Munyinyi, Samuel Boro Ndenderu and Evans Matheri Mweha.

Mrs. Sarah Muthoni Ndara a young bride and a teacher at Karura Primary School, vividly recalls the differing opinions, some heated, on need or lack thereof of an additional church in Ndenderu, considering the ‘short’ distances between Ndenderu and Karura. “Some of members of the committee did not see the need of an additional church and opposed the idea passionately.” But the elders wanted a church nearer the people to attract even those who normally did not attend service. Eventually the elders were able to successfully argue their case before the late Bishop Obadiah Kariuki and he agreed with them.

At that time, the building of a new church structure was ongoing in Karura and when it was agreed that a church be founded in Ndenderu, the iron sheets from the old Karura church, were brought to Ndenderu to put up the pioneer church building (The Mabati Church).

Just like a seed, A.C.K. St. Andrew's Ndenderu began small, nestled within the larger A.C.K. St. John's Karura on that December afternoon in 1961. Thirty souls gathered, the offering a mere whisper at Ksh. 5/70. Yet, within that gathering lay the promise of growth, a potential echoed in the scripture: "Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be." (Job 8:7).

The first shoots of faith emerged under the leadership of the late Morris Kinyanjui Ndenderu and the late Charles Kariithi Muthuma. They nurtured the fledgling congregation, drawing in new members with each passing season.

The first elected council that served under the late Rev. Andrew Macua included:

•  Morris Kinyanjui Ndenderu – Chairman

The Late  Morris Kinyanjui Ndenderu

• Samuel Boro Ndenderu – Secretary

• Hottensiah Njambi Morris – Treasurer
• Charles Kariithi Muthuma

Charles Kariithi Muthuma

•  John Igogo Munyinyi

John Igogo Munyinyi

• Henry Kariuki Ndenderu

Henry Kariuki Ndenderu

• David Igogo Munyinyi

David Igogo Munyinyi

• Evans Matheri Mweha

• Erastus Mbugua Muthuma

Erastus Mbugua Muthuma

• Sarah Muthoni Ndara

Sarah Muthoni Ndara

• Alice Wanjiku Mbae

•  Priscilla Karira Maina

Priscilla Karira Maina

•  Florence Nyakio Nduranu
• Rahab Huro Kariithi

The first lay reader in the church was Morris Kinyanjui Ndenderu, together with Charles Kariithi Muthuma, who also conducted catechism and Sunday school classes. Later on, Daniel Wagacha Gichuru and Bedan Mbugua Ng’ang’a took over the teaching of Sunday school children that gradually led to the formation of Kenya Anglican Youth Organization (KAYO). The Mothers Union chapter had earlier been formed. The late Erastus Mbugua Muthuma was tasked with visiting schools like CCM Morrison, todays’ Nyanjega Primary school to talk to the students and many enrolled for baptism classes. Ironically, even Munyinyi Igogo was later baptized Andrew perhaps due to the influence of three of his sons namely, Morris Nduranu, John Igogo and David Igogo who were elders at the church.

At that time, Mrs. Sarah Ndara was multitasking as the secretary to the church council, secretary of the mothers’ union, a primary school teacher and a wife and mother of small children. “Sometimes, I wonder how I managed all this, but with God, all things are possible. I’m also eternally appreciative to my husband for allowing me to serve God and humanity in those capacities.” Because of the shortage of priests, most duties in church at that time, were undertaken by church elders. We must give credit to these men and women, who sacrificed their time and resources to lay a very strong foundation of the church. Mrs. Ndara observed.

The same elders were not tired and after moving, the church started working on plans to move the primary school. It was not easy because Education officials at Kiambu District insisted on a separate register from the one maintained at Karura Primary School. While other parents and students preferred to continue learning at Karura. Eventually their efforts paid off and Ndenderu primary school opened in 1964.

Growth, however, is not always a smooth and uninterrupted process. In 1973, the construction of the Ndenderu-Dagoretti road claimed a portion of the church's land. But resilience, like sunlight, nourishes growth. The church, compensated for the land, saw an opportunity. Reaching out to the area council and the Ndenderu Primary School committee, they secured a new plot, a testament to their unwavering faith and desire for a permanent home. When clearance was granted, a building committee was put in place chaired by the late Humphrey Gakumo Thuku. Other committee members were Daniel Wagacha, Mwalimu Hannah W. Kimani, Charles Kariithi, Morris K. Ndenderu, Morris Nduranu Munyinyi, Samuel Githenya Kinuthia, John Igogo Munyinyi, and David Igogo Munyinyi.

The year 1974 marked a turning point. Construction of a permanent church began, the foundation stone laid by the late Ass. Bishop Rt. Rev. Esborn Ngaruiya. Mr. Samuel Githenya oversaw the project, his dedication echoing the commitment of the growing congregation. Two years later, in 1976, the church was consecrated by the late Rt. Rev. Obadiah Kariuki, a milestone witnessed by a congregation that had blossomed to 150 members, their offering a reflection of their devotion.

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