title: Peter Masiza
text: # Peter Masiza
  
  Peter (Petrus) K. Masiza (c 1840 - 1907) was the first black Anglican priest ordained in South Africa.
  
  ## Early life
  
  Masiza was born in Shiloh, near Whittlesea, Eastern Cape in about 1840. He grew up in the Moravian Church.
  
  In 1871 Peter's brother, Paul Masiza was ordained deacon in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa by the Henry Cotterill, bishop of Grahamstown. Paul died two years later; Peter Masiza followed in his brother's footsteps: he was ordained deacon in 1873 and later becoming the first black Anglican priest in South Africa, when on 24 June 1877 Henry Callaway, the first bishop of St John's ordained Masiza the first Xhosa priest in St John's Cathedral, Mthatha, and later the first black canon.
  
  ## Commemoration
  
  The Anglican Church of Southern Africa commemorates Masiza in its Calendar of saints on the 5th day of December each year. In addition the collect for this commemoration is as follows:
  
     Merciful Lord we thank you for your servant Peter Masiza the first African priest of our province: inspire us after his example to be ready at all times for the coming of your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever
  