Over the past 15 years, Central Methodist in Johannesburg has housed the homeless who had often fled violence in neighbouring countries.
Headed up by Bishop Paul Verryn, the church became famous for taking in those who were too vulnerable to live on the streets.
Over the years hundreds used the building with people sleeping on floors, pews or windowsills.
But while the church was praised for its work with the poor, many in the community complained that the building had become destitute and crime had risen in the area.
National church officials have taken the decision to remove the refugees and restore the church after Bishop Paul decided to move on.
Despite claims he'd been forced out, he said: "This is a decision I made under no external pressure whatsoever but I felt the time is right to move on to something different and new.
"Its been a huge part of my life for a long time but I'm not bereft. A season comes and a season goes."
He'll now continue to be a church superintendent in Soweto and work as an anti-poverty campaigner in the area.