The Kilnerton Training Institution, affiliated to the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, was established in 1886 in the small suburb of Weaving Park, Pretoria. The Institution was named after Rev John Kilner, who encouraged the formation of an indigenous clergy in South Africa. The mission of the Institution was to provide seminary education to locals in preparation for ordination. In and above providing seminary education, Kilnerton also served as a primary and secondary school for children in the local community. The Institution is known for some of its illustrious past students, including Dikgang Moseneke (Deputy Chief Justice), Sefako Makgatho, Miriam Makeba, Lillian Ngoyi and Thomas Masekela.