The cornerstone of the Dutch Reformed Church (or NG Kerk) was laid on 30 October 1915 by Ds. Pieter De Waal. This church succeeded the previous one, De Oude Kerk.
The building features its original clock and bell tower with the rooster weathervane finial, as well as Victorian/Gothic windows and joinery. The remains of the old cemetery and its boundary wall which predate the church are on the western side. This cemetery was discontinued in favour of the new (but still old) cemetery on the corner of Piet Retief and Park Street when the new church was built in 1915.
The church building was designed by the architect Folkert Wilko Hess and it was built by Huggett for a total cost of £5 976 at the time. The funds were raised through a variety of sources like congregational concerts, rummage sales, flower exhibitions, a loan from the late Evert Laubscher at a low interest rate, letters requesting contributions from acquaintances elsewhere, and collection trips by Ds. De Waal through the congregations of Malmesbury, Tulbagh, Kruisvallei, Riebeek Wes, and Moorreesburg.
Additional information about the history of the Dutch Reformed Church congregation of Riebeek Kasteel can be found on the Wikipedia page.
Your Next Destination
Continue along Main Street for about 150m, and turn right into Roos Street shortly after you pass the Primary School. This destination street features four heritage properties, starting at the two on the corner.
