Swartland, Riebeek Kasteel, Dutch Reformed Church

Abstract

Photographs and information on the Dutch Reformed Church and its bell in Riebeek Kasteel. The Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk in Riebeek Kasteel is a beautifully designed structure for the congregation that started in 1863. The current building dates from 1915 and was built by Hesse & Hesse. The church has a tower that contains a marvelously carved bell, especially made for the church. In between two decorative bands stands the dedication of the bell. It reads NED. GEREF. KERK RIEBEEK KASTEEL 1914. Just above the knee are five moulding wires and another three on the lip. Just above the latter are the inscriptions B. EIJSBOUTS ASTEN. The bell is linked to the clock and has been produced by another foundry since in 1914 Bartholomeus Eijsbouts did not produce bells. Because of the extensive decorations we guess that the bell has been produced by neighboring Petit & Fritsen. We encountered a similar situation in the NGK in Calitzberg with bells from 1911.