Oudtshoorn, Volmoed, Dutch Reformed Church

Abstract

Volmoed, Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk. The Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk in Volmoed is a very attractive and spacious building in large brick stones and with a modest tower on the right-hand side of the entrance. In it hangs a very well preserved bell. Two pairs of moulding wires below the shoulder surround the text, Barwell Founders Birmingham. On the other side of this reference stands the founding year, 1911. A further three moulding wires appear above the sound bow and another two on the knee of this well preserved bell. The bell hangs in a very attractive wooden construction. It is remarkable to find such a large church in a village where one hardly finds houses. What has happened is that in the early years of the 20th century there was a great demand for ostrich products that led to a very affluent farming community. The church was built by and for the surrounding farming community, also with the expectation of growth of the village. However, after a few years the market for ostrich feathers collapsed and the village never developed as foreseen. The church still mostly serves the farming community in that area. It is satisfying to see that the church has been declared a national monument.