Theewaterskloof, Villiersdorp, Dutch Reformed Church

Abstract

Villiersdorp, Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk. The construction of the first church of the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk in Villiersdorp was started on 27 November 1844. On 25 January 1846 the church was sacrificed as a subsidiary of the NG-kerk of Franschhoek. From 24 February 1858 onwards the parish became independent. In 1904 two wings were added to the church, thanks to a donation by the brothers Graaff. The first church was later demolished in 1949 to make room for a new brick stone building that was started on 28 January 1950. In the tower hangs a middle-size bell that apart from an extensive dedication, shows no other decorations. On the waist, below the shoulder is a text that runs over five lines: Hierdie Klok Geskenk Deur Mnr. en Mev. J. J. Roux Vir Gebruik Deur Die Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk Villiersdorp 1950. There are no indications of a possible founder. The lip of the bell is not fluent like in most bells but shows an angle. Comparison of the bell with other bells in the region like the one in Greyton and Grabouw, suggests that J. F. Weule from Germany might have been the founder. An interesting feature on the bell is a number 5084 on top of the bell just below the crown. This is probably a number from the order book of the founding company.