The Dutch Reformed Church | Graaft Reinet
Known as the Grotekerk, this famous landmark, built using local sandstone, is to be found in the centre of Graaff-Reinet and is a replica of the Cathedral in Salisbury. The opening of the Dutch Reformed Church occurred on 11 September 1887 and Professor de Vos delivered the inaugural sermon.
Building of the church started in 1886 and the early Gothic style architecture is still regarded as of the best in the country. The pulpit is also a Gothic style structure. It has a flight of stairs on either side. The reading desk is 9 feet and 6 inches from the floor. The steeple of the building measures 150 ft and the church is lit with magnificent stained glass windows.
There is seating for 1500 worshippers and during Reverend Andrew Murray’s term of office 14 valuable items of old Cape silver were acquired for use during the communion service. The ecclesiastical silver in the church is of such high value that one can only get a view of it in picture form.
The church also has a chimney …the fireplace is situated in the vestry.
Contact Details:
P.O. Box 737
Graaff-Reinet
6280
Tel: +27 49 89 22557
Fax: +27 49 89 25730
E-mail:info@karoopark.co.za
Wesite: www.karoopark.co.za
This posting about The Dutch Reformed Church was sponsored by i Lead Online South Africa. Should you wish to advertise on this website contact i Lead Online: info@etraffic.co.za. Visit www.ileadwebsites.co.za for more online directories such as this one.
Filed under: Eastern Cape, Graaff Reinet, Graaff Reinet Attractions | No Comments »