On a seemingly ordinary corner stands the NG Kerk Alberton-wes. It is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a testament to faith and community.
The NG Kerk Alberton-wes’s story began in 1947. A group of 380 determined members founded it. They faced a daunting challenge. They had no church building. They also had no hall. But they possessed a resolute spirit.
Initially, the congregation shared services with the mother church. Sunday school classes took place in two large garages. These were located on their own property. Church council meetings happened in the parsonage and garages. It was a humble beginning.
In October 1947, Ds A.D. Raats arrived. He was warmly welcomed. He became an integral part of the community. Raats remained until his retirement in 1967.
The desire for their own place of worship grew quickly. By June 1949, excavation began for the new church’s foundation. The cornerstone was laid on September 3, 1949. This was done by the minister and his wife.
A kerksaal was built at a cost of one pound per seat. It accommodated 400 people. An additional covered area provided space for 200 more. In January 1950, the congregation moved to the new hall.
Six young children unlocked the hall’s doors. The hall was named Feeskoppiesaal. The NG Kerk Alberton-wes was officially inaugurated on Saturday, June 17, 1950. Ds. C.B. Brink delivered the main address.
The church was designed in the Greek-Gothic style. It could seat 750 people. For special events, it accommodated 900. The exterior was covered in blue-white granite. This gave it the look of solid granite walls. The church stands at the foot of Feeskoppie, next to the main road.
Within five years, the congregation had grown to 800 members. The NG Kerk Alberton-wes was located on the edge of Johannesburg. At the time, it was poised for significant expansion. By 1952, its assets were valued at 35000 pounds.
The NG Kerk Alberton-wes stands as a symbol of perseverance. It shows faith and community spirit. From its modest beginnings in garages to its grand building, it has remained a beacon of hope. It serves as a reminder of what a community can achieve with faith and determination. Its story is a chapter in Alberton’s story. The NG Kerk Alberton-wes is more than a church. It is a testament to faith, resilience and community.