Picture this: a cornerstone laid in 1825. This is the Durbanville Gemeente. We stand before a building steeped in history. It wasn’t always called Durbanville Gemeente. Originally known as Pampoenkraal. It was a bustling stopover for travellers heading inland. Think ox-wagons weary travellers. Farmers trading goods. A reliable spring provided water. Even during droughts it flowed. This water source remained vital until 1958.
The Durbanville Gemeente wasn’t just a church. It served as a school too. In 1826 the first Dutch Reformed Church was constructed. This building is one of the oldest in South Africa. It’s the 17th oldest congregation of the NG Kerk. Its history is rich and complex. It involves conflicts compromises and celebrations.
The name Durbanville Gemeente itself holds a story. In 1836. 49 residents petitioned Governor Sir Benjamin D’Urban. They wanted to rename their village in his honor. He agreed. The name D’Urban was proclaimed in the Government Gazette on 2 September 1836. The name stuck until 1886. Confusion with the city of Durban led to another renaming. It became Durbanville Gemeente.
The original church was a typical cruciform structure. It had a thatched roof. The consistory was initially used as a school. It was also a meeting place for the church council. Three galleries overlooked the congregation. The building evolved over time. In 1859 a vestibule was added. In 1891 two side portals were added. These renovations also involved enlarging the church. The outer walls were rebuilt further out. The old windows were placed in the new walls. New sloping roofs connected the new sections to the main roof. The entire roof was replaced with tiles. Gas lighting was installed in 1912. Electric lights arrived in 1933.
The Durbanville Gemeente wasn’t just about the church building. A ring wall was built in 1834. It protected the church from wagons. It also served as a cemetery. The church grounds were unfenced. Contributions were requested to build the ring wall. A story about this wall includes a terrifying incident. An ox-wagon was parked close to the church. A huge fire was lit near the consistory’s window. The fore-oxen were even tied to the consistory’s door knob. This incident prompted serious efforts to raise funds for the wall. By 1834 the wall was complete.
The Durbanville Gemeente has seen many changes over the years. From its humble beginnings to today’s modern congregation. Its story is one of growth adaptation and unwavering faith. A testament to its enduring strength and spiritual significance. The Durbanville Gemeente stands proudly. A landmark in this thriving community. It is a reminder that faith endures. It perseveres through change and time.