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Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk - Klipkerk
Bloemfontein, Free State
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Click to view large map Coordinates: | (Building Dec 1923:134; De Volkstem 5 Dec 1923) The Dutch Reformed (NG) Congregation of Bloemfontein-North (the ‘Klipkerk’), the second-oldest Dutch Reformed congregation in Bloemfontein, was established on 15 October 1919, after 1 150 members of the mother congregation of the ‘Tweetoringkerk’ (Two-Tower Church) elected to form their own congregation. The mother congregation, which at that time had approximately 3 000 members, gifted the Memorial Hall (‘Gedenksaal’) located on Hill Street and two parsonages to the new congregation. Initially, services were held in this hall while the church council searched for a suitable site for a dedicated church building. A plot on the corner of Zastron and West-Burger Streets was initially considered. However, after 300 members requested a different location, land on Aliwal Street was purchased for £850. (Translated from text posted on Artefacts FB page by Morné van Rooyen, October 2026) Architects Gerard Moerdyk and Wynand Louw were commissioned to design the church. Their plans envisioned a building in the shape of a Greek cross, featuring a prominent tower, large circular windows, and a pulpit positioned along a diagonal axis. In October 1922 the construction contract was awarded to the Craig Brothers for £11 413. The original plans were adjusted to provide for seating 800 members instead of the 900 initially proposed. The first minister, the Rev Abraham Faure Louw, laid the foundation stone on 3 February 1923. The new church was consecrated on Saturday, 24 November 1923. Members of the congregation walked from the Rambler Hall on Aliwal Street to the church. The morning service was attended by 1 138 adults, and the afternoon youth service by 1 247 children. The church was constructed primarily using local building materials. The ironstone was sourced from the small ridge behind the building, while the floorboards were crafted from Rhodesian teak. The total cost, including the plot and furnishings, amounted to £14 250. Sir Cornelius Wessels, the then-Administrator of the Free State, donated the tower clock mechanism. In 1950, a new church hall was erected. The original church building—known as the ‘Klipkerk’ (Stone Church)—was enlarged in the early 1960s with the addition of a northern gable, a gallery, and additional rooms. All truncated references not fully cited below are those of Joanna Walker's original text and cited in full in the 'Bibliography' entry of the Lexicon. References:
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