The Dutch Reformed Church's Groote Kerk congregation in Adderley Street celebrated its 300th anniversary on Tuesday - and celebrated their status as the oldest Christian congregation in South Africa.
The oldest Christian congregation came to the Cape even earlier, with Jan van Riebeeck in 1652, and their offspring later built the Groote Kerk.
The foundation stone of the church was laid by Willem Adriaan van der Stel in 1700 and the original church building on the site of the present Groote Kerk was inaugurated by the
Reverend Petrus Kalden on January 6, 1704 .
Before the original church was built 300 years ago, services were held at the Fort on the present-day Grand Parade as well as at the Castle of Good Hope.
George Hofmeyr, chief editor of the book NG Kerk 350, said the original church was replaced in 1841 by the structure seen today, except for the clock tower which was not demolished and is therefore the only remaining part of the original structure.
Said Hofmeyr: "It was undoubtedly the first skyscraper in South Africa."
on Tuesday, the church congregation celebrated the anniversary by tolling the two historic church bells - one from the Dutch East India Company and the other British - dating from 1726 and 1800 respectively.
The oldest church bell at the Castle dating back to 1697, as well as other church bells, also rang simultaneously in celebration. Thereafter organist Roucher du Toit played a recital to those attending the short celebration.
A tour guide was available throughout the day to show visitors the vestry and the church's silver collection, among other things.
Hofmeyr said: "This was the first proper church building erected in Cape Town. There was already one in Stellenbosch. The church has seen many changes."
"This year is also the 175th anniversary of the founding of the South African College which later became known as the University of Cape Town. They had their founding meeting in the vestry of the Groote Kerk and the first induction service was held here."
He said the college's first classes were held at the church's orphanage in Long Street - also the first orphanage in the country.
