NG Kerk - Moederkerk - Rustenburg
Built: 1903
Architect: Karl Heyne
Location: Fatima Bhayat St (Kerk St), Rustenburg.
Aerial view showing Derdepoort Monument in front of church. Image source: NG Moedergemeente Rustenburg on FB.
Timeline
The Reformed (Hervormde) and Dutch Reformed (NG) Church in the old Transvaal merged in 1885 to form the 'Dutch Reformed or Reformed Church' (Nederduits Hervormde of Gereformeerde Kerk), but barely seven years later, the new church split again. The court ordered the NG Church in Rustenburg to transfer its property to the Reformed (Hervormde) Church. Fortunately, the ZAR government donated 4 erven in the town to the impoverished NG congregation to help them get back on their feet.
Following the runderpest (1896) and malaria (1897) epidemics, construction on the church began early in 1898. General Piet Joubert laid the cornerstone on 23 April 1898. The building was nearly completed when the Second Anglo-Boer War broke out in 1899, instantly halting any final completion or official use by the congregation.
Use as a British Military Hospital
When British forces under General Robert Baden-Powell occupied Rustenburg in June 1900, the British military requisitioned the empty, newly built church. They converted the holy space into a military hospital outfitted with 50 to 60 beds, a pharmacy, and an operating room. The building became a place of immense suffering. Approximately 85 British soldiers and 6 Boer burghers passed away inside the church from their wounds or illnesses. Local lore even claims that six wounded British soldiers were awarded the Victoria Cross while recovering inside the building.
Post War
After the war ended in May 1902, the British handed the building back. However, it was in poor condition due to the wear and tear of being an active hospital. Carl Heyne had to bring workers back from overseas prisoner-of-war camps and source scarce building materials. Under the guidance of the local minister, Rev. G.J. Rudolph, the church was finally and formally consecrated in September 1903.
Restoration
By 1969, the building showed structural decline. The congregation undertook a massive restoration project, which involved chipping away the old exterior plaster, replastering the building, and replacing the roof. The fully restored building was reoccupied in August 1975.
The church was officially declared a Provincial Heritage Site (formerly a National Monument) on 23 March 1979.
Monument and statue
In 1920, the Derdepoort Monument dedicated to the Boers who were murdered at Derdepoort during the 2nd Boer War was erected in front of the church. It was designed by sculptor Anton van Wouw.
In 1921 the "Kruger in Exile" bronze, life-sized sculpture of Paul Kruger sitting contemplatively on a bench was unveiled directly in front of the Rustenburg Town Hall, between Plein Street and Pretorius Street, directly opposite the church. It is intended to depict the president during the somber, final days of his life in European exile. The statue was created entirely by a French sculptor named Jean Georges Pierre Achard (1871-1934). who had visited President Kruger at his hotel in Paris in November 1900 during the Anglo-Boer War. Deeply moved by Kruger's imposing figure and the unfolding tragedy of his exile, the artist sculpted the piece entirely on his own initiative without a formal commission.
Locality map
Sources
- Van Wyk, A. (2024) Toe & Nou: Die NG Moederkerk op Rustenburg: Meer as 125 jaar later.
- Paul Kruger-beelde
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