Graaff-Reinet's Groot Kerk

When talking to visitors about Graaff-Reinet, the first thing many of them say is "Oh yes, the town with the beautiful big church". The current Dutch Reformed (NG) Church or Groot Kerk, as it is fondly know by the locals, is actually the fourth church building (third on the present site). The first NG church in Graaff-Reinet was built in 1792 (see top middle image), but burnt down a few years later. The second NG church, the first on the current site, was completed in 1799. This building was replaced by the third church, completed in 1822 (see top right image). The fourth and final NG church, the one marvelled at today, was completed in 1887 (see middle image, second from the top). It is the only church building in South Africa, which houses its own kitchen and which also has a chimney. It was modelled on the Salisbury Cathedral in England (see bottom left image)