Groote Kerk

Description

The Dutch Reformed Groote Kerk ('Great Church') on Adderley Steet was originally built in 1704 and is South Africa's oldest formalized place of worship.  In the early 1800's a new church was built over the old, a building designed by the German Herman Schuette. It was consecrated in 1841, with much of the old church, including the original steeple, being incorporated into newer building. It is an imposing structure with steeples, thatch, gables and an impressive timber vaulted ceiling. One of its unique attributes is that it features gravestones as paving slabs.

The large pulpit was created by sculptor, Anton Anreith, and Jan Jacob Graaff, a carpenter. The Groote Kerk has the privilege of housing the largest organ in the country. The organ contains about 6000 pipes. The church is located on Church Square near Adderley Street, and guided tours of the church are available on request.

The church is now the headquarters for Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk, one of the most prominent Dutch Reformed Churches in the country.