Historical Churches

The original foundation stone for this building situated on the corner of Bourke and Middle Streets was laid on the 9th July 1913. After undergoing many transformations including being used as a cinema the building was reconsecrated on the 21 May 2006. The present bell constructed on the lines of an old “slave bell” was cast in…

Dutch Reformed Church – Graaff-Reinet The first recorded church was in Church Street. Building of a church started in 1792 but was destroyed by fire in 1799 before it could be completed. A second church was completed in September 1800 on the site of the present Dutch Reformed Church or Groot Kerk at the northern…

The oldest original church building in use is St James’ Church situated in Somerset Street. The original church consisting of the present nave was built and consecrated on the 29 October 1850. The chancel and sanctuary were added in 1868 and consecrated in 1870 whilst the entrance porch was added in 1874. The interior fittings…

The present day Roman Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception in Bourke Street, between Somerset and Middle Streets, was consecrated on the 23rd April 1957 and the High Altar on the 24th April 1957. First class relics of St Pius X and St Maria Goretti are buried in the alter. It would appear that there…

In 1871 the foundation stone of the Trinity Church on the corner of Caledon and Bourke Streets was laid and on the 15 September 1875 the official opening of the church took place. In 1894 it was necessary to enlarge the building and at the same time the school room was built and named the…