Wednesday, January 30, 2013

DRC Prince Albert

 
It's been a while since I've featured a Church on my blog. This is the Dutch Reformed Church in Prince Albert. The foundation stone carries the date: A.D. 1 OKT 1860. The village Prince Albert is situated near the picturesque Swartberg Pass. The design of this Church is typically Dutch Reformed: a steeple in the middle of a mirror-image design.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Hedgerow

A few times, I have shown South African hedgerows on this blog. Recently I passed this very long hedgerow (pictured) in the Tsitsikamma district, some 600 km east of Cape Town. OBSERVATION: Traditional European hedgerows may not be possible in South Africa, so one finds great originality and beauty here.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Moravian Mission Kareedouw

This used to be the old Moravian Mission outside Kareedouw, some 600 km east of Cape Town (the Church in the background, the manse in the foreground). Five years ago, it was converted into a hotel, with a honeymoon suite closest to the camera. My wife E. and I had what I have called a "pre-honeymoon" here, after our wedding, during the celebrations. OBSERVATION: In 1945, Ouma Martha donated the plot to the Moravian community, to build a Church and a parsonage. 62 years later, the Church decided to sell and build in the village.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Symbolic Sparring

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As E. and I entered the venue of our second, rural reception, every few metres / yards we were stopped by one of the elders, who threatened E. with a stick (see the photo). Then she would turn and spar with a young girl behind her as if her life depended on it. This was symbolic: "Your status has been raised as a married woman, but remember your elders." Thanks to son M. for the photo.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Pacaltsdorp Congregational Church

E. and I worshiped yesterday in Pacaltsdorp United Congregational Church -- about 440 km east of Cape Town -- where I took this photo. Seated in the foreground is Rev. Gerhard Human. His wife was a confidante and prayer partner of my wife E. in the early stages of our friendship. It was a privilege to meet her yesterday for the first time. You may click on the photo to enlarge to 200k.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Poignant Moment

Here is another photo of our local Presbyterian Church's farewell to its Assistant Minister Steven Leach, who is returning to the USA. You may click on the photo to enlarge to VGA. Here, he is thanking the Youth after they presented him with an autographed T-shirt. The photo demonstrates that Presbyterians do, in fact, show some emotion. (Historically, they were known to be very staid).