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Why to visit Genadendal Moravian mission village

6/12/2017

16 Comments

 
Church, Genadendal Moravian mission village
By Roxanne Reid
When you take the turnoff from the N2 onto the R406 near Caledon in the Western Cape, chances are you’re on your way to the peaceful little village of Greyton. Learn why to visit Genadendal Moravian mission village – the oldest in Africa – ​5km from Greyton.

Originally called Baviaanskloof when it was established in 1738, it was renamed Genadendal, or ‘valley of grace’, in 1803.

The first missionary here among the Khoi people was George Schmidt, who taught them to read and write. That was fine and dandy, until in 1742 he started baptising them as Christians. The Cape Dutch Reformed church threw up its hands in horror, claiming he wasn’t an ordained minister. Schmidt left in 1744 and it wasn’t until 1792 that Moravian missionaries named Schwinn, Kühnel and Marsveld came to Genadendal to continue his work.
Why to visit Genadendal Moravian mission village, Overberg
​The story goes that the three newcomers met an old Khoi woman under a pear tree Schmidt had planted decades earlier. She was one of his earliest converts and still held services under the pear tree, reading from a pocket bible that Schmidt had given her.
Genadendal Moravian mission village
First kindergarten and church offices
The church
At the far end of the village, under giant oak trees, is a cluster of ochre-yellow buildings around the church, which was built in 1891. Peek inside to see the white-painted wooden benches, a haven of simplicity compared to some places of worship that are overly ornate. The pipe organ is said to be the oldest in South Africa.
Church, Genadendal Moravian mission village
Church interior, Genadendal Moravian mission village
​Next to it stands the first church with its Cape Dutch gables and thatch – built in 1795/6 – and the church bell, which dates back to 1798.
Church bell, Genadendal Moravian mission village
The first church and church bell
The museums
Visit the double-storey museum over the road from the church to get your ticket (for a small fee) to visit the museums. You also get an information brochure about the buildings in the church precinct, all of which were declared national monuments in 1980.

The main museum building was erected in 1838 as South Africa’s first teacher’s training college. Genadendal was also the site of South Africa’s very first kindergarten.
Museum, Genadendal Moravian mission village
First teacher's training college in South Africa, now Genadendal's museum
​Inside, posters tell the story of Genadendal and the mission station, hinting at why it was one of the most progressive communities in the Cape in the 19th century. Upstairs are collections of musical instruments, displays of children’s toys and games, basketry and blacksmithing, as well as a huge space devoted to old kitchen equipment, among other displays. 
Old musical instruments, Genadendal Museum
Old tins, Genadendal Moravian mission village
Machinery, Genadendal Moravian mission village
​Next door is a cottage museum, with a model of a Khoi camp and information on a thousand freed slaves who settled in Genadendal when slavery was abolished in 1838. An attached building behind shows a typical 19th century cottage interior: bedroom, living room and kitchen with open hearth.
Cottage museum, Genadendal Moravian mission village
Cottage museum
Other attractions in the historical precinct
Today, the peacefulness of the church werf and its shady trees gives little hint that this was once an industrial town that made knives and furniture. The missionaries also did pioneering work in education, music, printing and architecture.
Old buildings, Genadendal Moravian mission village
Old buildings, Genadendal Moravian mission village
Genadendal Moravian mission village near Greyton
​Explore the historical precinct to see the old water mill, which is still in working order, next to a tinkling stream. Get a key for the printing history museum from the tourist info office across from the church to see the old printing press. See the old school buildings and the parsonage, take a walk to the old cemetery and a memorial garden where the cottage of George Schmidt – the first missionary – once stood.
Water mill, Old buildings, Genadendal Moravian mission village
Old buildings, Genadendal Moravian mission village
Depending on how intriguing you find history and old buildings, you could spend anything from 30 minutes to three hours burrowing through the wealth that Genadendal has to offer.

You may also enjoy
15 things to do in Greyton in the Overberg

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Why to visit Genadendal Moravian mission village near #Greyton in #South Africa #Genadendal #Overberg
Why to visit Genadendal Moravian mission village near #Greyton in #South Africa #Genadendal #Overberg
16 Comments
Jenny
6/12/2017 10:08:55 pm

I find the Moravian mission settlements fasanating. Have you being to Elim and Mamre? There is something special about them. It’s as if time has stood still. Lovely photos.

Reply
Roxanne
7/12/2017 07:31:46 am

Yes, me too, Jenny. I have been to Elim and Mamre, but Genadendal is very special. You can stand near the church surrounded by old buildings that look untouched by time.

Reply
Hi Jenny. Im dying to see myself there too. My probleme i need to know where to put up please. Is there a place where i can be accomodated
8/1/2020 02:50:44 pm

I am willing to visit this Moravian church. I further need to know where i can be accommodated please

Reply
Roxanne
9/1/2020 07:56:20 am

Greyton is very nearby,m with lots of places to stay. Just google "Greyton accommodation".

Sakkie
8/12/2017 12:16:30 pm

Whuppertal near Clanwilliam is another example of a Moravian Mission Station. C Louis Leipoldt's father was involved in its establishment I think. These old buildings have a heart and soul - a reminder that we once valued our spiritual health highly. Unfortunately in the name of progress we have embraced material values that have made us spiritually much poorer.

Reply
Roxanne
8/12/2017 01:40:40 pm

Wuppertal has a lovely church too, Sakkie. I didn't know about Leipoldt's dad being involved - must look that up. Unfortunately, when we were there, nothing was open so I couldn't satisfy my curiosity about the place's history as I could at Genadendal.

Reply
Jennifer Schlueter link
9/12/2017 11:18:15 am

What a cute town! Love the museum - I'd definitely enjoy it there.

Reply
Roxanne
9/12/2017 05:00:11 pm

Sounds like you and I are kindred spirits, Jennifer :-)

Reply
Kyla link
9/12/2017 11:27:32 am

How fascinating! I always find missionary history interesting, it's shaped so many societies in such different ways.

Reply
Roxanne
9/12/2017 05:01:46 pm

True, Kyla, but I find any history or heritage interesting - except military history, which is just sad.

Reply
Shamese
19/10/2019 10:46:15 pm

I went there in 1998 with our matric class outing. More schools should tskd their students there. It was very enlightening and educational for us as coloureds, as we were descendants of the Khoisan people. The peacefulness of that place also showed us how things had changed over these centuries.

Reply
Roxanne
20/10/2019 08:09:34 am

You're right, Shamese, the history there is fascinating and the sense of country serenity is very special. I love to hear of school trips to places of historic importance.

Reply
Sibahle link
10/11/2020 03:50:16 pm

This is a great piece.
As a member of the Moravian church (born, raised and confirmed, I hope I can visit this beautiful mission soon.

Thank you for publishing this.

Reply
Roxanne Reid link
10/11/2020 08:44:51 pm

I hope you get there one day, Sibahle. It's a really interesting place and I'm sure you'll enjoy discovering it as much as we did.

Reply
Elaine Moothoo
15/3/2021 08:37:58 pm

Attended school there and stayed at the hostel.

Reply
Roxanne Reid
16/3/2021 06:03:17 am

Ah, Elaine, I'm sure you have lots of special memories from there. I wonder if you've been back as an adult?

Reply

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    I'm an independent travel writer and book editor with a passion for Africa - anything from African travel, people, safari and wildlife to adventure, heritage, road-tripping and slow travel.
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