Cradock Dutch Reformed 'Mother' Church

Usually, when taking the long road back to Queenstown, my hometown, Cradock is my first stop. Cradock was my hometown up until age 9. It was a pleasant experience walking around and observing this beautiful church especially now that I'm completing my B-tech degree in Architecture Applied Design.

At the upper end of Church Street in Cradock, South Africa, you will find the Dutch Reformed "Mother" Church. The church was completed in 1868 on the same site as the first Dutch Reformed church. This church community was also the first in Cradock and established in 1824, 10 years after the town received its name.

The design of the church was based on the "St Martins-in-the-Fields" church in Trafalgar Square in London. The great South African statesman and first President, Paul Kruger, was christened in this church in 1826 and his name appears in the register.

At the opening ceremony, attended by thousands of people, the builder refused to hand over the keys until certain contract monies had been paid. This dilemma was solved by hurriedly appealing to the masses for donations. Only a part of the outstanding monies was collected, but the builder was satisfied and the ceremony continued.

Apparently, the church had cost some £ 24 500 to build.

During the Anglo-Boer War, the roof of the church was used as a look-out post by the British soldiers who occupied the town.

In Conclusion, observing the hierarchy and all the attention to detail on the exterior of the building, you can't help but think of a modern architectural design that has lost its attention to detail and design, considering how modern architecture today sometimes try to pursue a take on minimalism. In many ways, I am a modernist myself, but looking at this church building makes me realize how important it is to consider the heritage and respect to historical architecture and also my heritage where I come from.

Note below a map and Exterior photos of the church: