Long list of celebration events planned for historic Karoo church anniversary
THE Little Karoo town of Aberdeen will wake up to a hive of activities when one of the town’s oldest establishments celebrates its 160th anniversary.
The Aberdeen Dutch Reformed Church plans a number of activities to be held from September 25.
Organiser Jadre Lategan said the congregation was established by farmers in 1885 – a year before the establishment of the town – with the church building completed in 1908.
“The impressive building is a major tourist attraction in the town, and its hall houses a magnificent collection of appliqued wall hangings of biblical scenes,” Lategan said.
“They were crafted in 2000 by volunteers using local materials including mohair,” he said.
“Aberdeen district is the largest mohair-producing area in the world, so it is fitting that this fibre is used extensively.”
To start the celebrations, an informal get-together will be hosted on September 24 at the Villeira Guest House.
Many old Aberdonians with friends and families were expected to gather for the weekend, Lategan said.
Guest houses are filling up fast, with bookings from as far afield as Johannesburg and Cape Town.
On Friday, September 25, a breakfast will be held at Kamdeboo Padstal, followed by a fun drive with a twist, where anyone with any sort of wheels can participate.
Later, those brave and fit enough can participate in rugby, netball, or bowls with. And there will be an ambulance on standby.
Later that evening, the church will host a steak and karaoke evening at the Aberdeen Club, where friends can get together to reminisce and share stories.
On Saturday September 26, at 7am there will be a fun run/walk of 5km or 10km, starting at the Padstal.
Later that morning, stalls will open at 9am, in the church grounds and hall.
There will be stalls selling church souvenirs, memorabilia, and many other items.
There will also be a fashion parade, followed by a craft demonstration and workshops.
Dominee Attie van Wyk, of the Cradock North Dutch Reformed Church, will perform an organ recital in the church at noon.
The BMW Motorbike Club from Port Elizabeth will be showing off two motorbikes, which can be test-driven.
In the evening there will be a picnic basket dance at the Library Hall.
A special service will start at 9.30am on Sunday September 27, followed by a lunch.