Empangeni church celebrates milestone 75th anniversary

THE Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) in Empangeni celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.

The church serves the communities of Empangeni, Mtunzini and KwaMbonambi.

The congregation would like to invite the community to join them in a variety of celebrations over the weekend of 26 to 28 October.

On Friday, 26 October a country and western dance will be held at the Heuwelland Primary School hall with singer Wikus Botma (6pm).

This will be followed by line dancing from 8pm. Tickets cost R100 per person (available at the church office).

On the Saturday festivities will begin at 1pm at the church grounds (8 Kerk Street, Empangeni).

Activities will include a dog show, ‘boeresport’ for the kids, pony rides, a display by the fire department, police dogs and food and craft stalls. The afternoon will end with a snoek and chicken braai at 5pm. Tickets for the braai (R50) are available at the church office.

A combined praise and worship service with the Mtunzini and KwaMbonambi congregations will be held in Empangeni on the Sunday (9am), followed by a bring-and-share meal.

History

The Empangeni congregation seceded from the Melmoth Dutch Reformed Church in 1943, encompassing Mtunzini in the south and Ingwavuma in the north.

With time five more congregations linked to Empangeni were established - Mtubatuba (1960), Noordland (1972), Hluhluwe (1973), Richards Bay (1976) and Meerensee (1980).

During the first few years services were held in various little halls in Empangeni until the construction of the existing church hall in Kerk Street in 1949.

The main church building was completed in 1983.

Mtunzini established its own church in 1994, but remained affiliated to the Empangeni conggregation. Services are also conducted in KwaMbonambi.