Bethelsdorp on Pasella

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/nGAWcR_Kb_w&source=udsBethelsdorp isn't your normal run of the mill tourist destination yet is has a number of very interesting historical attractions and Van der Kemp's Kloof Nature Reserve to show off to visitors. Pasella visited Bethelsdorp a year or so ago and produced this insert for the show on SABC 2. Enjoy!

Memorial Church at Bethelsdorp

I've posted pictures of the Van der Stel Memorial Church (United Congregational Church) in Bethelsdorp before, but here's another one for good measure. The church was originally built in 1803 and has since been rebuilt and extended. Its probably the oldest church in Port Elizabeth and is generally regarded as the first Congregational church in southern … Continue reading Memorial Church at Bethelsdorp →

The swing and the Almshouses

I've posted about the Almshouses, built in 1822, in Bethelsdorp before, but I liked this picture with the deserted swing hanging from the tree across the road. It actually didn't catch my eye at all when I took it and if it did I would have framed it better. I just wanted to get a picture … Continue reading The swing and the Almshouses →

Van Der Kemp Church

The front view of the historic Van Der Kemp Memorial Church in Bethelsdorp

Bethelsdorp Historic Houses

A row of historic houses in the historic heart of Bethelsdorp. The long white building on the left is the Almshouses which was built by the London Missionary Society in 1822 as part of the mission station. They are still used to assist and accommodate the poor and destitute. The other two houses also date back … Continue reading Bethelsdorp Historic Houses →

Almshouses

The Almshouses in Bethelsdorp was built in 1822 and formed part of the Bethelsdorp Mission Station. The houses can still be seen just behind the Van Der Kemp Memorial Church. An interesting feature of the Almshouses is the original cornerstone which is still visible.

Mission Bell

I received a couple of comments by beedeeboy on the Van Der Kemps Kloof and Van Der Kemps Memorial Church posts I have done before. He asked if I had a picture of the old Mission Bell. Well, I went looking and I have one, but I will have to get more next time I'm … Continue reading Mission Bell →

Van der Kemps Kloof

Van Der Kemp's Kloof is situated at Bethelsdorp on the northern side of Port Elizabeth. The Kloof is one of six deep, steep-sided valleys cutting into the escarpment in this area. The Van Der Kemp's Kloof Trail is a circular trail and starts at the historic Bethelsdorp Village. The trail is 8km long (three hours) … Continue reading Van der Kemps Kloof →

Almshouses cornerstone

Today's post is a follow-up of yesterdays. Yesterday I showed you the Almshouses in the historic part of Bethelsdorp and told you that the original cornerstone is still visible. For today I wanted to show you a pic of the actual cornerstone. For Europeans 1822 may not be very old, but over here in Port … Continue reading Almshouses cornerstone →

Bethelsdorp Almshouses

Bethelsdorp in the northern areas of Port Elizabeth was founded as the first mission station in the Eastern Cape by London Missionaries Van der Kemp and Read in 1802. They convinced the Colonial government of the Cape to establish a settlement for the indigenous people on educational, religious and social ground. The Almshouses built in … Continue reading Bethelsdorp Almshouses →