Dutch Reformed Church, Philippolis

The Dutch Reformed Church in Philippolis is the ninth oldest congregation in the Free State Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church. Die geskiedenis van die gemeente op Philippolis.org.za . URL besoek op 2 Februarie 2014.

Background Rev. Andries Adriaan Louw of the NG congregation Fauresmith, Geskiedenis van die NG gemeente Philippolis op Philippolis.org . URL besoek op 2 Februarie 2014. under whom Philippolis fell before the congregation's foundation in October 1862, was the pioneer who laid the foundations of the young congregation well and firmly. The first steps of Philippolis as a new congregation were shaky and hesitant. After all the years of disorderly church existence, there was a lack of congregational tradition and cohesion on which to build. After the secession in October 1862 of this ninth church in the Free State, Rev. Louw became the first consultant of the new congregation. It was therefore a vast area that he had to work, but he possessed all the gifts to do spiritual pioneering work in this wide field of labor. He had a powerful personality and a deep humanity. In his dealings he was very affable, to which his witty and witty remarks contributed. His preaching style was unique, captivating: His sermons were one of a kind and left an indelible impression on the mind of every listener, according to J.A. Bosch in Philippolis' Centenary Commemoration Book. Bosch, J.A. 1962. Eeufeesgedenkboek van die N.G. gemeente Philippolis, 1862–1962. Philippolis: Eeufeesreëlingskomitee.

As a consultant of Philippolis, he was a special strength and a source of advice for this congregation in its formative years. Die Bybel, 1953-vertaling. Under his able leadership, the young congregation's domestic affairs such as the appointment of a first pastor, the acquisition of a church building and rectory, the election of a first church council, etc. were brought into order. Rev. Louw invariably came to lead the church council meetings and administered the sacraments on the following Sunday. After the arrival of Rev. Colin Fraser Jr., Rev. Louw continued to serve as an advisor and faithful helper until 1867 when he accepted a call to the NG congregation in Murraysburg. After a fruitful ministry of 44 years, he died on 24 June 1908. Nienaber, P.J. 1949. Hier Is Ons Skrywers! Biografiese Sketse van Afrikaanse Skrywers. Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel.

Ministers Colin Fraser jr., 1863–1907, 44 years (longest tenure) S.J. Perold, 1907–1916, 9 years Dr. Tobie Muller, 1916–1918, 2 years (deceased) P.S.Z. Coetzee, 1920–1925, 5 years Christoffel Johannes van Niekerk, 1926 – 12 June 1947, 21 years (deceased in office) Daniël Josias Redelinghuys, 1948–1961, 13 years Jannie van Heerden, 1962–1966, 4 years D.N.J. du Toit, 1967–1968, 18 months (deceased) Dr. Ben du Toit, 1969–1972, 3 years Phil Olivier, 1973–1976, 3 years Tienie Strydom, 1977–1981, 4 years Awie van Staden, 1981–1983, 2 years Philip Rudolph Botha, 11 May 1984–1988, 4 years Gideon Engelbrecht, 1988–1992, 4 years (deceased) Ken Lemkuhl, 1993–1994, 2 years Bertie Haasbroek, 1995–2003 Ferdinand Ball Dr. Carin van Schalkwyk

References

Sources Bosch, J.A. 1962. Eeufeesgedenkboek van die N.G. gemeente Philippolis, 1862–1962. Philippolis: Eeufeesreëlingskomitee. De Kock, W.J. 1968. Suid-Afrikaanse Biografiese Woordeboek, deel I. Kaapstad: Nasionale Boekhandel Beperk. Dreyer, eerw. A. 1924. Eeuwfeest-Album van de Nederduits Gereformeerde-Kerk in Zuid-Afrika 1824–1924. Kaapstad: Publikatie-kommissie van de Z.A. Bijbelvereniging. Gaum, Frits (hoofred.) 2008. Christelike Kernensiklopedie. Wellington: Lux Verbi.Bm en Byblekor. Maeder, ds. G.A. en Zinn, Christian. 1917. Ons Kerk Album. Kaapstad: Ons Kerk Album Maatschappij Bpkt. Nienaber, P.J. Hier Is Ons Skrywers! Biografiese Sketse van Afrikaanse Skrywers. Johannesburg: Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel. Oberholster, ds. J.A.S. 1955. Murraysburg honderd jaar oud, 1855–1955. Murraysburg: NG Kerkraad. Potgieter, D.J. (ed.) 1972. Standard Encyclopaedia of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Nasionale Opvoedkundige Uitgewery (Nasou). Schoeman, Karel. 1982. Vrystaatse Erfenis. Bouwerk en geboue in die 19de eeu. Kaapstad, Pretoria, Johannesburg: Human & Rousseau. Swart, prof. dr. M.J. (voors.). 1980. Afrikaanse Kultuuralmanak. Aucklandpark: Federasie van Afrikaanse Kultuurvereniginge.