The Darling Presbyterian Church, which celebrated its 100th birthday, was consecrated on 6 October 1915 with 30 members.
It has passed through an eventful, even turbulent century, which saw two world wars, a Great Depression, apartheid, among other epoch-defining landmarks.
The community was not without its challenges. At first, it wasn’t able to maintain a full-time minister and preachers came from Cape Town on an irregular basis. For 60 years the elders and congregation faithfully kept the light of the Gospel burning.
In 2003 the Rev Ian Bernhardi was appointed resident minister in Darling. Once again the congregation had its own minister. Members have been very conscious of the Hand of God guiding and supporting the Church over these many years.
To mark the centenary, a Flower Ministry was successfully held earlier this year on the theme “The Guiding hand of God”. The congregation also held a formal dinner at the church hall and a thanksgiving service, which saw two stained glass windows consecrated by Rev Mike Muller, Moderator of the Western Cape Presbytery, assisted by current minister Rev Rodney Brits.
The windows were designed by Jeni Jewels and made by Francois van der Merwe of Paarl. Two church banners made by ladies of the congregation are also due to be unveiled.
A book was compiled by Rev Ian Bernhardi on the 100 years of the Darling congregation
