Steeple Chase 2023

GRAVEL | TAR

The Steeple Chase

Here you have to do a circular route of around 400km. The route runs from George to Oudtshoorn, Ladysmith, Riversdale and back to George and can be done in any direction. It can be done in one day, or as a sleepover weekend trip. There are 10 specific churches listed that you will find on this route. We provide the pictures and info, and you locate and photograph your bike in front of each of these churches during your trip.

Note: We have partnered with Frikkie se Gat, on the R62 just West of Huisrivier pass. Contestants who stop here for something to eat or drink will receive some specials.

Free coffee for bikers

Castle/Black Label: R20

Burger and Chips: R65 (Normal Price – R95)

Frikkie se Gat Stickers

The 10 churches to identify are:

This tiny Anglican Church that was built from local stone in 1850. It was designed by Sophy Gray, who was the wife of a prominent figure in the Garden Route, Bishop Robert Gray. It was granted cathedral status in 1911, and the building itself has been extended over the years, with added features such as the Chancel and Apse, as well as the Lady Chapel and Chapter House.

This church has the distinction that it was established even before the town! As the population in the area increased a need arose for a church, and the farm Doornkraal was bought to establish the first church farm. The congregation was founded in 1839, and Reverend J C le Fabre Moorrees was appointed as the first minister. The church authorities approached Sir Harry Rivers, Civil Commissioner of Swellendam, for his permission to name the later town after him. On the 6th of June 1849 the town was declared a Municipality.

This stone church has the tallest stone steeple in the country. The site for the new church was donated by Mr JF Hudson in 1875. It was designed by architect John Welchman and is built of local stone. The plan and each detail of the structure and ornament follow the Early English style. In 1996, the Church was declared a national monument. Something St Peter would be proud of!

This Catholic Chapel is named after Stella Maris. Before the time of GPS technology, sailors solely relied on key stars to help them navigate where they were going. During the Middle Ages, the North Star actually went by the name “Stella Maris”. Sailors can always rely on the North Star to lead them, as it remains fixed in the same location throughout the night.
Mary, the Stella Maris, is the venerated guide and protector of seafarers. She is the Patron Saint of the Apostleship of the Sea (AoS). Fitting then the location of this Chapel, right next to the ocean!

A prominent family, so much so that this village might as well have been called the village of Searle. They even built the Searle’s Memorial Church, a beautiful building. But! Theirs is not the oldest church in town. There is a modest church tucked away in the corner, beautiful in its simplicity and the village’s oldest church. Named after St John, this is the church you need to find…

This Dutch Reformed Church, declared a national monument in 1991, was originally built in 1857 and holds a magnificent organ, large even by European standards. Richard van Reenen Barry was the first pastor and served the community for 40 years. In 1910 the population reached 4000 and it was decided to build a new church. The new church was erected in 1912 in the neo-Byzantine style with a Marseilles roof.

Sadly some churches are no longer used for worship; this is dedicated to those who loved to worship there in bygone days!! This stunning neo-gothic church was designed by Otto Hager and completed in 1874. It ceased to function as a church in 1942 and now houses art.

This church, like the one in the neighbouring town, was started on a farm and the town developed around it. It was laid out in 1900 on the farm Grootfontein but building was halted during the 2nd Anglo-Boer war. Building resumed in 1903 and the Church was inaugurated on 18 June 1904. The town became a municipality in 1920. The name of the town is derived from the surname of Johannes Rudolph Albertyn (1847-1920), the first Dutch Reformed minister to serve the community.

You’ve driven past this Lutheran Church but never taken the trouble to stop and look. It was first completed in 1853 and recently restored. It was named after Frau Amalie Von Stein, who provided the funds to Berlin missionaries who bought it in 1850. There’s beauty all around us – we often are too busy to see it.

It is not in the South African Protestant tradition to include gargoyles or devils in the architecture, but this church has a few, balanced by a few angels on other parts of the building. The stone work and “gargoyles” are worked in the local sandstone and the pulpit with its carved angels inside the church is something to behold.
The cornerstone was laid in 1861, but the church was only completed 18 years later due to drought / monetary problems and the fact that the plans were read incorrectly, which resulted in a 4-foot difference between the walls and roof. Architect Carl Otto Hager was appointed in 1876 to correct the mistake. The church was inaugurated in 7 June 1880.

The Random Steeple Chase

A selection of churches, of which you can choose three to take a day ride and photograph your bike in front of these churches, too.

The Mystery Steeple Chase

This one is a riddle. Figure out where this church is, and go photograph your bike in front of it.

If you have been here, you won’t mind returning again. If you have not been, this is a fabulous church to be seen! A beautiful example in miniature of the Norman style this look from the eleventh and twelfth centuries will make you smile.

Consicrated in 1855, it remained a “family church” till the last direct decedent died. A noted botanist, her name was Miss A. V. Duthie, M.A. sD.Sc.

She unfortunately died in 1963. Her grave lies under the oaks of the quiet churchyard, along with many other members of the family.