Bethelsdorp is one of the first mission stations in the Eastern Cape and was founded by the London missionaries Johannes Van der Kemp and Read in 1803.
Excluding the military post at Fort Frederik, it was the first organised settlement in the Algoa Bay Area.
At the entrance of the Van der Kempskloof Nature Reserve the original historical treasures of the settlement can still be seen.
These include:
The Van Der Kemps Kloof Church that was built by the Khoikhoi along side reed and mud huts in 1803 (it was then rebuilt 1903 and 1926).
It still houses some of the treasured relics used by the church, including the Dutch Bible belonging to Van Der Kemp. It is one of the oldest two bibles in the country, printed in Holland in 1664. The church is also home to his pulpit chair and baptismal font.
Other historic landmarks include the Livingstone House, where Dr David Livingstone stayed on his visits to Bethelsdorp.
Also a cemetery with graves of Dutch and English settlers is found within the periphery of the Village.
And on the way to the van Der Kemp’s Kloof (in Water Street), stands the renowned Alms Houses. A row of almshouses build in 1822 to accommodate the destitute and servants who aided the crew from the London Missionary society. Across from Alms houses in the bamboo reeds there are still wash basins to be found that was used to do linen and washing for Van Der Kemp. The Alms houses is still used by the church today for same purpose.
Infront of the church is the market square, where the original mission bell still stands. It was erected in 1815 and was used as a call to worship.
It became a symbol of the mission’s influence and authority in the area. The bell tower was also used to announce important events, such as weddings, funerals, and meetings. With time, the mission station grew and became a hub of activity for the community. The bell tower remained an important part of the mission’s identity, and it was often used to mark significant milestones in the history of Bethelsdorp.
The Van der Kemp’s Kloof hiking trail starts at the village. It is a circular trail that follows the Little Zwartkops River. Van der Kemp’s Kloof has a picnic site and the walk is well worth doing.
The nature part of the trail proceeds up the kloof into the Van Der Kempskloof Nature Reserve through botanically interesting grassy Fynbos, with magnificent views across the Swartkops Valley and Algoa Bay.
The van de Kemp’s kloof is home to many species of bird life, plant life (many medicinal), natural springs and an abundance of flowing water.
