Blomkerk - Clanwilliam, Western Cape

Blomkerk is located in Clanwilliam, one of South Africas 10 oldest towns, lying peacefully at the foot of the Cederberg Mountains approximately 230 kilometres from Cape Town. Originally known as Jan Disselsvalleij, the town was founded shortly after the arrival of the Settlers in Southern Africa in 1652. It was only in 1814 that Sir John Cradock renamed the town Clanwilliam after his father-in-law, the Earl of Clanwilliam.

Built in 1861, the Blomkerk (flower church) is renowned for its distinctive architectural style and its role as a central place of worship in the community. The name "Blomkerk" translates to "Flower Church," reflecting the beautiful and well-maintained garden that surrounds the church, adding to its charm and serenity.

The church is known for its striking design, characterized by its classical lines and elegant simplicity. It features a charming bell tower and a spacious interior, making it a notable landmark in Clanwilliam. The Blomkerk serves not only as a place of worship but also as a venue for local events and community gatherings.

Visitors to Clanwilliam often appreciate the Blomkerk for its historical significance and its contribution to the town’s cultural heritage. The church is an integral part of the local landscape and offers a glimpse into the architectural and religious history of the area.

The building was used for regular church services for one hundred years after it was designed by Carl Otto Hager and completed in 1864. The neo-Gothic style is similar to other Hager churches, such as the Moederkerk and the Lutheran church in Stellenbosch. The pulpit, designed by Hager, is made of pine, but the doors to the vestry are made of cedar wood. Although the building itself was only built in 1864, some of the burial sites in the graveyard predate that and some 1820 Settlers and other well-known personalities lie buried there. The church courtyard is graced by the presence of a memorial Obelisk which was erected in 1926 in memory of the Rev CF Leipoldt, a former minister of the church and father of the poet, C Louis Leipoldt.

After services were discontinued in the old building, the church board held a meeting on 24 July 1965 and decided to donate the building to the Clanwilliam Nature Conservation Society for preservation and maintenance. In 1971 The Clanwilliam Wild Flower Association was established under the leadership of Mrs Kay Bergh and the following year the Dutch Reformed Church was renovated at a cost of R5000 and became the home of the Clanwilliam Wild Flower Show, which is where the name Blomkerk (Flower Church) came from. Today the building belongs to the Clanwilliam Heritage Trust and was declared a National Historical Monument in 1978. The Clanwilliam Wild Flower Association strives to collect and make funds available for the restoration of this church building as well as for the support of the Ramskop Wild Flower Garden.