The Dutch Reformed Church established the village of Riebeek East in 1830 on the farm Mooimeisiesfontein, the home of the famous Voortrekker leader Piet Retief. Previously the local Boer farmers had to trek to Uitenhage, about 130 kilometres away for the Nagmaal (Communion services). The need for a church in the area became very apparent and while the British government turned down an initial request in 1826, a second in 1830 was granted. In the South African tradition, a town grew up around the church ... Read more...