Elim, Western Cape

Province

Elim is a former mission station with 1412 inhabitants ( as of 2011) in the municipality of Cape Agulhas, Overberg District, Western Cape Province in South Africa. Elim is between Gansbaai and Bredasdorp.

Elim is named after the oasis of Elim from the Old Testament with twelve water springs and 70 Palm trees. The founders of the mission station had chosen the place because of the good water supply.

History

Elim was founded in 1824 by German brothers of the Moravian Church (English: Moravian Church ) under the direction of Hans Peter Hall Beck, in the field of farm Vogelstruiskraal. This began his missionary work with three families from Genadendal. The church bell is over 240 years old and was used until 1914 in Herrnhut in Germany. The village, which is famous for its thatched houses, is now a national monument.

In 1963, the Elim Tehuis was founded. It is a home for 50 children and adolescents with spastic paralysis and other disabilities. It is supported by the Churches and Missions in South Western Germany (EMS).

Attractions

  • Geelkop Nature Reserve
  • Watermill of 1833, the largest wooden water wheel in South Africa
  • The only monument in South Africa to commemorate the abolition of slavery at the Cape
  • Thatched Church of the Moravian Church
Overberg District Municipality Cape Agulhas Local Municipality Mission (station) Elim (Bible) Moravian star
303261
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