1882 - The First Move

Zwartwater’s journey began in 1882, five generations ago, when a young missionary certain of his calling, zealous in his work, set his feet on South African soil to serve another nation. Later, he assumed a role of leadership, in his service to the church.

At that time, his wife’s inheritance from Germany bought land: Zwartwater. It was meant to be a promise of rest after long years of service, hopefully a place where roots would hold, where the soil could carry a new dream of farming for the next generation.

Sadly, Zwartwater was unsuitable for their plans of agriculture at that time. The land of rocky soil and wetlands quickly dissolved his son's dream of farming. Then, an unforeseen end to his service in the church, became another shift in the plan. They settled on a friendlier land, more suitable, and practical for agriculture.

Suddenly Zwartwater stood in waiting. It could no longer be a sanctuary. What was purchased in hope became a deferred promise. A Pivotal Moment, though no one called it that yet.