Abstract
The ideal of theological training of candidates for the ministry of the Dutch Reformed Church (NHK) found its first (formal) expression in 1884. Difficult ecclesiastical, social and economic circumstances (including the consequences of the First and Second Anglo-Boer Wars) prevented dreams and plans from being realised. The opening of a Pretoria division of the Transvaal University College (TUC) in 1908 created new opportunities, but it would take another eight years before planning for theological training at the TUC could start. The NHK and the Presbyterian Church were involved as denominational partners in this undertaking. This phase lasted from 1917 to 1933. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for the theological training of ministers at university level – a paradigm which is still applicable in South Africa today.
Highlights
The run-up to, founding and first period of the Faculty of Divinity at the Transvaal University College is an interesting part of the history of the Transvaal, and of the history of the “Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika” (NHKA)
On the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the University of Pretoria, this article is intended to look once again at the turbulent history preceding the founding of the Faculty of Theology, and which in a certain sense characterised the first period that began in 1884 and continued until 1933
The reason for selecting 1933 as the cut-off point is that a new dispensation began in the history of the Faculty of Theology in 1934 when the “Nederduitsch Hervormde of Gereformeerde Kerk” (NH/GK) entered as training partner
Summary
The run-up to, founding and first period of the Faculty of Divinity at the Transvaal University College is an interesting part of the history of the Transvaal, and of the history of the “Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika” (NHKA) (translation: Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa). Rev C W du Toit proposed a draft resolution in the General Synod of the NHKA that the church should itself provide for the training of ministers. Deacon M J Willemse approached the General Synod with a draft resolution that the NHKA should itself begin training “sons of the land” as ministers. The General Synod decided to send candidates to the State Gymnasium in Pretoria with a view to preparing them for theological training. The Volksraad (National Assembly) of the Transvaal Republic (ZAR) decided to begin a university in Pretoria, which would include a theological faculty. The General Synod of the NHKA decided to begin a seminary. The General Synod decided to approach the TUC with a view to establishing a theological faculty in Pretoria. The University of Pretoria decided to divide the Faculty into two denominational sections
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