Cross repair resurrects hope

THE CROSS on Vryheid Hill holds a very special place in the hearts of Vryheid’s residents.

Due to a lack of maintenance, this local landmark and integral part of Vryheid’s heritage has stood in darkness for far too long, but now…

Thanks to the initiative taken by a small group of residents during Heritage Month, the warm comforting gleam of the cross can once again inspire hope, unity and faith in a higher power guiding one through life’s trials and tribulations.

The idea of erecting the cross was first proposed some 20 years ago, when people like Errol Pike, Rudi Gouws, Sarel Theron and Anderson Dlamini were instrumental in making it happen.

The steel cross, fitted with tubular lights, is controlled by a day-night switch. These lights and fittings are now considered ‘old technology’ and don’t last very long, rendering the cross ‘high-maintenance’.

For various reasons, the town council has been unable to keep the cross in working order, until businessman, Gerhard Nel, approached the council and offered to become its caretaker.

Permission was granted and sponsors were approached to finance the upkeep of the cross. The reaction and subsequent support from the community has been overwhelming, according to Mr Nel.

Sincere appreciation goes to all the sponsors, including Aldus and Sunél Becker, Tiens Cilliers, Pieter Muller, Mossie Mostert, Gerhard Nel and John Kitchching.

A special note of gratitude is further extended to the people who assisted on September 3, with the dismantling of the cross, mounting the new LED lights and erecting the cross in its usual spot, including Pieter Muller, Thinus Franzsen, Tiens Cilliers, Jaco Smit, Bennie van Aswegen, Morné van Aswegen, Izak de Swardt, Suné de Swardt, Clifferd Jacobs, Gerhard Nel, Johan de Villiers, Johannes Vosloo and Sarel Theron.

Finally, thanks goes to Pastor Danie Fourie of the ‘Volle Evangelie Kerk’, and to all those who attened the prayer meeting on Sunday at the foot of the cross.

“If anyone has been left out of the thanks-giving in error, please know that your assistance is greatly appreciated,” said Mr Nel.

“Mr Fanie Venter, who used to be involved in the upkeep of the cross, heard that the cross had been upgraded and requested that the upgrade be covered in the Vryheid Herald. Fanie and his wife, Lettie, lived in Vryheid for 42 years until they relocated to Pretoria four years ago. The cross on Vryheid Hill still captures Fanie’s interest.”

Mr Nel concluded, “Lastly, and most importantly, thanks to Our Heavenly Father, in whom all things are possible. For the successful completion of this community project, all praise and glory unto Him!”

See page 4 for photos of the upgrade of the cross and a heartfelt letter from Pastor Michael Richard of the ‘AGS Vryheid Nuwe Lewe Gemeente’ on what the cross means to him as a member of the Christian faith.

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