Page 165 - Bulletin 22 2019

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to the Bible Institute of South Africa in 1938. No further transfers were recorded in the Deeds

Register.

In 1950 the Reverend Vernon de Smidt had plans passed for a double storey, three-bedroom

house on this erf. He had been one of the founding teachers of the Bible Institute in 1923. He
was later Rector of Holy Trinity Church Kalk Bay from 1934 – 1956. The application had been

submitted to Council by architects Reg. de Smidt & Hawkins and their covering letter notes that

the land had been sold to the Rev. de Smidt for a ‘special consideration’. (Figs. 3.59 & 3.60.)

It is probable that he was given usufruct of erf 89951 by the Bible Institute so that he could build
a house for his retirement. The house was far larger than the Reverend and his wife would need

as they had no children and the specifications may have been agreed by the Bible Institute.

There was a long delay before the plans were finally accepted by the Provincial Administration

th
in 1956. Rev. de Smidt complained to Council that “I am in my 76 year and have been in
service for 58 years and am hoping to retire soon.” Building was done by HV Hine & Son of
Fish Hoek.

When he died in 1973 aged 93 the house, which he had named Keswick, was left to the Bible

Institute in his will. The wall separating it from the BI was removed and the property was
incorporated into the BI consolidated erf 90057.