St Andrews Church - Redbourne Traditional Cache

One of the oldest Anglican churches in the country. Completed in 1851 by William Henry Newdigate on his estate in Piesang River valley. Built of broad yellow-wood boarding, lined inside with brick and plaster. It had a thatched roof, later replaced with corrugated iron, and a stone foundation. When Newdigate moved across the Keurbooms River and established a new home at Forest Hall, St. Andrew’s remained as a place of worship and a school for the Coloured community. 

In 1824 William Newdigate was born in Plett, where his grandfather owned 5 farms in the area. The Newdigates owned Buccleuch, Redbourne, Ladywood, Astley (which forms part of New Horizons and Weldon Kaya) as well as Jackalskraal near Kranshoek.
 
William Newdigate and his family lived in Piesang Valley. He then realized the need to be enriched spiritually as well as educationally, so his first attempt was the building of the yellowwood chapel called Saint Andrews church in Rebourne, Piesang Valley, to serve their family and their labourers who were mostly coloured. The church served a total of 17 people at that time.

In 1916 the parish of Knysna was divided into three (Knysna, Belvidere and Formosa) and St. Andrew’s was absorbed into the Formosa parish at Plettenberg Bay. In 1963 it was proclaimed a historical monument.

St Andrews is a National Monument but is still used for small country weddings, Baptisms and church services for the descendants of the original congregants.

Turn off of Piesang Valley Road at Brakenridge Estate.  Turn right and follow the gravel road (good condition).  The road runs along the border of the golf club. Park at listed parking co-ordinates.

It is a very peaceful location and not visited by many people.  Some lovely old gravestones and plenty of birds.

Please make sure you replace the natural leaf camo for the cache.