Klerksdorp, the oldest town in the Transvaal, was founded in 1837 by the early Voortrekkers. It was named after a certain Mr. de Clerq who acted as secretary to the Voortrekker leader, Andries Hendrik Potgieter.
Although a busy town, there was no hospital at all and conditions became so bad that the sick had to be housed in the vestibule of the local prison.
It was towards the end of 1890 when the citizens of Klerksdorp requested Prioress Maurita at King William’s Town for nurses.
In 1893 the first Nuns arrived and were warmly welcomed by Father Stephan Hammer, O.M.I.
The Nuns were generously supported by the doctors and chief citizens of the town.
Partly owing to the heavy rains which rendered the old building damp and unsafe, and lack of experienced nurses the hospital closed down in 1895.
The school carried on for a few months longer, but as priests became fewer, the Sisters were also recalled and the school was closed down.
Mr. John Baumann of Potchefstroom local Superior, Mother Lucy Kaltenstadler, to advise her authorities at King William’s Town to procure a property that was being offered for sale at Klerksdorp, without delay. By some divine providence, the Sisters acquired a large house with outhouses, tennis court and a well laid-out garden on a large plot, for a paltry sum.
March 1896 marked the opening of the new school. The staff consisted of Mother Reginald Fischer with Sister Winefride Simpkins as headmistress, and ten other nuns.
Parents were delighted to find they could procure education locally for both their sons and daughters up to Matriculation standard. The first Matric candidate passed in 1902.
Irrespective of race, class or creed, children were been able to find education, clothing and a home in such centers. Members of the staff of these schools, when morning tea was served them, often took their portions to poor children who had no breakfast that day. Small wonder then, that in November 1899 Father John de Lacy, O.M.I., speaking officially at Pretoria, could say: “Though war has been declared, the Sisters at Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom will not be interfered with”.
Governments changed hands frequently. But the Generals on either side were very considerate and helpful, while hunted men of both parties were given shelter by the nuns until the danger had passed.
On 9th April 1902, a conference was held in a tent pitched in the convent grounds near the river, as a preliminary to the Treaty of Vereeniging.
The chairs which the Sister loaned for the Historic occasion were returned, still with the ticketed names of those present. Mother Euphemia had the presence of mind to have the names painted in white enamel on these now historic chairs, which were later given to the Paul Kruger Society and at present they are in the Klerksdorp Museum.
Cessation of hostilities and restoration of the country, led to the school becoming operative.
Owing to the fewness of priests in the Transvaal there were only the travelling priests available for Klerksdorp from 1890 to 1913. There was often no Mass for the community on Sundays, because of impassable roads in the rainy season and other obstacles which led to no Priest being able to officiate.
After 12 years, Father F. de Cormé, O.M.I., died and lies buried in the convent cemetery. He was succeeded by his Oblate Confreres, and for some time by Dominican Priests, until the Oblate Fathers again could took charge of the area.
The school examination results were at all times gratifying. Among the chief inspectors in its early days was, Mr. can der Linde and Mr. C.P. Hoogenhout. Many people who have become famous in and outside South Africa were educated at this convent.
There was Cecilia Horwitz, Peter Lemmer, Leontine Sagan, Mother Joseph Sweetnam who was also a past pupil of Klerksdorp Convent, and Bishop D. O’Leary, O.M.I., who was proud to admit that he received his early schooling from the Dominican nuns at Klerksdorp.
As Klerksdorp Convent had extensive grounds for potential extension, it was decided to erect the first House of Studies there. This was inaugurated on 22nd July 1926, by Mother General Lucy Kaltenstadler of the “King” Dominicans.
The newly erected hostel received some twelve young nuns from King William’s Town with Mother Paula Wahlspoeck in the dual capacity of principal and mistress of novices. As a mark of the Archbishop’s special interest in the new enterprise, His Excellency presented a large statue of St Dominic to the House of Studies.
The Superior of other religious Congregations had become enthusiastic about the venture, so in 1927, student Sisters from every corner of South Africa assembled at Klerksdorp.
In 1978 Bishop Emeritus bought the property from the Sisters, half of it was then sold to the Methodist Church, where they established the Thomas Hodgson Old Age Home and Bishop Verstraete then changed the rest of the property to Rabbuni Catholic Retreat Center.
It has now been upgraded and is now the Rabbuni Catholic Retreat and Conference Centre, managed by a very competent team under the Leadership of Mrs. Colleen Barnes.
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