1792
Moravians return to the former Baviaanskloof mission
In 1792, three Moravian missionaries returned to Baviaanskloof and re-established the mission among Khoikhoi and mixed local communities.
View in timelineIn 1792, after the Moravian Synod approved renewed work and the Cape authorities permitted it, Christian Kühnel, Daniel Schwinn and Hendrik Marsveld returned to Baviaanskloof. They found the former station and a small local community and began rebuilding houses, cultivation, schooling and worship. The mission later became known as Genadendal, “Valley of Grace.”
Significance
The return restored a Moravian institution and created the foundation for Genadendal's later religious, educational and economic prominence.
Why it matters
The return revived a resident mission, school and agricultural community that later developed into Genadendal and became a major centre of Moravian life in southern Africa.
Perspective notes
The missionaries' records describe the return as a renewal of an interrupted project. Residents of the valley and surrounding communities shaped the mission's development through residence, labour, education and religious participation.