Founded in 1900 by Christopher Forrest Rigg, Bonnievale was named after his grandfather's home in Scotland. Rigg's dream was that the town should be situated on the hillside, not on land - suitable for farming. The town first developed in the Forrest Street area. The first Town Council was established in 1922 and the first Municipality was declared in 1953. As the inhabitants of the valley prospered, the town grew. Streets were tarred, electricity was supplied in 1951 and municipal water was made available in 1953.
Rigg was also responsible for the building of the irrigation canal completed in 1903. Newspapers described the undertaking as the greatest engineering project of its time in South Africa by one man. The canal is now over a hundred years old and most of the local farmers depend on it to this day. Water from the canal is what makes the diversity of farming in this area possible. Grapes, quince, persimmons, figs, plums, apricots, watermelon and sweet melon or as known by the locals “spanspek” are only some of the fruit varieties grown here.
Bonnievale is also home to the only vineyard in the country to be declared a national monument. Planted in 1924 "Oupa se Wingerd" is on Weltevrede Wine Estate and Red Muscadel grapes are still harvested from the old bush vines every year.
Bonnievale has a beautiful stone church built by Christopher Rigg. It is dedicated to Rigg's daughter Myrtle that died of meningitis at age seven. It is said to be the only church in the world built at the request of a child. With its Italian marble floor and Zanzibarian door, it is well worth a visit.
Today the MYRTLE RIGG MEMORIAL CHURCH is being used by the English speaking community of Bonnievale for CHURCH SERVICES.
The church is also available for special events, such as WEDDINGS.
The cost for the use of the Church for a wedding is R500.
Bookings can be made at the the local TOURISM INFO OFFICE.
The KEY to the Church can be picked up at the INFO OFFICE as well for VISITS to the CHURCH @ R5 pp / visit.
Founded in 1900 by Christopher Forrest Rigg, Bonnievale was named after his grandfather's home in Scotland. Rigg's dream was that the town should be situated on the hillside, not on land - suitable for farming. The town first developed in the Forrest Street area. The first Town Council was established in 1922 and the first Municipality was declared in 1953. As the inhabitants of the valley prospered, the town grew. Streets were tarred, electricity was supplied in 1951 and municipal water was made available in 1953.
Today the MYRTLE RIGG MEMORIAL CHURCH is being used by the English speaking community of Bonnievale for CHURCH SERVICES.