van der Merwe, then based in Windhoek, was named pastor covering the entire southern area of SWA, and to that end, he began holding services in a primary school classroom in Mariental.
The building committee included Brothers Pieter van Vuuren (chairman), Boy de Waal, Z.P.
Sales, collection plate drives, and even sheep farming revenues raised the needed construction fund.
A member made the original candelabra above the pulpit from a Cobra Boot Polish can tied to the roof with a dog chain.
In a box behind the keystone are documents identifying the building committee and church council members, the contractor, and the nature of the fundraising.