ABERDEEN — Sunday, February 5, was the 60th birthday of Abé Beyers, dominee of Aberdeen’s Dutch Reformed Church. Unknown to Ds Beyers, church koster Deon Weitz and his friend Naas Smal had organised a surprise birthday party in the church hall, which took place after the regular 10am service.
The hall was gaily decorated with a simple red and white theme, and the ladies of the church laid on a wonderful spread of eats, both sweet and savoury. Sadie Loots and Lydia de Jager provided tasteful displays of flowers.
Two small tables were decorated to a specific theme. On one were photos and documents from Ds Beyers’ first ever sermon at his first parish in 1984. On this table, a Bible was thoughtfully open at verses emphasising compassion and love, two virtues very important to Ds Beyers.
The other table contained an assortment of items that reflected the Dominee’s varied interests, ranging from a cycling helmet and a wooden motorbike to a set of spanners and welding equipment. In pride of place by the wall was a 1200cc BMW motorbike, loaned for the morning, which apparently caused quite a stir!
About 70 members of the congregation joined Ds Beyers in the celebration, and he was presented with gifts and very many kind wishes, reflecting the esteem in which he is held, not just by his own congregation, but by the whole community.
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