JD Kestell as veldprediker 1899-1902

Abstract

Reverend John Daniel (Father) Kestell (1854-1941) was a wellknown minister of religion in the Dutch Reformed Church. Through various actions he earned himself the nickname of “Father (Vader) Kestell” among his fellowmen. Although he supported the actions of the Republic of the Orange Free State and the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republic in the South African War (1899-1902), he declined to fight or take up a military rank. He in stead tried to strengthen the faith in God of the burgers and acted as a medical assistant to Boer and Briton when needed. As a chaplain he only wanted to be a minster of religion, no soldier.

In this article the actions of Kestell as a Boer chaplain in the War of 1899- 1902 are investigated: His motives for supporting the two Republics, his work as a chaplain, his belief in the providence of God, his emotional conflicts in case of Boer losses and his close relations to his president, MT Steyn and his chief of army, General CR de Wet. Kestell was a tipical spiritual shepherd who had an openness to people and their needs and customs. He attracked those in need.