Trichardt was the first Voortrekker to risk leaving the boundaries of the Colony. His tobacco farming was so successful that it came to the attention of the Governor, who then expropriated it for R200 (£165). The Governor hired a talented botanist, Dr. Mackrill, but tobacco cultivation was a failure under them. As sustenance for the troops, however, the farm was a success, especially under Robert Hart, Mackrill's successor since 1817. Granaries were built and cattle raised for export when needed. The foundation developed as a store as well as a gentleman farm. Many people of all races were employed there, and in 1821, the Rev. William Shaw of the Wesleyan Church began preaching there; later, he would built a church there, continued by the missionary Revs. Stephen Kay and John Ayliff. This church was eventually transformed into a parsonage for the NGK church. Later, the Governor granted permission to the congregation to worship in the old Drostdy. Apparently, the congregation was under the misconception that they would gain special treatment from Lord Somerset as the town's namesake. They constantly hounded him and his council for advice given that the church was a State Church and nothing could be done without their permission. The low treasury excuse continued to be used, however. The church council itself sought donations from the Colonial Secretary, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and other high-ranking officials, but the record shows no contributions from them. Therefore, the congregation learned that they had to help themselves. Donation lists were then sent out to the people in the district in 1826. The congregation accepted cattle from those in the district who could not contribute money. With great difficulty, the list was returned two years later with a total of £560. The Lieutenant-Governor, Sir Richard Bourke, visited the town in September, and at this time the pastor Mr. Morgan and the elder Hart requested a piece of land for the church. After an inspection, he stood on a beautiful piece of land at the southern end of Beaufort Street. It would be a long time before construction began, however, since in August 1828, the Governor replied to the church council's letter claiming the proposed building was too large and expensive and asking for a 300-seat church. The council unanimously declared this seating inadequate, since the house they were using already seated over 300 for a congregation of 5,698, and communion services were