Until 1924 this territory formed part of the Kimberley Vicariate. By a decree dated 26 November 1923, the Sacred Congregation de Propaganda Fide erected the northern half of the Orange Free State into a Prefecture and entrusted its care to the German Province of the Holy Ghost Fathers. On 24 March 1924, the Very Rev Leo Klerlein, CSSp, was appointed rst Prefect Apostolic. On 8 April 1935, Kroonstad was constituted a Vicariate and Mgr Klerlein appointed rst Vicar Apostolic.
