A Bell of Blessing: 150 Years at St Peter’s, North Rhine
On Sunday 6 July, it was 150 years since the bell first began to call people to worship at Keyneton. Currently rung 30 minutes before service start time and at start time, the bell has hung in its present location since that time.
It was the deathbed wish of one of the foundation members, Mr August Hoffmann, that a donation be made towards the purchase of a bell for the church. Mrs Hoffmann donated £25 (approximately $50) towards the cost, and together with donations from other members, the bell was ordered.
It was cast in 1874 by F. Gruhl in Kleinvelka, near Bautzen in Silesia. It arrived in June 1875, and Mr G. Zippel was engaged to install the bell in the fork of the gum tree in the church yard. A roof was later installed over the bell. As the gum tree aged, ivy took over the structure and now provides an evergreen home for the bell. It is tuned to the key of C.
The inscriptions on the bell, written in German, translate to English as:
‘Sound and call loudly you dear little bell, call us to the House of the Lord.
May thy sounds accompany us to our final rest.’
‘In memory of Mr August Hoffmann, deceased member of the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation at North Rhine.
He departed this world with the wish his surviving widow should see to it that a bell be procured for the congregation after his death. A gift of 25 pounds together with a number of free will gifts have made this possible. Thanks be to God.’
When peace was proclaimed on 11 November 1918 to end World War I, it is believed that members of the Congregational Church were meeting down the road at the time and raced to the church to ring the bell when they heard the good news!
The bell is also rung on New Year’s Eve to ring out the old year and ring in the new. During COVID-19 lockdowns, we continued to ring the bell. It was also rung on 23 April this year for the opening of the Barossa Vintage Festival.
The uniqueness of this bell and its history is something we are proud of. It is quite an attraction to passing travellers. Long may it ring out each Sunday!
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