Oudtshoorn, St. Saviour Catholic Cathedral

Abstract

The St Saviour Catholic Cathedral in Oudtshoorn has been built by Carl O Hager and George Wallis. Originally the tower in the centre of the building was expected to house a set of four marvelous bells forged by Petit & Fritsen from the Netherlands. However due to their weights and the instability of the tower the bells have been taken out and stored in a room next to the church building. As a result it was impossible to make the traditional acoustical measurements. Each bell carries the beautiful decorations, so common for bells made by Petit & Fritsen. In the circular band in between the two decorative bands one reads PETIT & FRITSEN A.D. 1965 SUPPLIED BY SOUTH AFRICAN ORGAN BUILDERS. On their waist all bells have the traditional emblem of the foundry. Still, each bell has its own individuality as each one received a production number from the founder. Moreover, each has received a Latin name. In order of their size from the largest to the smallest, the production numbers and the names are as follows: (4463), SALVATOR MUNDI (Saviour of the World) referring to the dedication of the church, (4464), ADVOCATA NOSTRA (Our Appeal), (5877) APOSTOLATUM SIGNIFICER (Apostolic Messenger) and (5878) PROTECTOR ECCLESIAE (Church Protector). We only could show the inscription on the largest bell. Depending on their size, all bells have a number of moulding wires just above the knee. One can only hope that someday it will be possible to hear the sound of these magnificent bells from their own tower.