Langeberg, Montagu, Dutch Reformed Church

Abstract

Montagu, Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk

The Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk has two types of ringing instruments, namely a pair of hollow spheres in the tower and a large bell in a detached bell tower outside. This church has been built in 1862 by George Burkell.

In the tower hangs a pair of half spheres of different tunes that are linked to an impressive clock on the lower floor. Such shells are somewhat unusual in the Western Cape where we only found another set of five in the C.P. Nel Museum in Oudtshoorn. There are no indications on a founder or a clockmaker.

The church has an impressive entrance. Also, the bell tower is so tall that it was physically impossible to measure the bell. In between two pairs of moulding wires stand the information on the foundry

Mears & Stainbank founders, London, 1876

Further in the band figures the emblem of the foundry with three bells and the acronym A H probably refers to Arthur Huges. Below this emblem are remnants of a painted triangle whose content could not be deciphered. On the waist is a further painting that reads

Montagu, Cape Town 780

that refers to the destination of the bell and probably to its number in the order book of the foundry.