Helderberg, Somerset West, Dutch Reformed Church

Abstract

Photographs and information on the bell of the Dutch Reformed Church in Somerset West. The Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk has moved from its previous location around 1940. At that time also a new bell was installed in the large tower that is also used for antennas and telecommunication. The space where the bell hangs is in the open air which explains the mild form of corrosion on the bell that is of rather recent origin. The bell is a fine example of the English bell founder art, having been cast some 60 years ago by the well-known firm of Gillett and Johnston. As such the bell is an extremely valuable asset to the church with a high replacement cost. The bell was a bequest to the church and thus also has a very high sentimental / heritage value. Just below the shoulder are two pairs of moulding wires with in between the reference to the founder: GILLETT & JOHNSTON, ENGLAND, 1940 followed by the emblem of the foundry. Just below the emblem stands 6210 that probably refers to the order book of the company. Above the knee are three more moulding wires and two on the lip. On the waist of the bell is the dedication of the bell that reads as follows: IN DANKBARE NAGEDAGTENIS AAN MY EGGENOTE EN ONS MOEDER M.P. VERSTER. HAAR LEWE WAS N ROEPSTEM VAN GOD. ICE, RYNO, EN JOHN. The bell is linked to a clock which has been installed in the tower by Joyce of Whitchurch simultaneously with the hanging of the bell.