Southern Suburbs, Rondebosch, St. Michael's Catholic Church

Abstract

St Michael’s Catholic Church: The current church is the third that has been built on the same premises. One of the main features is that the stained glass windows of the first church depicting different Saints have been neatly incorporated into today’s building. They match very well with the modern windows that show the 14 Stations of the Cross. The bell sits high in a neat brick tower and is very difficult to be reached. Nevertheless, the modest bell itself is interesting in that it has been made specifically for this and by a lesser known British founder. Below two moulding rings and next to what looks like a founder’s emblem, we read in the inscription band BLEWS & SONS. BIRMINGHAM which is followed by another moulding wire and on the waist ST MICHAELS RONDEBOSCH SEPT. 29 1884. Three more moulding wires and two on the lip form the rest of the decorations. The letter font on the bell is rather unique and should have a name. Not much is known about the founder except that William Blews ran the foundry, partly with his sons, from 1862 up to 1887.