Saldanha Bay, Hopefield, Dutch Reformed Church

Abstract

Photographs and information on the Dutch Reformed Church and its bell in Hopefield. The congregation around the Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk in Hopefield dates from 1851 while the church dates from 1872 and is on the heritage list. The bell hangs high up in the open air and is difficult to access. In the inscription band, in between two sets of two moulding wires, we can see the only inscription on the bell JAMES BARWELL FOUNDER BIRMINGHAM 1874. Within the tower is also a clock that controls the time on the hour plates at the top of the church. This clock dates from 1911 and was made by the Dutch firm that later developed into the Koninklijke Eijsbouts, currently the only surviving foundry in the Netherlands.