The Van der Kemp Memorial Church in Bethelsdorp, Nelson Mandela Bay's oldest church, has been robbed of a priceless relic dating back to the early 19th century. The Mission Bell, also known as the Slave Bell, was stolen from the square outside the church, leaving residents and church members in shock. The church, which was established in 1803 by Rev JT van der Kemp, holds great cultural significance for the indigenous Khoi people.
The area where the church stands has a rich history, with the Khoi people inhabiting the land long before the arrival of European settlers. In 1801, the London Missionary Society sent Rev JT van der Kemp to Algoa Bay, where he established a missionary station in 1803. The church, which was built on the site of the original 1803 structure, serves as the mother church to three local congregations. It houses several significant historic artefacts, including what is believed to be the oldest Bible in South Africa.
The stolen Mission Bell, which was hung in the square outside the church in 1815, has a long and complex history. Some records date the copper bell back to 1793, but its history before Bethelsdorp is unclear. The bell was used to summon residents to the square for important events or announcements and was also referred to as the Slave Bell due to its use in summoning farmworkers to public trials.
Church members discovered the theft on Tuesday after the weekly church service. Deacon and verger Rosaline Norkie reported the theft to the police, who assured her that they are treating it with the same urgency as a missing person. The bell's sentimental value is immeasurable, and church members fear that it may end up at a scrapyard.
The police are investigating the theft, and church members have scoured the neighbourhood and visited local scrap metal dealers to see if the bell has been sold. The Democratic Alliance has offered a R2,500 reward for information leading to the recovery of the missing bell. The party conducted an oversight visit at the site, emphasising the area's historical importance and outlining plans to revitalise it.
The Van der Kemp Memorial Church has undergone significant changes over the years, with the current building erected in 1926 on the site of the original 1803 structure. The church's stained glass windows and many of the pews and the pulpit were salvaged from the original building. The church continues to serve as a significant cultural and historical landmark in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The theft of the Mission Bell has sparked outrage in the community, with many calling for its return. The church and local authorities are working together to recover the stolen relic and bring those responsible to justice. The incident highlights the need for greater protection and preservation of historical artefacts in South Africa.
Key points
- The stolen Mission Bell has a significant cultural and historical value to the community.
- The church and local authorities are working together to recover the stolen relic.
- The incident highlights the need for greater protection and preservation of historical artefacts in South Africa.
