GQEBERHA – A historic church bell that has been part of Bethelsdorp for more than 200 years is at the centre of an appeal to have it safely returned after it was stolen.

The historic bell was discovered missing from the Bethelsdorp Congregational Church on Tuesday afternoon.

Church deacon Rosaline Norkie, who opens the church for services, funerals and other events, said she realised the bell was gone while closing the church after cleaning the bathrooms.

“I’m in charge of keeping the church clean,” she explained. “You never think that something like this would happen.”

A piece of Bethelsdorp’s history

Norkie, who has lived in Bethelsdorp for 25 years, said she was praying that the bell would be returned.

“We are hopeful and pray that someone would return the bell in the original state that it was.”

The bell bears the date 1815 and, according to Norkie, has stood at the entrance to the church for generations.

“The bell has been here since 1815, that is the date engraved on it,” she said. “Previously the bell was used to bring the community together for church services, weddings and funerals. It is part of our history.”

From community call to church tradition

Norkie said the bell dated back to the time of missionary Johannes van der Kemp, when Bethelsdorp was a mission station.

Over the years, the role of the bell gradually changed. While it once served primarily as a means of communication and community mobilisation, it has since become closely associated with the life of the church and the community.

“It is therefore more than just a bell; it is a reminder of the history, traditions, unity and shared experiences of the community,” Norkie said.

For the Love of Nature, a local hiking and nature group, has also expressed concern over the theft.

“Some things are priceless. And once they’re gone, they’re gone,” the organisation said in a social media post.

Reward of R2 500 offered

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance has offered a R2, 500 cash reward for information leading to the safe return of the bell.

DA Nelson Mandela Bay mayoral candidate Retief Odendaal said it was deeply disappointing to learn that the bell has been stolen from Bethelsdorp Congregational Church

“Last week, I visited Van der Kemps Kloof and stood among some of Nelson Mandela Bay’s most important heritage treasures. I spoke about how much potential this precinct has to become a real heritage tourism destination for Bethelsdorp, a place that tells our history, attracts visitors and creates opportunities for local communities,” he said in a social media post.

“This is not simply a piece of metal. It is part of the story of Bethelsdorp and a physical link to the history of this community.”

Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg confirmed that a case of theft has been opened.

Anyone with information about the theft, or who is approached to buy or sell the bell, is asked to contact Sergeant Kechia Erasmus on 072 388 7202, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information via the MySAPS App.

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