Return of the little bell

The eventful history of the Brodowin church bells

The community of Brodowin looks back with great joy on the extensive renovation of its church, which since 2013 has not only been a place of worship, but also a venue for concerts and cultural events. This lovingly restored church has become a central meeting place for our community and we are proud to see it shining in new splendor.

Originally, two bells hung in Brodowin's Stülerkirche, which enriched the village with their sound for many years. But during the Second World War, the fate of these bells was in doubt; both were to be melted down for munitions. It is hard to believe that the large bell miraculously returned unscathed from the turmoil of war. In contrast, the small bell has since disappeared.

In 2024, however, a ray of hope became visible: based on a historical model, a new bell was cast in the Erzgebirge in Freiberg, which was ceremoniously hung in the tower on September 24, 2024. A crane lifted the approximately 270-kilogram bell through a specially created opening into the interior of the tower - an impressive sight that touched us all.

The Brodowin Ecovillage Foundation has provided financial support for this important project, making an important contribution to the restoration of our cultural heritage. In addition, on the occasion of his 80th birthday in January, Dr. Werner Upmeier called for donations to ensure that the chimes are complete - a gesture that shows how much this tradition is close to our hearts.

Installation work is now due to begin in the coming days, and we can hardly wait to celebrate the bell dedication in a festive service at 2 p.m. on October 6, Thanksgiving Sunday. This will not only be a moment of joy, but also an opportunity to pause together and appreciate the importance of our community and our traditions. Let's come together and celebrate this special day in style!