The case in summary Hedrum church in Larvik is replacing a medieval clock because it is not adapted to modern technology. In 2020, the National Antiquities Office recommended disconnecting the medieval clock from the automatic ringing system to avoid damage and cracks. The new church bell was recently cast in Tønsberg, and parish priest Thorir Jökull Thorsteinsson led a solemn ceremony to bless it. The old clock is in good condition, but is characterized by having rung several million times over almost 1,000 years. The summary is made by an AI service from OpenAi. The content is quality assured by news’s journalists before publication. – This is a clock that will call future generations to the church. Parish priest Thorir Jökull Thorsteinsson is looking forward to the brand new bell being able to ring in church services in Hedrum. The church, which is located close to the river Numedalslågen, was built around the year 1100. One of the bells hanging in it is about the same age. Now it must be replaced because it is not adapted to modern technology. In 2020, the National Antiquities Committee recommended disconnecting the medieval clock from the automatic ringing system. – With automatic ringing, damage and cracks will not be detected quickly enough to prevent the church bells from being destroyed, senior adviser Terje de Groot said at the time. The new church bell bears the inscription “For the Lord is one day as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.” The “baptism of the bell” was led by the parish priest. The bell foundry in Tønsberg is the only one in the country. The family business was established in 1844. Old custom The parish priest led a solemn ceremony when the new church bell was recently cast in Tønsberg. According to Thorsteinsson, it is an old tradition to bless new church bells in this way. The long life of the watches still makes the experience quite unique. – I think this is the first and last time in my life. Few priests get the opportunity to do this. The parish priest is certain that the old church bell was also blessed in its time. Photo: Robert Hansen / news Has called several million times Morten Olsen Nauen, who is general manager at Olsen Nauen Klokkestøperi, says it gives a special feeling to create an object that will perhaps be used for 1,000 years. – Knowing that what you create is not gone after a short time, but leaves a mark in history, is great. The fact that religious services are held in the production premises is one of the rarities. Morten Olsen Nauen and Thorir Jökull Thorsteinsson had a chat in connection with the “bell baptism”. Photo: Robert Hansen / news – I don’t know if it’s the first time, but at least it’s not far off. The old clock, which is now going into a kind of retirement, is in surprisingly good condition, according to Nauen. – But it has wounds and injuries. Especially inside where the flask has hit it a few million times over almost 1000 years. The old church bell will still be used on special occasions, but then the ringing must be done manually. Photo: Robert Hansen / news Finished before Easter Parish priest Thorsteinsson finds it difficult to imagine how the world will develop during the life of the new clock. The Icelander says he has told several of his compatriots about the old clock, which now has a little sister almost 1,000 years younger. – The church and the old clock were relatively new when Snorre Sturlason wrote his books. It gives us a time perspective. Hedrum church was built around the year 1100. Photo: Fred Isaksen The newly cast bell will eventually be removed from the mold. Then it must be polished and tuned before it can be hung up. If all goes according to plan, it will be ready for use during March.
ttn-69
Changing church bell from the Middle Ages – the priest blessed the replacement – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
