Restoration of the St. Jakobus Kirchturmuhr: A look into the future!

Restoration of the St. Jakobus Kirchturmuhr: A look into the future!

The city of Germersheim has taken an important step in the renovation phase of the St. Jakobus Catholic Church. After a comprehensive renovation, the church tower clock is now running again and shows the time to the population. The first construction work was initiated at the end of 2023 and comprised the crew tower. Mayor Marcus Schaile has followed the progress together with experts and craftsmen.

The measures for renovation are diverse. This includes the new cover of the church tower and the renewal of the bell chair. Particularly noteworthy is the return of the original dials, which have been successfully installed last week. Mayor Schaile was present when the newly restored dials and the golden hands were installed on the four sides of the church tower.

challenges and progress

The renovation required a specialist company that was commissioned in 2022 after considerable damage to the church tower clock was determined in 2021. At this point, a crash of one of the hands was a serious danger to passers -by, which inaugurated the urgency of the work. A lifting gear was used to complete the heavily rusted pointer.

The completion of the restoration of the church tower clock was planned for May 2023. However, the process was delayed due to late materials, in particular the necessary sheets for the new dials. Ultimately, however, the restored cross on the church top was installed over two weeks ago, which represents the conclusion of another chapter of the renovation.

a traditional craft

The importance of the craftsmanship in the restoration should not be underestimated. A current brochure of the Central Association of the German Crafts (ZDH) emphasizes the need to inspire pupils and young people for manual restoration and monument conservation. The issue emphasizes the qualification levels and offers an overview of educational paths in this special craft.

The manual skills required for the restoration are also conveyed in master classes of other professions. In this context, the restorative craftsman is considered a "gold standard". The final documentation of restoration work is considered an essential part to ensure quality and sustainability.

With the recent progress at the church tower clock of St. Jakobus in Germersheim, it becomes clear that committed craft and local political interest go hand in hand. Mayor Schaile personally observed the transport use of a cargo elevator to attach the watch parts and will also accompany the gradual dismantling of the creation.