From Newsgroup: uk.religion.christian


"After repeated but unsuccessful attempts to restore the bellrCOs
chime, the church authorities contemplated installing a
battery-operated mechanism as a substitute. They approached
Mr. Kennedy and, following two months of deliberations, he
agreed to take up the challenge alongside Mr. Nagaraj, with whom
he has restored numerous antique clocks to their former
glory. He was unequivocal in his opposition to replacing the
original mechanism."

-- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/older-than-londons-big-ben-palayamkottais-historic-clock-is-set-to-chime-again/article70637581.ece

"The cathedral itself, built in 1826 by Rev. C.T.E. Rhenius,
recently celebrated its bicentenary, adding further historical
significance to the restoration effort. Although the clock
continues to function, it has fallen silent in recent years,
unable to deliver its once sonorous chime owing to a technical
defect. Mr. Kennedy, who examined other clocks in the country,
is also of the view that the Holy Trinity Cathedral clock could
be the oldest tower clock in India.

[Apparently published online last week, spotted in today's paper]





--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.religion.christian

On 23/02/2026 04:12, Madhu wrote:

"After repeated but unsuccessful attempts to restore the bellrCOs
chime, the church authorities contemplated installing a
battery-operated mechanism as a substitute. They approached
Mr. Kennedy and, following two months of deliberations, he
agreed to take up the challenge alongside Mr. Nagaraj, with whom
he has restored numerous antique clocks to their former
glory. He was unequivocal in his opposition to replacing the
original mechanism."

-- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/older-than-londons-big-ben-palayamkottais-historic-clock-is-set-to-chime-again/article70637581.ece

"The cathedral itself, built in 1826 by Rev. C.T.E. Rhenius,
recently celebrated its bicentenary, adding further historical
significance to the restoration effort. Although the clock
continues to function, it has fallen silent in recent years,
unable to deliver its once sonorous chime owing to a technical
defect. Mr. Kennedy, who examined other clocks in the country,
is also of the view that the Holy Trinity Cathedral clock could
be the oldest tower clock in India.

[Apparently published online last week, spotted in today's paper]

I am reminded by this, that around thirty or so years ago, I salvaged an
early 1950s electric panel-mounted clock from being scrapped. I got it
going, and donated it to a local church where I led the Friday evening
youth group at the time. We played volleyball in the hall, and I wanted
a good solid clock put there instead of the flimsy plastic thing that
was getting destroyed by the ball hitting it on occasion.

Move on some 25+ years, and the clock became more and more unreliable. Eventually it couldn't be made to run any more. around seventy years of
wear had taken its toll.

Reluctantly, I asked to take the clock and repair it for them at my own expense. The trouble is, not only is the mechanism badly worn now, it
has around zero chance of ever meeting today's electrical safety
regulations. My solution was to fit a modern battery movement, although
I was able to adjust the original hands to fit the new movement. Hence,
to anyone casually glancing at the clock, it looks exactly as it did
before it was 'repaired'.

I was able to re-mount it on a new piece of board, and as it was no
longer dependent on a mains supply, I relocated it to a place where it
was more visible in the hall.

Yes, it was a shame to have to 'modernise' it in that way, but I have
retained the old worn out movement as a souvenir.

Not as bad as replacing a rare 19th century movement, though!

Tim.




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From Newsgroup: uk.religion.christian

On 23/02/2026 04:12, Madhu wrote:

He was unequivocal in his opposition to replacing the
original mechanism."

Good for him.

I wish him every success - and wonder how long before some wretch
complains that the bell is keeping him awake and demands that it be
silenced?

God bless,
Kendall K. Down
--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
www.avg.com



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From Newsgroup: uk.religion.christian

On 2026-02-23 19:13, Kendall K. Down wrote:

I wish him every success - and wonder how long before some wretch
complains that the bell is keeping him awake and demands that it be
silenced?

My sympathy will depend on whether the wretch in question moved within
earshot of the cathedral site before 1826.

"The cathedral itself, built in 1826 by Rev. C.T.E. Rhenius,"

--
Graham Nye
news(a)thenyes.org.uk



--- Synchronet 3.21b-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: uk.religion.christian

On 24/02/2026 21:52, Graham Nye wrote:

My sympathy will depend on whether the wretch in question moved within earshot of the cathedral site before 1826.

Quite so.

God bless,
Kendall K. Down
--
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
www.avg.com



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