Church bell with Adolf Hitler inscription at St Jakob’s in Herxheim to stay

Allan Hall, Berlin
The Times
The bronze bell is etched with the words “Everything for Adolf Hitler’s Fatherland” above a swastika
The bronze bell is etched with the words “Everything for Adolf Hitler’s Fatherland” above a swastika
THOMAS LOHNES/GETTY IMAGES
Allan Hall, Berlin
The Times

A church bell decorated to extol the virtues of Adolf Hitler will remain in place, according to the town mayor.

The bronze bell in the spire of St Jakob’s church in Herxheim on the Rhine was installed in 1934 — a year after the Nazis came to power. Local communities fell over themselves at the time to honour the Führer.

“Everything for Adolf Hitler’s Fatherland” is etched above a swastika on the 240kg bell. It chimes every 15 minutes and on every hour — but is now hitting a wrong note.

Church officials are debating whether a plaque should be erected at the church to tell visitors and worshippers of the Nazi history of the bell
Church officials are debating whether a plaque should be erected at the church to tell visitors and worshippers of the Nazi history of the bell
THOMAS LOHNES/GETTY IMAGES

Sigrid Peters, a retired music teacher who sometimes plays the organ in the church, is demanding that it be removed and replaced. “It should not be there in this day and age,” she said.