Snow and Ice Cause Delay for Church Tower Clock in Aue
In the city of Aue, the well-known St. Nicolai Church is facing a minor setback with its historic clock due to the snowy and icy weather conditions. The clock, which has been ticking for over 130 years, is experiencing a delay in its minute hand. Although the delay is currently three to five minutes, the city spokesperson, Jana Hecker, assures that it does not affect the punctuality of the bells, as they are digitally programmed to ring at the right time.
“Auf das pünktliche Glockenläuten hat dies alles aber keinen Einfluss” – Jana Hecker, Stadt Aue-Bad Schlema
The delay in the clock’s minute hand is believed to be caused by a stoppage that occurred on the Saturday before Totensonntag (Remembrance Sunday) at the end of November last year. While the clock was eventually restarted by the church custodian, the minute hand has been lagging since then.
To fix the issue, the custodian would need to climb narrow stairs and make her way through the bell tower to reach the clock faces. However, due to the current freezing temperatures and icy conditions, it is deemed unsuitable and risky for her to undertake the repair. It is planned to wait until the weather becomes warmer to carry out the necessary maintenance.
A Historic Timepiece with Infrequent Hiccups
The St. Nicolai Church clock is no stranger to occasional issues. Although it requires manual adjustments, such as transitioning from daylight saving time to standard time, it rarely stops altogether. However, there have been instances in the past where the clock was affected by external factors. In February 2021, icy conditions led to a temporary stoppage, and in the summer of 2022, a lightning strike caused a brief interruption.
The tower of the neo-Gothic St. Nicolai Church, also known as the “Rote Kirche” (Red Church), stands at an impressive height of 75 meters, making it the tallest building in Aue-Bad Schlema. The clock itself dates back to 1892/93 and is one of only three of its kind in the state of Saxony.
Despite the current delay in the clock’s minute hand, its longevity and historical significance continue to captivate onlookers and residents alike.
