Basel is in northwest Switzerland where the borders of France, Germany, and Swizerland intersect. Settlements date to 500 BC. It is the home of the pharmaceutical firm Novartis (formerly Sandoz) where I worked for one year in 1982-83. At that time, our family was housed in an apartment in the neighboring village of Muttenz (7 miles to the west of central Basel). I rode tram #14 to work (it still operates today), a 30 minute trip passing through the old part of Basel. At that time we attended an English speaking church called Basel Christian Fellowship which we were able to visit today (for the 10:30 morning service). The interior of the church is very simple and has not changed much since our last visit there in 1985.
Today was chilly (50 degrees) with some drizzle and spits of rain. But after the church service, we bundled up and walked the altstadt. Some has changed but much is still the same.
The church where the Basel Christian Fellowship
meets for Sunday services. A service in German is
held before the English service (that was also
the case in 1982). We have a picture of our 3 daughters
(at that time 8, 7 and 4) standing in front of the church.
"Kapelle" (on the front of the building) means chapel.
In 1982, the words on the front of the building were
"Evangelische Gemeinde" (Evangelical Community).
The congregation is international. We sang traditional
hymns (from hymn books) and the sermon was based
on a passage from Psalms.
(at that time 8, 7 and 4) standing in front of the church.
"Kapelle" (on the front of the building) means chapel.
In 1982, the words on the front of the building were
"Evangelische Gemeinde" (Evangelical Community).
The congregation is international. We sang traditional
hymns (from hymn books) and the sermon was based
on a passage from Psalms.
The pulpit.
The Bible verse on the wall above the
pulpit says "Des Herrn Wort bleibt in Ewigkeit"
("The Lord's Word remains forever.")
1 Peter 1:25.
The church is located near one of the old medieval city
gates called Spalentor ("tor" means tower).
At one time (centuries ago) there was a wall around the city that
connected to the tower.
The ornate Basel Rathaus (City Hall) on Marktplatz (Market place)
in the altstadt (old city). Construction started in 1504 as a political gesture
after Basel joining the Swiss Confederation in 1501.
Various additions and renovations have been made
but the arches were part of the original building.
In the City Hall courtyard.
Trams pass through the altstadt and across the Rhine
every few minutes.
These are at a tram stop called Barfusserplatz.
Other miscellaneous views in Basel Altstadt.
