City grieves over the demise of Pastor Hans Blamm in Offenbach
Pastor Hans Blamm, a beloved figure in the city of Offenbach, passed away on St. Nicholas Day at the age of 72 after a brief, severe illness. Born in Offenbach in 1952 and raised in Muehlheim, Blamm's life and work have left an indelible mark on the city.
Blamm, who was both a priest and a bell expert, began his journey in 1952. After completing an apprenticeship and studying process engineering, he pursued theological studies. In 1980, he was ordained a priest, and in 1991, he became the pastor of the St. Marien parish in Offenbach's Mathildenviertel.
As the pastor of St. Marien, Blamm expanded the bell ringing of the Marienkirche to ten bells. For Blamm, the bells were not just church cultural heritage but a symbol of community and spirituality. He demonstrated this stance in various ways, famously ringing the bells to drown out a NPD rally in 2007, and again in 2021, at an AfD rally.
Blamm's message of love for one's neighbour and social justice was not confined within the walls of the church. He supported numerous organisations in collaboration with the Mariensaal to help socially disadvantaged people in Offenbach, including local charity groups and social service organisations. One such initiative was a food distribution in St. Marien Church, later in cooperation with the Offenbach Tafel in the Mariensaal.
Mayor Schwenke praised Blamm's commitment, calling him "the social heart of the city centre." His work as a priest, cultural promoter, and social helper has permanently shaped the city of Offenbach. Stephan Faerber, another city official, remembered that Blamm always wanted to carry a special message into the world with the bell ringing.
In 2010, Blamm was honoured with the town hall medal by the city of Offenbach for his long-standing commitment. His commitment to the city was also recognised by his role as a campanologist, a term for someone who studies and preserves church bells.
The city of Offenbach has lost an inspiring personality with Pastor Hans Blamm. However, his message of love for one's neighbour and social justice remains a legacy for the city. The memory of Pastor Blamm will be kept alive by the city, continuing to inspire and guide its inhabitants in the years to come.
