In his twenties Schweitzer achieved an astonishing amount. He gained a degree in philosophy based on a study of Kant, and a degree in theology based on a study of the Last Supper. In addition he preached, he played the organ, he wrote a seminal book on Bach, he revolutionised techniques of organ building and he was at work on his most massive and remarkable work, The Quest of the Historical Jesus, in which he sought to understand Jesus as a man and a Jew, not simply a mystical figure outside history and humanity.

He also became very attractive. Despite working long hours, often deep into the night, he found time for parties, dinners and “rendezvous” with young ladies. Emma Münch, who married his brother Paul, remembered that he was romantic and sentimental, very fond of dancing and flirting. He would often dance the night away on mountainside inns, where he was always in demand to play the piano.

But among the young women of Strasbourg there was one very special one – Hélène Bresslau. In her Schweitzer found an unusual combination – a beautiful woman who was also an idealist like himself and also a wise guide who could direct his fierce but uncontrolled ambitions.

For ten years these two carried on a secret correspondence – not even their closest friends knew about it. There was a strong, passionate attachment between them, but it was not towards conventional love and marriage but towards a higher destiny that gradually became clear to them – to give up their comfortable lives in Europe and go to the heart of Africa to heal the sick.

Throughout this double life this rock above the village of Günsbach was a favourite place to sit and think, or make notes, or write to Hélène. And now a statue of him sits where he once sat.

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