$1 Million Campaign Seeks To Restore Marblehead Church Bell Tower

MARBLEHEAD, MA — A $1 million "Keep It Ringing" campaign launched in Marblehead is seeking to raise funds to restore the bell tower at the Old North Church that was damaged during a microburst three years ago.

The Washington Street church is at the site where settlers first gathered for services in 1635 and organized by a group of fishermen and mariners to relieve them of the burden of having to travel to Salem. The current church was built in 1825 and still serves as a focal point for community activities.

"We urgently need to work on the church bell tower, including the cupola and steeple which was completely blown out in the microburst that hit town three years ago," Church moderator Betsey Halbert said. "That in itself will cost close to $400,000 with the balance required for other needed repairs and maintenance."

The capital campaign is seeking private and business donations to rebuild the bell tower that sits underneath the golden cod weathervane.

The church hosts a music program under the leadership of Maria va Kalken from Greater Boston and throughout the North Shore with performances including the annual Festival Chorus Christmas concerts, Spring Requiem Concert and the Concerts at Old North Series.

The church also hosts weddings, funerals and events associated with the summer Festival of the Arts.

"We are hoping that the many friends of Old North Church in the Marblehead community will join with our members to commit their support and help preserve the church for many generations to come," Halbert said.

Donations can be made by check, EFT, or online here. Pledges can be made over a specific time period of up to three years.

There are six categories for recognition. All donations are tax-deductible and will be recognized on the church website and published in its annual report.

Further information about the campaign and donation forms can be obtained from the Old North Church office at 8 Stacey Street, Marblehead, MA 01945, by calling 781-631-1244, by emailing office@onchurch.org or by visiting the capital campaign website.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)