Ten stalwart sea captains living in Sippican Village back in 1841 pledged to donate $1000 each for the cost of materials and labor to build The First Congregational Church of Marion. Construction was complete in one year. Known as “The Captain’s Meeting House”, it stands today as a classic example of Greek revival architecture and is listed in the 1998 Architectural Survey.
Around 1872, the E. Howard clockworks was added to the tower, and it was designated as the official Clock of Marion. (The story of why there are only 3 faces is a true Marion legend worthy of national note and local humor). For nearly 100 years, the Town of Marion provided financial support and maintenance for the Clock. Sometime in the 1950’s, the upkeep of the clock was removed from the town budget, and the costs were taken up by the Congregational Church. It was about this time when the clockwork was modified from fully mechanical to electrical. This dramatic change led to great stress on the entire system. It became difficult to find volunteers to climb the tower outside and perform monthly adjustments. Today the hands of the clock are slipping and the hourly chimes inoperable. Time is slipping away.
The Clock Tower Restoration Sub Committee of the First Congregational church has been formed, and after careful research, has applied for a grant from the Community Preservation Act. The application has been accepted and will go to a vote at Town Meeting in May. Much community support has been received so far, and much more will be needed.
Marion’s rich history is tied to the sea captains who funded the original project in 1871. The bell and clock add a tone and texture that harkens back to a time when the town clock was relied upon for the time, celebrations, warnings and a shared sense of community. Our goal is to restore the E. Howard timepiece back to a weight-drive, pendulum-regulated, as originally designed, with the addition of an automatic winding system for the weights.
For more information, please call 508-748-1053 or go to church website: www.marionfirstchurch.org.