Marion Clock Tower Restoration

Since 1860, the First Congregational Church of Marion's E. Howard Clock and bell have tolled the hours throughout Marion Village and across the waves of Sippican Harbor. Its rich history as Marion's official town clock, and the sea captians that funded three, but not four, clockfaces is a story of great legend!

Time Is Slipping Away

In 1954, the historic clock was electrified following the trend of the time. The church leaders could not have foreseen this change would lead to great stress on the entire system. Today, 70 years later, as you pass by the Sanctuary on the corner of Front and Main Street, you will notice the slipping of the clock hands and inoperaable hourly chimes. Professional restoration is urgently needed now.

Our goal of $140,000 will make it possible to engage the team at Balzer Family Clocks to lead us through this project of restoring the E. Howard timepiece back to a weight-driven, pendulum-regulated, mechanical timepiece.

The Balzer's have specialized in clock tower restorations since 1985. At this time they are the only craftsmen dedicated to this meticulous work. Projects bearing their name may be found across the globe.

This undertaking requires fabrication of lost and broken parts and will pay tribute to the unique design by adding an automatic winding system for the weights. The support structure will be relocated to a lower level. The internal workings will be encased in a glass display for educational instruction and historical reference for generations to come.

Please consider supporting this historical restoration at the following levels:

Sea Captain           $10,000

Clockmaker             $5,000

Master Craftsman  $2,500

Craftsman                $1,000

Steeplejack                $500

Journeyman              $200

Apprentice                 $100