The Bell Bunch is responsible for the maintenance of the historic Paul Revere bell and related equipment in the belfry. This includes lubrication of the cradle pivots that support the bell so that the bell swings freely, and assuring that the bell rope is in good repair and unencumbered.

St. Michael’s first bell was hung in 1718. When news of the Declaration of Independence reached Marblehead in 1776, St. Michael’s bell was rung so hard by fervent patriots that it cracked. During our nation’s Bicentennial in 1976, a TV film crew reenacted this incident for a 30-second “spot” that aired regularly at the time and is now preserved in our Archives. A second bell was installed in 1802 but, according to the records, was damaged beyond repair in 1817. The current bell – the church’s third – and weighing 839 pounds was cast by the Paul Revere Foundry in 1818. The bell is inscribed “Revere & Son Boston 1818.” A major renovation was undertaken in 1994 under the direction of Bell Captain Robert L. Howie to replace the worn bearings, improve lubrication, and preserve the rusting cast iron supports. As further protection, the bell was also painted at the time.

The bell is in use at every Sunday Eucharist, at weddings, funerals, and other services and special occasions. At the Town of Marblehead’s request on Washington’s (actual) birthday – February 22, 2019 – and Independence Day – July 4, 2019 – the bell was rung for one half hour beginning at 7:30 AM, 12:00 noon, and 6:00 PM. Members of the Bell Bunch and interested bystanders perform this duty joyfully.

Looking ahead, we hope to be able to realign the bell rope by moving the pulley assembly in the bell cradle such that the rope pulls the cradle’s flywheel freely. At present, the rope is wearing down the wooden flywheel, which dates from 1818. A noted historic bell maintenance and repair specialist examined the current situation last month and corrective work is anticipated to take place in June of 2020.

We also hope one day to make it possible to take in the outside view from the bell deck through the bell tower louvers. The bell deck is the level that will receive the overwhelming majority of visitors. At present, the heavy opaque plastic sheeting and supporting wood frames preclude any outside views.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert L. Howie, Jr.
Bell Captain