‘Keep it ringing’

Old North Church wants to restore belfry, steeple

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

About two weekends ago, Old North Church congregants entered their church’s attic and came across wildlife that decided to take up residency in the house of worship.

“We were hauling dump barrels up into the attic, and a raccoon ran right in front of us,” said Sally Sands. “And that raccoon turned out to have four babies.”

Sands shared the story in an interview with the Marblehead Current to highlight several issues that need to be addressed with Old North Church’s historic property.

Twins Julia and Emma Gjinaj are all smiles after winning a prize.

The congregation has launched a capital campaign — called “Keep It Ringing” — to restore its bell tower, which sits beneath an iconic golden cod weathervane.

The church has so far raised nearly twothirds of its goal, but church leaders are now seeking financial support from the community at large.

“We’re now up to $650,329 of a $1 million goal, and this is without going public,” said Sands, the capital campaign’s chair, following Sunday’s service. “This is just from lead donors and committee members, and we’re just starting to get donations from the congregation and the public.”

Founded in 1635, Marblehead’s Old North Church has been providing ministry