Restoration company found for Marion clock project
The clock tower in the First Concretional Church of Marion has seen the changes of time with its wear and tear. Source: Wendy Bidstrup
The clock tower in the First Concretional Church of Marion has seen the changes of time with its wear and tear. Source: Wendy Bidstrup
MARION — Time has been ticking toward this moment — The Clock Tower Restoration Committee’s months of research into restoring the historic piece of Marion history has led to the Balzar Family Clock Works in Freeport, Maine.
As the iconic symbol in town, the official Clock of Marion has needed repairs since management of the timepiece was stopped in the 1950s. Today, the clock is inoperable with no hourly chimes and the aging hands are slipping from the intended positions.
However, the process of restoration is not simple.
The operating clockworks will be relocated to a lower level in the church balcony and encased in glass for public viewing and display. The restoration process involves removing, cleaning and evaluating each piece. From there it takes repairing and fabricating the new parts before the clock can be reassembled, polished and lacquered to its original finish.
The committee hopes to include the glass case in guided tours of the village.
The Balzar Family Clock Works are a longstanding company and have done clock tower restorations since 1985.
For additional funding, the Committee completed an application for a grant from the Community Preservation Act Project, which has been accepted. The grant will be voted on at the annual Town Meeting Monday, May 12.
Private donations and contributions toward the restoration in any amount are welcome. For information on how to help, call 508-748-1053 or visit the church website at www.marionfirstchurch.org.
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