LYNNFIELD — Calvary Christian Church has donated $5,700 to restore the bell on Lynnfield’s town common, which is part of a larger effort to revitalize the historic Lynnfield Center.
Executive Pastor Jamie Booth, on behalf of his congregation, presented a check to Select Board Chair Richard Dalton last week in an unofficial ceremony on the common.
The donation will fully fund restoration of the bell, one of the town’s most visible and significant historical artifacts.
“On behalf of the Town of Lynnfield, I am deeply appreciative of the generosity of the Calvary Christian Church,“ said Dalton. “This represents one more important step forward in the beautification of the town common and the Center itself.”
Rev. Booth said Calvary is committed to helping Lynnfield’s residents.
“Calvary has been a proud member of the Lynnfield community for over 60 years,” he said. “We want to take good care of this community, whether that is by partnering with local organizations, such as Good Hope — to provide meals to seniors and others in need — or by assisting with rehabbing the town common and historical town bell.”
The bell dates from 1859 and was originally installed in the Meeting House. It was used as the town’s fire alarm bell for many years, when the Meeting House served as Chemical House No. 1. It currently stands on a base of Lynnfield granite, and was built by Taylor Vickers & Co. The Town has engaged the services of Woburn-based Skylight Studios for the restoration. Skylight recently completed the restoration of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment memorial on Boston Common.
The restoration of the bell is one part of larger-scale efforts to revitalize the Town’s historic common and central district. Recent improvements to the common include a new septic system; new lighting, pathways and improved walkways, curbing and crosswalks; and a new organically-maintained lawn.
In addition, the Historic Centre on South Common Street has been rededicated as the Pope-Richard Family Lynnfield Historical Centre. The interior of the center is currently in the process of receiving a face lift, in the form of new paint.
Rev. Booth said the church looks forward to future partnership opportunities in Lynnfield.
“We believe we are stronger together,” he said. “This is our home and we want to do our part.”
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Pastor Jamie Booth,” said Dalton. “We are custodians of Lynnfield’s history and as such have an obligation to maintain historically-significant properties and items.
“This donation is a personal thing for him, as he and the church are so committed to giving back to Lynnfield and many other neighboring communities. We are fortunate to have so many churches who are leaders in the community.”
