MARBLEHEAD — Local churches a part of the Marblehead Ministerial Association are ringing their bells for 11 minutes at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of every month to raise awareness about the need to take action to address the climate crisis “in the 11th hour.”
Five churches in Marblehead joined the bell-ringing initiative started by churches in Cambridge and Cape Ann in April. They are Old North Church, Old Lady Star of the Sea, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, the Unitarian Universalist Church, and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.
A press release from the Marblehead Ministerial Association cited a United Nations Climate Report issued in February that said climate change is happening faster than anticipated and drastic action is needed now. The release went on to say that coastal communities such as Marblehead are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
“In Marblehead, the historic preservation has been front and center for many years. I think that climate change has thrown a monkey wrench that adds a whole different dimension to what needs to be taken into account to preserve some of the historic stuff,” association member Mimi Hollister said. “It really behooves us to take all these pieces into consideration and figure out a plan as a town and keep destruction at bay, but I think we stand in a good place to be able to do that.”
Hollister said she finds town organizations’ recent support for environmental causes heartening. Other town churches including Clifton Lutheran Church, St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, and the Christian Science Church have also voiced their support for the bell-ringing effort, but are unable to participate because they do not have working bells.
Hollister is responsible for ringing the bells at Old North Church. She said, however, she is trying to get other people from the congregation and town to help out. Last month, Sustainable Marblehead member Mark Adams rang the bell for 11 minutes on the 11th at 11 a.m. with his grandson.
“People have talked about hearing the bells ringing and wondering about that so we are trying to get the word out as much as we can,” Hollister said. “When Old North first did it, we put together a postcard and put it on the neighbors’ doors so they wouldn’t be upset or wondering. A couple of people responded by saying they are really glad we are doing it.”
The release advised those interested in making a difference should contact their elected officials to urge them to support environmental initiatives, vote to elect those willing to make an impact, and follow standard sustainability guidelines. They include using public transportation when possible, turning off electronics when not in use, and recycling.
“Personally, it makes me hopeful if I’m doing something instead of just ringing my hands and saying ‘it’s too late,’” Hollister said. “If you’re not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem, and there is some stuff you can do.”
Rachel Barber can be reached at [email protected].
