The Unitarian Church is the brightest thing in the sky as the sun goes down over town.
The current minister of the Unitarian Church, Rev. Jennifer Brooks, talks to Plum.
The Goodrich Organ at the Unitarian Church.
The Unitarian Church tower at night.
The Unitarian Church tower stands 109 feet & 5 1/2 inches off the ground and is one of the most visible sites from Nantucket Harbor. Encased in the tower is a Portuguese Bell installed in 1810.
What started out as coverage of Rev. Ted Anderson’s Food For Thought lecture on the “200 year history of the Unitarian Church” at the NHA is turning into a full-fledged documentary on the Unitarian Church.
In the first part of the series, which can be viewed below, Rev. Anderson highlights some incredible aspects of the Church including prominent Church members like Cyrus Peirce and Maria Mitchell, the Nantucket/Portugal connection which played a unique role in bringing the Church bell to Nantucket, and the Goodrich organ, the oldest functioning organ built in the United States.
Plum’s been busy meeting with other Church members, like organist Susan Jarrell, who talks about the acoustics of the organ. Craig Spery takes us to the top of the church tower and current minister Rev. Jennifer Brooks talks about the Church congregation. Fuddy Arsdale, a former Sexton and long time church member has more than a few stories to tell; including how the first Reverend of the church, Seth Swift, haunts the basement of the Church.
Stay tuned for progress of our coverage on this historic building and the members who’ve made an impact on our Island. Please feel free to comment below, give suggestions for people to interview at the Church, and offer your insight on the Unitarian Church.
Video
Former Minister of the Unitarian Church Rev. Ted Anderson gives us a little insight into the history of one of Nantucket's most prized landmarks. Take a peek inside this magnificent island structure.
Rings 52 times every hour?
Rings 52 times every hour? Are you sure?
When it was rung by hand at 7A.M., Noon, & 9P.M., it was not rung 52 times, as most people think, but 53 times, for a good reason.
The bell rings 52 times
The bell rings 52 times three times a day--not every hour. After striking 7 am, noon, and 9 pm, the bell rings 52 times to signal people to wake up; break for lunch; and go to bed! The bell-ringers called it "ringing the 52s." They chose 52 not because it was a magic number, but because 52 strokes of the bell would make three minutes of ringing (per town ordinance). I suppose in the days when the bell was pulled by hand, there may have been 53 strokes; now, with a computer-controlled striker, it does ring 52 times.
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