“It is the actions of a few that inspire the many. The whispers of history teach us to always stay vigilant! It is better to fight and fail than to sit idly while tyranny thrives. History remembers those who did not wait for others to take a stand."
I admit it. The mischievous side of me was disappointed when I learned that our Paul Revere bell would not be fixed by tonight, Friday April 18th 2025- the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride! (And it must be said, rides by William Dawes and Samuel Prescott as well.) If it was working, my plan was to come over and ring it some extra at midnight, both in tribute and in a modern-day message to “wake up!” I suppose that may have bothered the neighbors… so perhaps it is for the best that the bell is off its rocker. But how long will I have to wait to come up with another excuse to ring the bell in honor of a revolution?
Our bell was made by Paul Revere and his son Joseph in 1806, thirty-one years after his famous ride. It was purchased by the North Parish congregation for $540 in 1807. At that time, we weren’t yet officially Unitarian, but the theology was moving in that direction. Significantly, the hymnal that the congregation voted to adopt in 1800 omitted all references to Jesus as God or the Trinity. Religious and political ideas about independence and freedom of thought often influenced one another.
Our bell was the 19th one made at Revere’s foundry out of 950 bells total. It is also one of only 23 Revere bells left in the nation; many were lost to fire or cracking. It is a unique, valuable, tangible connection to history- indeed, a national treasure. Tomorrow, Saturday, April 19th, volunteers with The Friends of the 1836 Meeting House are offering tours of the Meeting House and the steeple. You can see their webpage here. (The “Friends” are a separate 501c3 founded to help raise funds for Meeting House preservation from local residents and grants unavailable to religious bodies.)
On Saturday there will also be the weekly “hands off” stand out in the traffic circle in front of the Meeting House from 11am to noon. If you google “Paul Revere quotes” you’ll be inspired and find a lot of great ideas for signs or slogans. Anyone have some 3-corner hats at home?
Revolutions against empires are part of the Passover and Easter stories. So are reminders to offer hospitality to strangers and to look for signs of new life. For those who are celebrating Passover or Easter with friends and family, may you travel safe and feel delight this weekend. If you are local and realize that you don’t have plans to eat with others after Sunday’s Easter service, see elsewhere in the eNews for a North Parish Easter brunch option. Sunday morning we’ll hear from some wonderful guest musicians and the Choir. Join us as we celebrate continuing life and love- and invite a friend!
Yours, getting ready for Easter hats and alleluias,
Rev. Lee
P.S. If you missed it, here is a piece on Paul Revere and his role in the Revolution, broadcast in advance of the 250th anniversary by WGBH radio. The Meeting House and steeple will be open for tours from 10am to 4 pm; many thanks to the tour volunteers!