DURHAM – The Durham Historical Society hosted an open house Sunday afternoon, Nov. 2, in celebration of “Saving the Bell” at the old Town Hall/Union Church, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The open house was the culmination of the first phase of a plan to preserve the historic building by restoring the steeple and cupola that houses an authenticated Revere bell. The program began and ended with the ringing of the bell that was reportedly heard as far away as Meadow Road. Refreshments were served.

Linda Sturm, one of the grant writers, welcomed visitors, telling them of the progress than has been made since the town-owned building was taken under the wing of the Historical Society. Sturm thanked those who had helped bring the restoration of the bell tower to fruition at a cost of more than $33,000 – including the Libra Foundation, Davis Foundation, townspeople, selectmen, grant writers, donors to the memorial plaque on display, the Historical Society and others who gave their time, energy and money to the project.

Special recognition, along with before and after pictures, was given to steeplejack Robert Hanscom of Greene, who donated part of his labor to the project. Speakers included Pastor Phil Rider of the Congregational Church and Pastor James Douglas of the Durham Friends Meeting, who led the closing prayer.

The Historical Society is using the building as a museum and place where students can learn about the town and “its long and proud history.” Exterior painting and staining have been finished and work is completed on the steeple and cupola, but much remains to be done, including a sill, roof, interior painting and a corner post.

Volunteers are also needed for archival/artifact cataloging. Donations of time, money and help with fund-raisers, such as coffees, teas and parties, are welcomed.

Union Church was built in 1835 and used as a place of worship for several denominations of Durham citizens over the years. It served as the town hall from 1924 until the present town hall was constructed in 1986. Members of the Congregational Church used if for services from 1947 until 1951, after a fire destroyed their church.

Over the years it has been used for church socials, town meetings and voting, as well as a place for guest speakers to lecture on town history, and now as a meeting place for the Historical Society.

Tax deductible contributions toward the ongoing restoration may be sent to the Durham Historical Society, Beverly Koenig, treasurer, 684 Pinkham Brook Road, Durham, ME 04222.