Help Save the Steeple with Steeple Green Books

Hey folks. Michael here from Steeple Green Books. Since opening our doors last June, I’ve been overwhelmed by the community’s support. You’ve visited, bought books, attended events, and also shared stories about the many ways this church has been important to you and the community of Musquodoboit Harbour. I am so excited about the future of this bookstore, and the many ways it can continue to serve and reflect this vibrant, growing community.

Over the last 8 months, in addition to being open as a bookshop 6 days a week, we’ve hosted 36 events, including 38 musicians, 7 authors, and 3 dancers. We’ve had 7 book club meetings, 5 dance parties, and 2 open mics. Many more events and happenings are in the works for the coming months.

So it is with this optimism in mind that I am writing to ask for your support. I have been reluctant to do this; asking for help is not my comfort zone. Firstly, I wanted to be clear that Steeple Green isn’t going anywhere. I am committed to this endeavour in the long term. But the immediate reality is that this old building needs a lot of repair and restoration, in particular to the steeple. As the business grows, I am putting as much of your support as I can towards the steeple, but I’d love to jump start the project with your help.

In short, the main structure of the steeple is sound but the belfry needs to be repaired, possibly replaced entirely. The steeple still contains the original church bell, and its restoration is also on the agenda. Give me a blue sky and I’m also dreaming about a steeple reading nook, belfry garden, and maybe even a disco ball in lieu of a cross. But first things first, getting the pigeons out, replacing the rot, and installing some new fascia.

Over the next few months we’ll be rolling out a bunch of fundraising events, including more concerts, an open mic, an auction, a special performance or two, and obviously a disco! The big dream goal, between events and crowdfunding, is to raise $10,000 by June 20th, in time to celebrate summer and the one year anniversary of Steeple Green Books. With basic repairs to the steeple quoted at over $20,000, and dreams of many more renovations and upgrades to come, this is just the beginning. But the aim here is to think big, while planning small. And truly, every little bit helps.

It all seems kind of bonkers, but let’s give it a shot!

With gratitude,

Michael Lake

Owner & Operator, Steeple Green Books

26 East Petpeswick Rd.

Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia

P.S. The very best thing you can do for Steeple Green is to come to the shop, buy a book, attend an event, or even just stop by to pet Frank the dog. The next best thing you can do is to tell people that we’re here. Tell a friend who might want a good book, or a nice evening of music. Your physical presence here is the most important thing. To put it poetically: we believe in the power of assembly.

P.P.S. My friend Matthew came up with the name Steeple Green. He was listening to the song Village Green by the Kinks, and texted me: What about Steeple Green? Ultimately, it stuck. It felt right. A village green is simply an open green space in a village or settlement. But a steeple green? I imagine it in the same spirit: an open space for a community to come as they are, where people and ideas and books commingle. In this case, a nearly 100-year old former Presbyterian Church. My perhaps immodest wish is for the condition of this building, this gathering place, to reflect the flourishing of our community in support of literature and the arts.

P.P.P.S. Bring your dog!