LOWER MT. BETHEL TWP., Pa. — Taking a leap of faith, founders of the Bell Tower Cultural Center have transformed a former Lutheran church into a cultural hub for the community.
In the second year of the center's programming, organizers — members of the Three Church Hill Arts and Historical Society — have announced its spring schedule.
The lineup includes concerts with Lehigh Valley favorites Steve Brosky, Craig Thatcher and Jeni Heckett, activities for children and adults, themed movie nights, history lectures, cooking classes, monthly book club, senior lunches and gardening.
"It could have been turned into apartments or torn down, so the historical aspect is part of what pulled us in."Joe Pilyar
Joe Pilyar and his wife, Elvira Woodruff, founded the Three Church Hill Arts and Historical Society in May 2023.
Months prior, the couple — longtime residents of Martins Creek — learned the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 1904 Church Road was struggling to keep its doors open.
The church was built in 1864. Its structure and adjoining cemetery are filled with history — more than 20 Revolutionary War soldiers are buried on the property.
The couple noticed the Slate Belt area lacked a space that offered art, music, movies, education and a means to share the area's history (those five pillars became part of its mission).
Local officials, after learning of the pair's idea, happily donated the building (the bill of sale was for $1) with the promise that the church would keep its facade.
"Who knows what would have happened if they sold it?" Pilyar said. "It could have been turned into apartments or torn down. So the historical aspect is part of what pulled us in."
'Enjoyed what they've just heard'
Some building maintenance was completed before the space opened and the community stepped in to help.
"The Rotary of Easton donated some money to help us with the water because we had to put in a whole new water system, and we've been applying for grants through Northampton County," Pilyar said.
In its first year operating, the venue held 40 events, including art shows, concerts and classes.
Some classes are held in the basement, while concerts take place in the church's nave — complete with its original clerestory windows and wooden pews.
About 100 people attended the Bell Tower's October 2023 open house.
"I've found I've met more people that are my neighbors that I didn't know, would never have known."Joe Pilyar
Most were locals from the Slate Belt area, though there is no residential requirement to partake in the center's events.
"I've found I've met more people that are my neighbors that I didn't know would never have known," Pilyar said. "And on top of it, that talented people that live in our community that I would have never known."
Heading into its second year, word of the venue has caught on and tickets already are sold out for an Out to Lunch senior event on Wednesday, Jan. 8, and a baking class scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 25.
"Now that we're a year in, what I've found is that whatever you do, no matter how well attended it is, do it where the people who leave feel good about what they just experienced," Pilyar said.
"That's not 100 percent every right, but we strive for that. Honestly, any event that we've done, what I've noticed is people at the end of the event don't want to leave. They stay.
"I would hope because they've enjoyed what they just heard and seen."
Steve Brosky, free ukulele concert
January's lineup will feature a concert with Brosky (with guitarist Jimmy Meyer) at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12.
Brosky, a Lehigh Valley musical favorite, is raising money for a biopic about his life and his childhood in Allentown.
Food will be provided by Little Creek BBQ (the event is BYOB).
Tickets cost $10.
Also in January: a free family concert with Berry Steiner, head librarian at Nazareth Public Library, and ukulele Band at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 18.
February's lineup is:
- Lunch at the Bell on Feb. 5 (for ages 55 age and older), $7
- Garden Club meeting on Feb. 12
- Booked by the Bell Book Club on Feb. 13 (hosted by Regina Marinelli and Melba Toliver).
- Valentine's movie and lasagna dinner (screening of "Shakespeare and Love" after dinner) on Feb. 14.
- Kids Can at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 15. (free for ages 4-8).
- Sunday Sessions with Jeni Heckett, an acoustic guitar player from Kresgeville, Monroe County, at 4 p.m. Feb.16. (suggested donation $10 per person).
- The Two Maries make Italian wedding soup and bread at 11 a.m. Feb 22 ($15 per person).
March and April at the Bell Tower
The March and April lineup is:
- Lunch at the Bell on March 12 (ages 55 and up), $7 Featured speaker is Michael Steiner, who will present a look at "The Power of Poetry and Photography: A look at poet Langston Hughes and photographer Gordon Parks"
- Garden Club meeting on March 12
- Booked by the Bell Book Club on March 13
- Kids Can (free event for ages 4-8).
- Birth of the Bell to the UAAW group April 2
- The Two Maries do Easter, cooking class on April 5
- Garden Club on April 9
- Booked by the Bell Book Club on April 10 (monthly book selection to be announced soon)
- Plein Air Art Show and auction (a competition highlighting the countryside of eastern Northampton County. The competition will occur with an art exhibit and auction on April 12 and 13
- Special Evening with guitarist Craig Thatcher at 7:30 p.m. April 25, with special guest Cliff Starkey
To register for Bell Tower Cultural Center events and for more information, visit its website.
