The Old South Church Steeple, an iconic landmark in Reading MA, has stood guard over Reading Center for 100 years. The tower, its four working clock faces, the stately bell & its weathervane-graced cupola have suffered from the elements and are in need of repair. The Reading Steeple & Bell Tower Fund was established to raise the necessary funds for the restoration, & to date have raised over $55,000 towards their $130,000 goal.
Hagen Gallery of Peabody MA, known for their fine watercolors & beautiful jewelry, has jumped in to help. When artist Gina Hagen spotted the colorful “Save Our Steeple” banner on the Church, she immediately thought of the Old South watercolor she created for The Hitching Post Gift Shop.
Gina contacted Hitching Post owner Leslie Leahy to brainstorm ideas to help fundraise for the steeple. Using colors inspired by the church, Hagen Gallery created a Swarovski crystal bookmark especially for the fundraiser. Hagen Gallery also offers boxed notecards of Old South, as well as small & large framed prints to benefit the Fund. These items are available through The Hitching Post, & a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Reading Steeple & Bell Tower Fund.
The Hitching Post will have these items available for sale at Old South during The Steeple Stroll on April 28th from 11-1pm. The fundraising walk, a scenic 1.3 mile loop around Reading Center, will support the repair of Reading’s most beautiful landmark. The cost to participate is $25 per person, $50 family maximum.
Those not available to walk can support the Steeple Project by purchasing these exclusive items – contact The Hitching Post at 781-944-9224 to order Old South notecards, framed prints or bookmarks. (The Hitching Post Gift Shop is currently closed due to renovations to the M.F. Charles Building, but is taking orders & will happily deliver locally until they reopen).Tax deductible donations can be sent to the Reading Steeple & Bell Tower Fund, 6 Salem Street, Reading MA 01867. Your support will help restore and preserve this beautiful Reading MA landmark.
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