[Mack184]

I don't really understand if the "Village Church" at Spanish Springs is actually a church or an entertainment venue.

I've noticed that there is entertainment there on a regular basis, and of the type that wouldn't be permitted in any of the churches that I've attended over the years.

Could someone educate me on this place?

[bandsdavis]

It's predominantly an entertainment venue in the style of a church. It has great acoustics and is a wonderful music venue IMHO. There are church services there every Sunday, but they are not organized by a specific denomination and there is a different minister preaching every week. There are also some other religious meeting/lectures/events from time to time, but not affiliated always with the same church or denomination. The musical events are scheduled through the Villages Entertainment Dept, same folks who book the Squares, Savannah Center, and Katie Belles.

[graciegirl]

Bands is right as usual.

I believe but can't document it that the church was meant to be part of the "Spanish Town" whimsy constructed to delight our eyes. I do know that old Mr. Harold Schwartz funded and still funds posthumously part of the cost of some of the most wonderful classical music presentations my ears have ever heard.

When we first moved here I was quietly wondering why my dear friend who belonged to Temple Shalom was spending so much time at Church on the Square. It really honestly took me a long time to realize that it was the site of many wonderful musical presentations.

Bands is also correct that the acoustics enable sound to flow so beautifully to the very rapt and appreciative audiences that gather there for a very reasonable price.

There are services held on Sunday at noon as well, but the building doesn't truly belong to any church community.

The most beautiful sound that I have ever heard in my entire life was when we heard The Villages Voices sing at Church on the Square.

I will see if I can find a link. Please don't miss an opportunity to hear them, but please leave us a couple of seats.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=...=0&FORM=NVPFVR

[KathieI]

I also held a nondenominational memorial service there for my father when he passed away so that my village friends could attend along with my local family. I had Ralph and Dawn DiNome singing dad's favorite songs and a lovely pastor gave a very nice talk. It was a beautiful tribute in a beautiful atmosphere. I was extremely impressed with how lovely it was inside. We almost filled up the church with my friends. A great memory!!

[mac9]

Kathie, I remember the truly beautiful memorial that you had for Daddy. It was a fitting tribute to a wonderful man.

[KathieI]

Originally Posted by mac9

Kathie, I remember the truly beautiful memorial that you had for Daddy. It was a fitting tribute to a wonderful man.

Thanks Mac,,, and thanks for coming that day!! He was a sweet man and I miss him.

[Mack184]

Thank-you all for the many answers.

[justjim]

A few months ago there was an attempt to expand the Church on The Square and turn it into a Performing Arts Center-----it apparently didn't work out. The Village Voices! We try to make most of their concerts as they are fantastic and I have a H.S. friend who sings in the choir. The acoustics are great in The Church on The Square.

[janmcn]

It's too bad this type of venue isn't being replicated in the other town squares. It not only provides for some excellent entertainment, but it also provides the small town ambiance.

The Church on the Square could accomodate the population in 2000, but not today.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by justjim

A few months ago there was an attempt to expand the Church on The Square and turn it into a Performing Arts Center-----it apparently didn't work out. The Village Voices! We try to make most of their concerts as they are fantastic and I have a H.S. friend who sings in the choir. The acoustics are great in The Church on The Square.

Found this thread about The Morses offer to expand the church.

Here is the Mark Morse Letter regarding the Proposed Performing Arts Center