The Belfry opens in Sisters

Sisters has a new community events center.

The Belfry, on the corner of Main Avenue and Spruce Street, received its baptism last weekend with a surprise 60th birthday party for beloved Sisters artist and educator Kit Stafford. Well over 100 people dined from a buffet table and danced on the hardwood floors to live music performed on the broad stage that was once a church.

That's just the kind of event new owner Angeline Rhett hopes to see at The Belfry (named for the home of the still-working church bell).

"It will have something for everybody," Rhett told The Nugget. You could have a kid's birthday in the basement; you could have a rehearsal dinner; you could have a yoga workshop."

She envisions theater and literary events, brewing classes and wine-making classes - the ideas just keep flowing.

"The science club has booked four dates," Rhett noted. "We're really open to see what direction it goes. I would love to have a comedy show every month."

Music will certainly be part of the picture. The Sisters Folk Festival has already expressed interest in using the building as a venue. The building also has a number of studios that will be home to local artists and their projects - projects that generate further ideas.

The former church is nearly 100 years old and Rhett couldn't look past its potential.

"Pretty much I just walked in, and when you walk in, you immediately start having ideas," she said. "I wasn't really looking for a new project. I resisted it a little bit. But once I got going, I couldn't walk away from it."

Rhett is inviting the community to stop by and check out The Belfry during an open house on Saturday, November 24. Tours will run from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by live music featuring Shireen Amini from 6 to 10 p.m.

For information on booking The Belfry, email [email protected].