A Commitment to the Arts
Sydenham Street United Church’s mission statement includes a commitment to the arts: to nurturing and being nurtured by the arts within the congregation and the wider community. Congregational art projects mark the church seasons, and we’ve mounted two major musical productions led by noted Canadian composer R. Murray Schafer. Various artistic activities are a regular part of our congregational life, including the annual dramatic reading of Dickens’ Christmas Carol in a suitably eerie performance.
A Favourite Performance Space
Over the years many musicians have delighted audiences in our large concert space at The Spire. These include Angela Hewitt, Tegan & Sara, Arlo Guthrie, Bruce Cockburn, Tom Jackson, Sarah Harmer, Hawkesley Workman, Measha Brueggergosman, Loreena McKennit, Fred Penner, Barra MacNeils, Good Lovelies, Matt Good, Lights, and Susan Aglukark.
You can see videos of some of these concerts on YouTube.
A Community Hub for the Arts
Annually, we organize diverse artistic events that welcome the public and encourage community members to use our extensive facilities. We participate in annual Doors Open tours, and until COVID restrictions, Paint the Town, the Kingston Interconnected Art Tour, and 100 000 Poets for Change who have shared their work from our building. For years, we have partnered with local musical organizations including Cantabile Choirs, Brasswerks, Kingston Choral Society, Orchestra Kingston, and the Communications and Electronics Band.
A Home for Local Arts Organizations
We provide office and rehearsal space to numerous arts groups including Cantabile Choirs, Kingston Choral Society, Orchestra Kingston, Queen’s University Choir & Orchestra, Kingston Youth Orchestra, She Sings, Voices Rock Canada, and many more. Building on the traditions of Sydenham Street United Church, the Board of Friends of The Spire continues to support and promote the arts in our city.
If you are interested in renting our facilities for a concert or meeting, check out our rental information at The Spire.
Updated 2024 06 17