MAYNARD — Since the mid-1800s, the building at 82 Main St. has been bringing people together. For more than a century, it served as a Congregational Church; more recently, it’s been a performing arts venue.
The people behind the Sanctuary Cultural Arts Center continue to strive for that sense of community.
“It looks like a church because that’s what it is,” said Kevin Baker, Sanctuary’s director of programming and business development. “As unassuming as it seems from the outside, once you walk in you can feel the energy and the vibe, and you can tell it’s a place where you can meet great people and do fun things.”
With stained glass windows, soaring ceilings and a sprawling wooden dance floor, Sanctuary offers a rare blend of history and intimacy.
“The building is such a special place in town,” Baker said. “The bell in the steeple was cast by one of Paul Revere’s apprentices.”
The Main Hall, which can accommodate more than 300 people, offers original touring acts, high-energy tribute nights, community events and the ever-popular Dead Ahead (a Grateful Dead tribute band) residency every Tuesday. A full bar and lounge features free local music seven nights a week.
“There are not a lot of places where you can go any night of the week and the bar is open and there’s live music,” Baker said.
A rich history of community
Built in 1852, the former Congregational Church was a focal point for the community for more than 150 years. William Doyle purchased the building in 2017 with the intention of turning it into an event venue where people could come together and enjoy good music.
Doyle put a lot of money into renovating the space, according to Baker.
“He turned the altar into a stage and built this beautiful bar and lounge in the back,” Baker said. “They also renovated the ground floor level so now we have a community school, Well-Balanced Dog Training (a dog-training business) and the Maynard Food Pantry on the lower level.”
Baker, who worked in the music business before switching to real estate, attended his first performance at the Sanctuary in November 2023.
“I had never heard of the place,” he said. “It was the talent that brought me there. I walked in and was in awe.”
New management seeks to build on venue’s success
Baker and his business partner, Shannon Phypers, took over management of the venue in June 2024, purchased the building a month later and, as Baker said, “hit the ground running in September 2024 and never looked back.”
He said a “great team” was already in place, and that they’re all “really excited to be able to carry the torch and make it the best it can be for the town and surrounding communities.”
“We are continuing to learn every day, and have made several improvements since taking over, including installing world-class sound and lighting systems, and some changes to the bar.”
The venue is available for special events, such as weddings and private parties.
“We’re big on partnership and community,” Baker said. “Having a sense of community and having a sense of being part of something larger is one of those items you have to check if you’re going to be happy as a person. You need a sense of belonging. You need to have a place to go with no judgment and where everyone is just there to have fun.”
The Sanctuary is such a place, he added.
“I think music crosses different demographics and really brings people together. It’s a great place with a good vibe where you can come and listen to good music and dance.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.wickedlocal.com ’
