Wonderful Community Recognition!

Sally and Fred Harris, founders of Saint James Place, received the 2022 Beautification Award from the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce “In recognition of their restoration of the Saint James Place Rectory, the renaissance of both beautiful historic buildings, and their investment in our community.”

Sally and Fred happily accepted the acknowledgement at the Chamber After Hours at the Great Barrington Historical Society on December 8. General Manager Seth Keyes was also recognized for his service on the Chamber Board of Directors. Thank you to the Chamber!  Co-president of the Chamber Dawn Stanyon of Professionality Consulting read the following:

“The Southern Berkshires are an amazing place to live because of the people, of course, but also the astounding beauty. It’s all around us all the time Even on Main Street Great Barrington. . This year, we’d like to recognize Saint James Place — the beautiful arts and culture center at 352 Main Street. Saint James Place founders Sally and Fred Harris are completing the restoration and renovation of the old rectory, the vibrant blue building with red trim next to Saint James Place. The inside holds offices; the outside presents a fresh face with a restored wide front porch with furniture and plants hanging on either side of the entrance. The rectory’s renaissance was the second act in their restoration play.

Saint James Place was a historic Episcopal church. After years of neglect (it was going to be torn down!), Sally and Fred Harris stepped in. Through grants, gifts, and their tenacious dedication, Saint James Place was restored and refined, and opened its doors in 2017. It’s a performance and event venue, the home to the People’s Pantry, and office space arts non-profits. I think we can all agree, when you drive by Saint James Place, with its bright red front doors and seasonally decorated entryway, it’s beautiful clock tower above, and then the gorgeous old rectory building, it just makes you feel proud to live here.”