Vieux Clocher de Magog
Interactive map of Le Vieux Clocher de Magog | |
| Address | Merry Street Magog, Quebec Canada |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 45°16′04″N 72°09′19″W / 45.26778°N 72.15528°W |
| Type | Performance venue |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1981 |
| Website | |
| vieuxclocher | |
Le Vieux Clocher de Magog (lit. 'The Old Bell Tower of Magog') is a performance venue on Merry Street in Magog, Canada. Housed in a former church, it is a recognized cultural venue for the presentation of music, comedy, and storytelling shows.
History
In October 1880, Ralph Merry donated $100 to obtain the endowment of the Quebec Church Society to build an Episcopal church.[1][2] It was built in 1881.[3] The first professional show was presented there in 1974.[4] The venue celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024.[4]
In 1981, the hall was acquired by Bernard-Y. Caza and his brothers, Pierre-Albert and Géraldy Guy, following an advertisement in La Tribune (Sherbrooke) indicating that an "old bell tower" was for sale.[4] At the time, the building was in poor condition and without electricity, having been abandoned following a bankruptcy.[4]
Obtaining the permits required to operate the venue led to a misunderstanding with municipal authorities, related in part to an application for a dance permit.[4] The owners had to clarify that it was not a nude dancing establishment before the necessary authorizations were granted.[4]
In its early days, the hall had approximately 200 seats, with a bar located on the lower floor.[4] This configuration complicated service during intermissions.[4] The bar was subsequently moved into the main hall, which adopted a cabaret format.[4] Today, the capacity reaches approximately 400 spectators.[4]
Le Vieux Clocher hosts a varied programme including singing, jazz, comedy, and storytelling shows.[4] Over the years, the venue has helped bring attention to several Quebec artists, including: Richard Desjardins, Fred Pellerin, André Sauvé, Rock et Belles Oreilles, Louis-José Houde, Patrick Huard, Gilles Vigneault, Lise Dion, Jean Lapointe, Jean-Michel Anctil, Richard Séguin, France D'Amour, Stéphane Rousseau, and Michel Barrette.[4][5]
Le Vieux Clocher is recognized for its intimate atmosphere and the closeness between artists and the audience.
References
- ↑ "Magog". The Stanstead Journal. BAnQ. 1880-10-14. p. 3. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
- ↑ "Eastern Townships News". The Daily Witness. BAnQ. 1880-10-26. p. 2. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
- ↑ "Les 25 ans du Vieux Clocher de Magog". La Tribune (Sherbrooke). BAnQ. 1999-12-04. pp. 1–5. Retrieved 2026-03-30.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Lafortune, Emy (2024-12-30). "50 ans d'anecdotes au Vieux Clocher de Magog". Radio-Canada. Retrieved 2026-03-30.
- ↑ Côté, Émilie (2021-06-05). "Bernard-Y. Caza: Le gardien du Vieux Clocher". La Presse (Montréal). Retrieved 2026-03-30.