N.S. author shares her home’s journey through eyes of church mouse

Tracy Barron shares a lot in common with the title character in her new children’s book, “The Adventures of Spencer the Church Mouse.”

Just like Spencer, Barron lives in a church in Rawdon Gold Mines, N.S. – the same one Spencer lives in before his adventure begins.

“This is a story of the move of the former Union Church in Rawdon Gold Mines in 2009 but it’s from the perspective of the mouse who was almost unhoused when the church moved to a new location,” Barron said.

In the story, Spencer has to decide if he will follow the church through its move or stay behind where it is safe.

“He decided to go on an adventure and see where his home was going,” Barron said.

The story is a metaphor for Barron’s own adventure, moving the church from its original location and renovating it into her new home.

“This tells the story of a community landmark that is being preserved,” Barron said.

After moving into the church at its new site in 2010, Barron said the restoration project, like the book, became a labour of love.

“Here we are 15 years later and I now consider the church ready for its close-up,” she said.

Barron said publishing her book, which tells the story of the church’s journey, “is the bow” wrapped around the gift she’s given to herself and the community.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.