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Click here to Download the LOAN AGREEMENTRead the article on Peace Shareholders in the "Spirit of Change" magazine. Abbey Ph 508-655-2143 - Email: info@peaceabbey.org IN THE INTEREST OF PEACE
INVEST IN THE PEACE ABBEY PROPERTY Own a share of the InHouse Mortgage Relief Program with an Interest Free Loan of $1,000 
At the December New England Peace Studies
Association meeting, Professor Joe DeRivera of Clark University
proposed a creative solution to the Peace Abbey's financial challenge:
Divide the Abbey's mortgage debt of $400,000 by 400 people, each
giving a loan of $1,000.Instead of seeking a single donor or purchaser, a community of "peace shareholders" will provide a cooperative democratic solution to help insure the Abbey's future. If you have a thousand dollars in your checking or savings account that you'd like to invest in peace until you need it back, join us and take pride in owning a piece of the Abbey's mortgage. Please pass the word. Help us reach our goal of 400 Abbey "Peace Shareholders." 400 shareholders, each loaning the Abbey $1,000, linked to the ongoing line of credit and the equity in the property, would retire our debt and take the Abbey off the market and into the hearts of those who wish to invest in peace. The founder of a banking practice for the poor in the developing world, which is similar in spirit to this shareholders concept, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006. Take
a virtual tour of the Peace Abbey property and imagine assuming
the role of a banker providing an interest-free loan.
An interest-free loan is unique: it encourages a relationship
with the Peace Abbey over time, is more democratic and fosters greater
participation by virtue of personal interest in our wellbeing.
Your loan will be risk-free. All loans for the InHouse Mortgage Relief Program are repaid through the line of credit which is backed by the equity in the property - removing all liability and risk for those participating. Repayment of your loan is guaranteed. Repayment occurs, in full, when the lender wishes to redeem his/her loan investment. Being a loan, there is no tax deduction. However, those who wish to participate through a donation of $1,000 will receive a tax deduction and be listed as an honorary shareholder. Each "peace shareholder" will be invited to write a one-page personal reflection on their vision for peace for the upcoming book that will be published once the debt is lifted. Possible title: "IN THE INTEREST OF PEACE". (Compilation of reflections suggested by 
John Mottern.)As one can readily sense, this project has a great deal to do with the soul of money and not its commercial value at the mall. Please join us in this democratic, cooperative solution to our funding challenge.Own a piece of the Peace Abbey mortgage, help secure our future, and publish your vision for peace along with the thoughts of others who have come together to save the Peace Abbey. (Inspired by Professor Joe DeRivera & The Lennon Project of 1980.) 
Steps to Becoming a Peace Abbey Shareholder:1) Once you've decided to be a "Peace Shareholder" by providing the Peace Abbey with an interest free loan of $1,000, make a pledge by phone, online, or in person and your name will be added to the growing list of pledges. 2) Download, review, complete, and sign the "Abbey Loan Agreement" (pdf file). (Those who have already mailed in a check, please complete the loan agreement, mail to below address and we'll sign and return with Promissory Note.) 3) Send a check for $1,000 (one thousand) with signed Abbey Loan Agreement to THE PEACE ABBEY and write "interest free loan" on the memo line. (We will return the loan agreement with the signature of Lewis Randa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees along with the Legal Promissory Note. Send documents to The Peace Abbey, P.O. BOX 216, Sherborn, MA 01770. (Those who wish to take a tax deduction by making the $1,000 a gift rather than an interest free loan should write "contribution" on the memo line. They will receive an Honorary (Philanthropic) Shareholders Certificate) 
Questions? Read the Shareholder FAQ
for more information. Email us your Pledge and/or Questions.
364 Shareholders: SOME EMAIL & POST RESPONSES FROM SHAREHOLDERS Email us with your comments. "Enclosed is a check for $1,000 to the Peace Abbey Shareholders Fund from CEASE and from the Peggy Schirmer Memorial Fund. We are pleased to join with many other to assure that the Peace Abbey continues and the Pacifist Memorial stands strong. With our best wishes!" "I hope this interest-free loan idea continues to work. Thanks for all the work there." "What a great Idea! It is my pleasure to be one of many to send you a thousand dollar check to help pay off the mortgage of the Peace Abbey. You have friends around the world and in spirit 
to help keep the Peace Abbey safe. Mother Teresa would approve, I'm
sure. Einstein said that solutios could not be found on the level
on which problems arise. It must come from a higher source. All the
best."
"As a shareholder I love driving by the Abbey on my way to work and see the number of shareholders increasing. We tell everyone we know to consider being part of this wonderful opportunity to share in the life of the Peace Abbey. This is way cooler than just giving to another peace group. We now feel a part of something very important - The Peace Abbey." "In addition to sending in the agreement with our $1,000 interest free loan, am a geocacher I have also posted the Boston Globe article on the Geocaching Forum online. It might help your cause." "Enclosed is our $1,000 contribution to the Peace Abbey with our eternal gratitude and endless prayers for your continued success. Our daughter's all too short time at the Life Experience School was the best of her life." "Unexpectedly, I needed to request my shareholder loan back. I was welcomed by Dot Walsh and Lewis Randa 
and told the process would be simple & easy. They were compassionate
about my situation and joyfully kept the Peace Abbey promise. I received
the check faster than expected and they were as welcoming & wonderful
as when I presented my check to them. I intend to invest money again,
until then I will help in other ways. If my experience can relieve
anyone’s concerns regarding their investment it will be a positive
piece of a challenging situation. The Peace Abbey continues to shine
faith, grace & inspiration."
"After visiting the Peace Abbey website yesterday I was thrilled to discover the wonderfully creative idea you all have come up with to once again save the Abbey! Knowing you as I do, I had faith that you would come up with something imaginative. As I read about the no interest loans and saw the response you were receiving my heart leapt with delight! And then my eyes filled with tears of joy as I realized that I could be a part of such an inspired event. The Peace Abbey is for me my spiritual home and that is why it gives me such great joy to be able to share with you this check. It is a blessed privilege to be able to give back to a place that has given me so much without asking for anything in return." "Thanks to Filly's Canine Cookies, its founder Filly and her parents who love the Life Experience School/Strawberry Fields and the work of the Peace Abbey, we have yet another shareholder whose share is based on a family that keeps giving and giving every which way to make things better for others." 
"I offer this interest free loan with pleasure in respect and admiration
for your wonderul work, that it may continue at The Peace Abbey."
"Best $1000 deal anywhere! As I pointed out to Lewis: For me I enjoy the Abbey's meaningful Muhammad Ali connection. We are twins; close to the same age, well--he is smarter than I, um stronger than I, financially way ahead of me; but we both do have Parkinson's disease, and---oh yeah he has brown eyes, I have green, other than that we are identical twins! Cheers" "Thank so much for what you all do for peace. Enclosed is our interest free loan in the interest of Peace from our family for the human family." "Happy Holidays. Thanks for keeping Peace upfront and foremost for all." "We love what you do at the Peace Abbey and hope that our contribution and those of others will keep your ideals alive in Sherborn." "Enclosed are two checks for $1,000 each: One is a donation and one is an interest free loan to be part of the "loan program". We are hopeful that the Peace Abbey will continue its work for peace and we wish you all a healthy and peaceful 2008." 
"Greetings of the Season(s) and my gratitude for your personal commitment & inspiration. You have consistently upheld my own beliefs and understandings, for which I thank you again and again. Enclosed is my indefinite loan of $1,000." "This is by far the best idea ever! To think you've been hoping and praying for a wealthy person to loan the Abbey a huge chuck of money when bit by bit friends of the Abbey can do it all. Count me in and I'll pass the word through my personal email address list. Merry Christmas you guys. Glad I could do my part." "We've made an online donation of $1,000 to help with the Peace Abbey mortgage in memory of Emily the Cow." "Dear Peace Abbey - you bring such light to the world - and going beyond your means to do it: time, effort, cost, etc. It is truly appreciated. The least we can do is try to help you survive so you can keep on giving. Please accept this $1,000 and include us as a Shareholder. The Abbey provides the world with a necessary positive polarity. Best to all. You are my heros!" Peace and warm tidings. I am very interested in the "new program" and will be happy to be a sponsor. Due to year end and new year business expenses my $1,000 contribution would have to wait till near the end of the 1st quarter - say March. I will be glad to promote the program to others as well. Wishing you all the very best that life has to offer." 
"I checked the shareholder link - and it looks like this idea you
have is a winner! Already $79,000 worth of pledges! outstanding! Glad
to be included on the list ... looking forward to seeing how this
all unfolds. Much love to you and yours."
"I’m wondering how your fund raising is coming. I also have a suggestion: I see a number of people driving around Sherborn with Peace Abbey bumper stickers. Do you have a list of these “fans” in Sherborn to contact?" "This is great. Now my family has a concrete way to not only support the Abbey but also connect with it in a special way. Now we can visit as a shareholder in something we consider to be a blessing to the Town of Sherborn. So glad you decided to split it up so we can all get involved. What a great way to bring the Town of Sherborn together around peace and the Peace Abbey. Sure hope lots of people from town get involved." t"> "I've sent out a personal email to all my friends to let them know that they too can be a shareholder. If everyone who lends the Abbey a $1,000 gets a few of their friends to do the same, 400 shareholders will be reached. Good luck. My check has been sent." "Add our names to the list! Can't think of anything we'd rather do. 2 Shares." "I can’t tell you how THRILLED and HONORED I am to be one of the “Abbey 400” (sounds like the name of a radical group!). There is no doubt about it—this is a WIN/WIN situation. Also, I think it could be a great answer—  to
allow people like me to feel that we really are a part of the Abbey.
Also, I think this will make a GREAT story (for newspapers, shows
and such) once the goal is achieved."
I’m interested in participating in your proposed plan to fund the Peace Abbey with interest-free loans. I’d like to become one of your $1000 shareholders. Please forward the loan agreement and associated paperwork to me." "What a wonderful idea. Count me in. I will send a check by the end of the year." "You people are such incredible spiritual pioneers. Also, I can’t tell you how this helps ME to be a part of this great effort—the email came just when I really needed it." "I would like to donate $1,000 to the fund to save the Peace Abbey." "Dear Sangha Sisters and Brothers; For those who appreciate and love the Peace Abbey, you know these have been difficult times for them. I am enclosing the message from the Abbey about a path for them to alleviate some of their financial problems. Originally, I was going to suggest that BOPS make a loan as the total Sangha, but when I mentioned this at the Brookline Hamlet this morning, there were already individual offers of $1000. It was also suggested that I inform the larger Sangha of this and individuals may make their own decisions. If you are not familiar with the Peace Abbey, please plan to visit - it is a wonderful compassionate and loving kindness environment." 
"Great concept. We'd be honored to be part of this and will look forward
to visiting the Abbey as a shareholder. This is something I hope my
children grow to appreciate because without peace they have no future.
Hope more friends of the Abbey get involved. Good luck."
"Emily, Camilo, Bracelets on the Wall,................on and on and on............sign me up!! for a $1000 loan/pledge...and please add me to your email list..........with much gratitude and hope." "Please put me down for one of the $1000 loans and let me know how to execute. I think this is a great idea." "Yes, I will happily invest $1,000 in the Peace Abbey. I love the work which you do, and I want it to continue. Tell me what I do next." "I am happy (Thrilled) to say a resounding YES!!! to this wonderful idea and hope that there will be 399." "We'd be happy to be a shareholder. Let us know the process. Peace." "Please put me down for two shares. Check made out to "The Peace Abbey"? I can send it tomorrow. Love to all my dear friends in Peace." 
"We're on board to be a shareholder but want to make it a donation which I can then take out of my taxes. Trust that that's OK too." "This is fabulous news. This idea will prove to be pivotal in the global financing of peace instead of war. This would be entirely consistent with Sharia Law and a defense against Usury through "Islamic" Financing. Sign me up. This will also become a subject for discussion at our interfaith book club that is meeting at the Abbey next Tuesday night." "I would be honored to be a shareholder and would like to be one of the 400 people who will pledge $1000 on loan. Hopefully, I can leave it there for a very long time!" "I think this is a very good idea and will put the Abbey on more solid ground. Knowing you have all these "shareholders" with you will make your commitment and peace work even more meaningful. " "I'll be waiting to hear info on how to make the loan. This is a great way to build a community of peacemakers. Thank you." 
"We cannot do the loan — HOWEVER, ... we are happy to make a $25,000
donation to the Abbey. Its been a long time - but we are happy to
be here for you NOW at this time. God bless. Love and peace to you
both and all!!"
"This is an OUTSTANDING PROPOSAL: I wonder if someone who cannot take on the whole thousand could muster friends to help with the thousand? I could raise that thousand pretty easily. I could come up with half of it and raise the other half among family and friends I am sure of that. But before I start on that thread tell me more details. Do I give you cash? Or do I take out a loan through some kind of program at a bank? Regardless, count me way in! If I need to do the whole thousand I will find a way. I love this idea so much I could just jump for joy!! Much Love to you all." I am very interested in becoming one of your 400 "shareholders" and could swing an interest free loan of $1,000 after the first of the year. Please keep me appraised of the status of this effort." "Hi everyone, Count me in." "I will pledge a loan of $1000.00 to the Peace Abbey as loan. Hope all is well and Happy Holidays... in fact... Happy Everyday." 
The MetroWest Daily NewsPEACE ABBEY DONATIONS, LOANS HELP IT STAY AFLOAT By Peter Reuell/Daily News staff SHERBORN - The Peace Abbey is back on firmer financial footing today, nearly a year after facing the possibility of breaking up and selling the property to pay off more than $400,000 in debt. The Sherborn facility, known worldwide for promoting nonviolence and social justice, last summer faced selling off all or part of its North Main Street property to pay off debt resulting from an equity line of credit. Late last week, Peace Abbey Director Lewis Randa said the property is off the market and he hopes to see the debt paid off by the end of the summer. 
The solution, he said, wasn't to think big - he'd originally hoped to find a single benefactor who would purchase the $4.5 million property and allow the Peace Abbey to stay put - but to work on a smaller scale. Spurred by a suggestion by Clark University professor Joe DiRivera, the Abbey began accepting $1,000 "interest free loans" from supporters, or "shareholders." To date, Randa said, the Abbey has received 223 donations and loans, ranging from $1,000 to as much as $25,000. The Abbey's target is to find 400 people willing to make a loan. "It allows us to pay off the equity line of credit...instead of looking for a few major sponsors," Randa said. Using interest-free loans, he said, means supporters who later need the money will get it back. "It could be a month, a year or several years," Randa said. "It really depends on the individual or family. We've already had people loan money who needed it back." The loans help the Abbey pay down the equity line, as the property's mortgage was retired years ago, but Randa said every penny counts. By paying down the $400,000 equity line, the facility avoids being hit with as much as $38,000 in annual interest. Besides, he said, it gives visitors and supporters the feeling of having a stake in the Abbey. "It's a wonderful way to build community," he said. "What we've found is those who have loaned us $1,000 come and visit more often. They bring their children and grandchildren." And though the idea has so far been hugely successful, Randa believes the Abbey has just scratched the surface. "Ninety percent of the people we thought would have participated, haven't yet," he said. MIRACLE ON MAIN STREET ABIGAIL DAVIDSON, Hometown Weekly Staff 27.DEC.07  Just
in time for the holidays, a “miracle” is occurring at 2 North Main
Street in Sherborn. Since taking the Peace Abbey, a multi-faith retreat
center dedicated to promoting peace, off the market and initiating
an innovative shareholder program at the beginning of the month, the
Abbey has already received over $92,000 in interest-free loan pledges
that will hopefully allow Founding Director Lewis Randa to pay off
the center’s $400,000 debt and keep the Abbey at its current location.
“In just two weeks, 92 people and 92,000 dollars has come in,” says Randa. “It’s a wonderful Christmas story. It’s the miracle on Main Street.” Since March of this year, the Peace Abbey has been searching for a benefactor who would purchase the Abbey and lease it back to Randa so that he could continue the Abbey’s mission of peace. Thus far, the search has been unsuccessful and facing a $400,000 debt, Randa was considering moving the Abbey to a different location, or selling one of the center’s buildings. However, at the beginning of December, Professor Joe DeRivera of Clark University proposed a new solution to the Abbey’s financial issues. Instead of seeking one sole benefactor, DeRivera suggested dividing the Abbey’s $400,000 mortgage amongst a group of people willing to support the center’s work. Randa relates how, “When we were all disappointed that no one came through, he (Professor DeRivera) suggested rather than looking for one individual, 400 people could offer interest-free loans and assist (the Abbey) in a more democratic and cooperative way. That’s what’s unfolded so far.” Under the Peace Shareholder program, the Abbey’s $400,000 mortgage would be divided between 400 shareholders, who would each pledge an interest-free loan of $1,000 so that the Abbey could be taken off the market and relieved of its financial burden. Shareholders would hold a piece of the Abbey’s mortgage and their loan would go straight towards helping the Abbey continue its mission of promoting peace. According to Randa, participants, “become a shareholder in the in-house mortgage, not in owning the property. They’re stepping forward and working collectively as a bank, which is a pretty cool way to handle the problem.” The program also offers interesting incentives for participants. Randa does not expect interest-free loans to be permanent donations to the Abbey, and all loans can be repaid, in full, within 30 days of a request. Randa sees each pledge as a means for people who believe in supporting peace and the Abbey to actively participate in maintaining and keeping the Peace Abbey alive. “Shareholders can keep loans here for long as they’d like. Some might be able to leave it here longer than others, but while its here, it’s providing us with debt relief that permits us to continue work and involves hundreds of people,” explains Randa. “People feel more connected and have special interest in the organization by virtue of owning a piece of the mortgage.” Since the program’s inception three weeks ago, Randa says the outpouring of generosity has been unimaginable. “All the people in surrounding areas have been coming by with checks,” recalls Randa. “It’s wonderful when so many people have expressed a desire to be part of the Peace Abbey. That’s pretty heart warming and it makes us feel like we’re not alone in this. The Abbey represents their interests and mission of peace making.” The Peace Abbey’s shareholder program has been flourishing primarily through word of mouth, as Randa refuses to solicit donations and compete for funds with other local non-profits. It is Randa’s hope and dream that the many people who find solace at the Peace Abbey will come forward during times of financial need to support a non-profit they truly believe in. With more than $92,000, a quarter of the center’s debt, already invested in securing the Peace Abbey’s future, Randa says the Peace Abbey is in Sherborn to stay. “This is going to ensure we’re staying here,” Randa relates. “When you have that many people investing their money to keep us here, then I think that is a strong indicator that we’re not going anywhere. We’re getting the support and backing from the community that we need.” Dover-Sherborn Press PEACE ABBEY TO STAY, SEEKS 400 LENDERS By Susan Haverson/Correspondent Tue Dec 11, 2007 SHERBORN - Despite ongoing financial difficulties 
and worries they would have to move out of town, Peace Abbey leaders
have decided they will do everything they can to stay in Sherborn
after all.The Abbey launched an interest-free loan program this month to help it reach its financial goals. Four-hundred people are being sought to lend the abbey $1,000 each. Their help will save the Abbey more than $40,000 a year, which it currently pays in interest on long-term debt to a bank. The debt is primarily from a mortgage. Every $1,000 will purchase a share of the mortgage. “Donations have been coming in regularly, and we have enough to keep us going for another few months,” said Lewis Randa, founding director. While donations cover smaller ongoing expenses, the large mortgage remains to be paid off. Loans will be secured through equity in the abbey’s property. Although lenders tend to view the loans as long term, they can get their money returned, having been put to work for however long, simply with a written request to the Abbey. The small amount of money involved makes participation easy for many people. Also, individuals who cannot afford to donate money can afford to lend it. If the amount is too much for someone to lend, that person’s friends are welcome to chip in to bring the total up to $1,000. “There is no assumption that those loans will become gifts,” said Randa, although he hopes the long-term loan relationships will encourage greater involvement with the Abbey in terms of attendance at workshops and other activities there. The program is being publicized by word of mouth and on the Internet, using the Abbey’s worldwide network of friends. As of Tuesday, the abbey had $12,000 in pledges to the loan program. Randa hopes to receive at least $200,000 in loans within a month. If he doesn’t, he said he will just continue to pay interest. Although the Abbey is still on the market, Randa said, “We pulled the sign down, because we’re not actively looking for a buyer.” He said they don’t want to sell the property and leave Sherborn. Randa wants to replace the current $400,000 debt with loans through his new program. Once that process is completed, he plans to take the Abbey off the market. He will also publish a book at that time, featuring peace-related writing by those who gave or lent money to the Abbey. “We will continue to struggle,” he said. “We’re optimistic that enough people will step forward and be part of this.” Making a loan to the Abbey, Randa added, is “a wonderful holiday present.” Dot Walsh, Abbey chaplain, described people who are coming on board to participate in the new program as those who “love and appreciate the Peace Abbey.” One grandmother lent money in the name of her grandchild, so the girl would grow up knowing $1,000 of hers was being put to use at the Peace Abbey. David Sortor, founder of the Sherborn Inn, lent the abbey $1,000. He considers the Abbey “a very important part of the fabric of Sherborn.” Boston Globe Peace Abbey finds host of $1,000 angels Multifaith retreat in Sherborn seeks to cover $400,000 debt By Anna Fiorentino, Globe Correspondent January 24, 2008 Karen Masterson believes the investment she made in Sherborn's Peace Abbey was not about the money. 
"It was an investment in peace," she said.The Sherborn resident is one of 152 investors participating in the new Peace Abbey Shareholders program, aimed at preventing the multifaith retreat center on North Main Street from closing down after years of financial strain. The abbey aims to recruit 400 supporters willing to provide a $1,000 interest-free loan toward its $400,000 mortgage. Less than a month after the recruitment drive began, the abbey is approaching the halfway point of its goal, and founding director Lewis Randa was able to take the 3-acre abbey property - including a main building, chapel, and guesthouse - off the real estate market. "We were looking for one angel to give us $400,000, and instead we got 152 angels. A check has come in the mail almost every day since we started," said Peace Abbey chaplain Dot Walsh. "We're making history here." The shareholders plan guarantees investors will be reimbursed the exact amount they lent, after a month's notice. There are no banks involved - just a lawyer to oversee the transactions. "People often want to support the work of nonprofits, but might not be able to give the money needed to do so," said Masterson. "This way, if something should ever happen to the Peace Abbey, shareholders will get their money back. I'm secured by the property." Randa opened the Peace Abbey in 1988 after Mother Teresa visited its parent nonprofit organization, the Life Experience School for the disabled, also founded by Randa. The abbey, which solicits contributions only on its website, was nearly forced to relocate last fall after trying to survive on diminishing grants to the Life Experience School. After years of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on memorials commissioned without fund-raising in advance, it had been driven into debt and burdened by a yearly interest rate of $40,000. A year ago, Randa put the abbey property up for sale for $4.5 million, looking to establish an endowment. One potential buyer presented plans to convert the pacifist center into a condominium complex. "People were so disheartened to just see the 'For Sale' sign outside," said Walsh. "It was a losing battle. By that time, we were looking at any kind of alternative to get us out." The abbey conducted a short, unsuccessful search for a like-minded organization or individual to provide an interest-free loan to cover the $400,000 debt. Then, during the New England Peace Studies Association meeting last month at the abbey, Clark University professor Joe de Rivera suggested tackling the debt on a smaller scale. "I said, 'Why would we look for a millionaire when a bunch of us at least have a thousand bucks?' " recalled de Rivera, now a shareholder. No one, including de Rivera, had heard of anything like it. "There was a spark that seemed to go from one person to another," said Walsh, who was also at the meeting. Masterson and others quickly responded to a sign outside the abbey soliciting contributors, and last month it replaced the "For Sale" sign. Others heard about it on the website or by word-of-mouth. Masterson, also a member of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Boston, posted a flier about the program at her Framingham business, Big Fresh Café. "One of my customers saw the sign and became a shareholder. I'm so excited this is working. It's brilliant," she said. "I am definitely taking it to other nonprofits I'm involved with." |
3 Lewis, Meg, Chris, Mike & Abbey Randa, MA
28 Ellen Piontek, MA
73 Anthony Lavely, MA
102 Barbara, Michael, & Lizzy Holz, MA
125-127 Kathrine Wiley, MA
153 Polly & Gordon Marquis, MA
175 Robert & Helen McIlvaine, PA
198 Cyclists for Peace (Irv Kurki, Cynthia Snow & Nancey
Kinlin), MA 
215 William & Leah Dusett, MA
233 Jessica Alm, MA
SHAREHOLDER CLERK
Thumbs Up
Peace Abbey is staying. It is terrific news that the Peace Abbey has
finally taken down its “for sale” sign. While technically,
the Abbey is still on the market, founder Lewis Randa has said he
is no longer actively looking for a buyer and that the Abbey will
do what it can to stay in Sherborn. We urge everyone who can to become
one of the 400 lenders the Abbey is seeking, each of whom would lend
it $1,000 to purchase a share of the mortgage and help lift it out
of its financial crisis. It’s reassuring, though, to hear Randa
say that even if the money doesn’t flow in as hoped that the
Abbey will continue paying interest rather than leave town. It would
have been devastating to see the Abbey leave the town where it has
so many years of history. Sherborn would never have been the same
without it.
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