“You just know when it’s time. You feel it in your gut,” says Greg Wasmuth. The stock of books, bibles, music, movies, greeting cards, trinkets and artwork at Pilgrim Book and Bible is definitely dwindling as the 35% off signs sway from the breeze brought in by another customer looking for last chance bargains. Greg greets each person as if they were his best friend, and it is that personable touch and gregarious smile that so many loyal customers will miss when the store closes permanently on October 24 after 46 years.
Since 1974 Pilgrim has anchored in East Vancouver with a mission to equip Christians for life’s journey. The store has survived a fire in its original location, a flood from a huge aquarium next door in its second location and a deluge from a broken pipe in its third. Like its owner, the store has been resilient and quick to keep on but the passage of time, changing demographics, competition and the surge of the internet has spoken louder. “There has always been something to encourage us, however.”
Pilgrim Book and Bible got its name when Greg’s wife, Wendy, suggested the moniker after the couple had enjoyed Pilgrim’s Progress.
Greg says that he was a self-styled hippie in his first year of English Literature, studying apocalyptic books like Ezekiel, when his future wife Wendy gave him his first Bible. Through reading and study, he gave his life to Christ and the couple then absorbed numerous Christian books, changed friendships and went to church. They zealously wanted to do something for God. Greg thought originally that he would sell books for a few years and then go into ministry. Books gave the Wasmuth’s life and so the dream of giving life to others through books became a reality.
Encouragement came when people would come in and express how a book had changed their life. During one of the early days a young man stopped by, talked with Greg, purchased a book, and later admitted that he was on his way to commit suicide but the talk and the book he picked up had changed everything. Some mentioned that they were impacted by a book their parent had purchased when they were young. He loved it when children would come in to read in the children’s area at the back of the store. “We’re not preaching to people but we’re helping them understand by the books we display and the conversations we have, and this seems to make a difference for people.”
Nothing was “more important than the person who walked in the door…. Whether they were buying a greeting card, a novel, a commentary or a book of some kind.” Praying for customers and calling them by name was standard practice. At one time Sunday School Curriculum was the foundation of a good segment of business as dozens of churches relied on Pilgrim for their quarterly orders of Gospel Light and David C. Cook but now even Bible study materials are being ordered online.
Greg’s partnership with Missions Fest has been a pivotal part of his ministry profile in recent years. When the founder Richard Dodding called him, he responded positively and saw this as an opportunity to present the diversity of resources to the 30,000 attendees.
Greg has been gracious in giving local authors a chance to display their works on consignment. He says, “it’s good to work with like-minded people in the community.” When Greg sold his last copy of Mere Christianity recently it gave him a pang because he prided himself on the classics that he sold among the rest of the stock.
He says the hardest thing about closing is the loss of relationships after 46 years because this is more than a business. He says executives come to the end of their time, clear out their desk and walk away while things continue. “Every day people come into the store and are sad that we are closing and we’re sad that we won’t be seeing them as often. The Christian community is small enough.”
Greg isn’t sure of his future dreams but hopes to work with schools and churches in speciality resource areas without being tied to a brick and mortar location. There are still a lot of loose ends to tie up. He’s been giving New Testaments to a gentleman who gives away free Bibles in Skytrain stations and would like to keep that up. Christian bookstores have withered to about 50 in Canada and even the suppliers have dried up. “We have a generation that is reading articles and shorter clips on the internet but there is still a generation which likes the comfort of a tangible book where they can curl up with a coffee or read in the park or wherever they are.”
For wisdom, Greg says “The strength of the church is the small church and he fears that it is getting lost in the superstar syndrome focusing on large churches… Big churches continue to get bigger and small churches continue to get smaller.” Greg himself has been a pilgrim through the Christian resource landscape and he has doubled as a pastor to pastors during these years. He will be missed.
Greg says that the one thing you can’t replace is time. “We’ve kind of been married to the store and now the grandchildren need time. I’m hoping to continue playing hockey and staying involved in supporting the Christian community. After praying for years I’ve reached a peace that it’s time to end Pilgrim.” In conclusion Greg says, “Come out and vote on the 24th and then come and clear out Pilgrim.”
“Greg Wasmuth, bookseller extraordinaire. Friendly, warm and engaging and he always knew what he was talking about. He is well respected by his customers and by book distributors and other booksellers. His presence in the bookstore and his infectious smile will be dearly missed. I wish Greg many adventurous and fulfilling retirement years.”
Lando Klassen, House of James, decades long friend and business colleague.
Greg Wasmuth was one of the first people that I met when I started with Missions Fest Vancouver in 2014. He is a true treasure and man of God. Pilgrim Book and Bible and by extension Greg, have operated the book table at the conference since 2006. Every year, rain or shine, Greg and a few faithful helpers packed boxes of books and merchandise and brought them to the Vancouver Convention Centre for the public’s enjoyment and edification. Greg’s smile and enthusiasm at the crack of dawn on a Friday morning always gave me a sense of peace and joy at the start of our busiest weekend. The staff and I at Mission Central wish you all the best Greg, as this next chapter in life opens up before you. Thank you for your love and faithful service.
John Hall, Executive Director, Mission Central
“Greg was one of those people who made you feel at ease in his presence. Our interactions happened mostly at Christian Booksellers conferences where he would generously share his knowledge of the Christian bookselling industry with whomever asked for help. He passionately lived out his mission “to equip Christians for life’s journey.” His easy approachable manner along with his desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone he could was the successful combination he needed to provide years of excellent service to the Christian marketplace. He will be remembered for the difference he made long after he retires. All the best in your retirement Greg”
Marlene Lewis Reimer, Former Manager, Angel Christian Supplies
Well done Greg, on over three decades of service to Greater Vancouver, supplying churches and individuals with life-giving resources. Thank you for your partnership in this calling we share, the conferences and buying trips where we discussed, planned, and encouraged each other. You deserve some rest for a job well done! I’m sure a new adventure awaits!
The Lord Bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you Peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Mike Easton, Christian Book & Music
Jack Taylor served as a missionary for 18 years in Kenya and as a pastor of a multi-cultural church in Vancouver for 23 years. He is the founder of New Hope Community Services Society and currently works as the academic coordinator between Trinity Western University and Kurumbuka Leadership Solutions in Rwanda. He is the author of 23 books (see some at jackataylor.com). He is also a credentialed marriage coach (1heartcoaching.com). He has been married to Gayle for 48 years.
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