Dear Cathedral Congregations,
Greetings to you in this holy season of Lent!
For the past few years, we have engaged in numerous conversations and actions about the recommendations shared by the Discernment Task Force appointed by Bishop Douglas in 2014. One recommendation, namely the desire to make our Cathedral a flexible space, is becoming a reality that will enable us to serve God and God’s people in a more creative way.
Architect Duo Dickinson visited us at our 2019 Homecoming demonstrating a first iteration of the redevelopment model. Many of you had an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the details of this great venture.
The redevelopment of our Cathedral is one of four projects presented as part of a larger ECCT initiative. Our Bishop Diocesan, the Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, is working diligently on fund development meetings with individual donors and groups to request support for our Cathedral project.
I have met and continue to meet with community leaders and organizations, presenting our desired model, creating awareness, and inspiring interest and planting seeds for our future partners and client base. Bishop Douglas and I have had productive meetings with key community partners.
On February 20, our Cathedral Chapter made an historic decision to officially support the project of redevelopment of our space. Cathedral Chapter voted unanimously to dedicate $ 500,000.00 of our endowment funds to partially fund this initiative.
The total project is estimated to cost 2.1 million dollars. So far, Bishop Douglas has raised $700.000.00. Therefore, including our Cathedral chapter designation, we have reached a total of 1.2 million dollars.
We hope and anticipate raising the remainder of the funds by July 2020. It is our hope to start the renovations in late September/ early October.
On February 25, Bishop Douglas, Architect Dickinson, and I signed the contract to officially start the process.
A Redevelopment Committee is being appointed to support this process and to advise Bishop Douglas and me as we lead this time of physical and cultural change.
These are exciting times. If you would like to learn more about this project, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Faithfully,
The Very Rev. Miguelina Howell, Cathedral Dean
