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Basilica Foundation
REMEMBER REJOICE RESTORE
The Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (the Basilica) is the story of one man's vision, persistence and faith, supported by hard work, generosity and the collective sacrifice of the people of St. John's and surrounding communities in the mid 19th century.
For a hundred and fifty years after Archbishop Michael Fleming's death, the Basilica remains a unique achievement - the collaborative effort among the citizens of St. John's in the mid 19th century to build this magnificent church. The cornerstone was laid in 1841 and construction continued for the next 14 years until the church was consecrated in 1855.
As a historic structure the church and surrounding properties are in need of restoration and preservation work. This is not uncommon as historic sites and structures have complex restoration and preservation requirements. The structural integrity is constantly being challenged by the freeze-and-thaw cycles of St. John's in wintertime.
To support ongoing restoration and preservation work the Foundation has established the Bishop Michael Fleming Endowment Fund. Gifts to the Endowment will be restricted to restoration and preservation work only and thereby cannot and will not be used for any other purpose. The interest from the invested funds will provide income in perpetuity to assure future financial needs, and to maintain and enhance our support for the restoration and preservation of the Basilica.
The Endowment will support the following projects:
- Restore 28 stained glass windows
- Interior/exterior masonry and marble work
- Clean and restore statues
- Repair main entrance steps
- Plaster and decorative painting restoration
- Restore and reinstall West Tower Bells.
- Restoration of the West Tower
The Bishop Michael Fleming Endowment Fund can be funded by cash, in memoriams, securities, real estate - almost any kind of appreciated assets. The Endowment can also be funded with future gifts through wills, bequests, trusts and gift annuities (Please consult a lawyer and/or financial advisor when considering a Planned Gift).
Your gift can be made in honour or memory of a loved one, as a 'family' contribution, as a business contribution, as a personal gift, or anonymously.
All gifts will be receipted promptly and will be recognized in an appropriate manner.
Charitable Status:
The Basilica Foundation Inc. is a registered Canadian charity established in 1998. Its mission is to raise funds for restoration, repair and conservation of the Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and surrounding grounds.
Charitable Registration No. 8715 22991 RR0001.
Board of Directors
Pat Thompson, Chair
Dr. Arthur Rideout, Vice Chair
Robert Pitcher, Treasurer
Sheila Ryan
Monsignor John F. Wallis, Vicar General,
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. John's
Reverend Raymond Earle, Pastor,
Basilica of St. John the Baptist
Thomas Doyle
Gerry Power
Contact Information
Basilica Foundation Inc.
200 Military Road
P.O. Box 1363
St. John's, NL A1C 5N5
CANADA
Telephone: (709) 726-3660
Email: pickardc@gmail.com
Web site: www.thebasilica.ca
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