The Campaign for St. John’s will ensure that we safeguard our legacy. In 2007, a Building Code Review and Site Conditions Report identified nearly $7.5 million of needed repair and restoration as well as opportunities for facility improvements. We would like the opportunity to share with you our plans for this important project and our plans for the future. We will be holding three receptions. The receptions are listed below. Please call 215-563-4145 x 23 to RSVP for your reception of choice so that we may plan accordingly. Refreshments will be served. You may email the parish office at sjeoffice@yahoo.com
The second annual Firefighters’ Memorial Mass, attended by an estimated 125 people, was held at St. John’s on February 14th. Father Frank Yacobi, OFM Cap., presided and concelebrants were Msgr. Dan Sulliva
n and Msgr. Michael McCulken. The Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums led the procession into the church. Enhancing the celebration was the world-class music performed by Dr. Annette DiMedio and Mr. Matthew Cloran.
Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers delivered heartfelt remarks about the vocation of firefighters, who answer the call in a special way. Even 110 years later, we remember the sacrifices of the four who gave their lives in 1899: Hugh Duffy, William Chance, George Steinle and James Shea.
Following the Mass, memorial plaques to each of the four firefighters who died were dedicated and will be placed on church grounds at a later date. Msgr. Sullivan blessed the plaques and remarks were made by Brian McBride and Dave Kearney, President and Recording Secretary, respectively, of Local 22 of the Firefighters’ Union.
Completing the day was a reception hosted by St. John’s Hospitality Committee.
Last November, St. John’s received the great news that we had been awarded an $80,000 grant from the Partners for Sacred Places to support “The Campaign for St. John’s”. Since that time, the Development Committee has been working to define the project scope to be included in the formal grant agreement. It was decided that replacement of the leaking skylights and other critical roofing and masonry repairs was the highest priority after the recent completion of the bell tower project. This work should eliminate the water infiltration which is the primary cause of the damage to our ceilings and walls becoming so unfortunately apparent.
The grant requires a 2-to-1 match with funds to be raised by St. John’s so the total scope of the project supported by the Partners for Sacred Places grant will be $240,000. In the next step, St. John’s will work with Levine & Company, our roofing and architectural conservation consultant, to obtain the detailed construction documents necessary to obtain bids from roofing and masonry contractors on the specified work. Once bids are awarded, the design and construction of the project should take about 9 to 10 months.