What is the Dreams & Visions Campaign?

Dreams & Visions is a fundraising campaign of St. Paul’s Cathedral to support the renewal of our Cathedral Nave, to make it more welcoming, accessible, and sustainable - for worship, for

gatherings, and for the wider community.

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What is the financial goal of Dreams & Visions?

The campaign goal is $1.5M. As of February 18/25, we have raised 55 percent of our goal.

 

Why is the Cathedral embarking on this campaign now?

We believe we are at a critical inflection point in the history of our community. Every generation is called to discern what discipleship looks like in our times. We believe this is our moment to show that following in the Way of Jesus requires an open heart and open doors. God is at work in our neighbourhood and our city. We believe these changes will better allow us to join God in that work.

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What is a Cathedral Nave, anyways?

A nave is the central part of a

church, extending from the main

entrance Narthex to the chancel.

The term comes from the Latin

word "navis," meaning "ship,"

which is fitting given the nave's

long, narrow shape.

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​​​​​​​​​ABOUT THE RENOVATIONS

PROJECT TIMELINE

2023 - Initial ‘nave-gazing’ , conducted by Trinity Centres Foundation (now known as Relèven) – studies, presentations and workshops to explore ways to expand the building’s potential for greater versatility and accessibility for worship, gatherings and community events.

September 22, 2024 – Special Vestry where two motions were passed:

1. To confirm acceptance the City of London’s designation of St. Paul’s Cathedral as the preferred location for the Creative Sector Incubation Hub.

2. To authorize the Wardens on behalf of the parish to apply to the Diocese of Huron for a $500,000 grant and a $500,000 loan to finance the removal of pews in the sanctuary and chapel, new flooring in sanctuary and chapel, new accessible ramp in sanctuary, and new chairs in replacement of pews, and to investigate the cost of air conditioning.

2024 – Enter the professional engineers and designers! Wasylko Architects, VanBoxmeer &

Stranges Engineering Ltd. and Whitty & Stallaert Engineering Inc. developed the required

engineering and design master plans to make our nave renewal dream a reality

2024 – Selection of Ellis-Don for construction management of the project.

January 5, 2025 St. Paul’s congregation moves our 10AM worship services into Cronyn Hall.

January 6, 2025 – Construction work commences in the nave.

January 2025 – Recruitment of the Dreams & Visions Campaign Cabinet

February 23, 2025 – Dreams & Visions Official Launch at Vestry

Spring 2025 – Dreams & Visions Public Launch (date TBA)

June 2025 – projected completion of renovations, in advance of the Anglican Church of Canada’s General Synod, hosted by the Diocese of Huron at St. Paul’s Cathedral June 23 – 28, 2025.

2027 – the Cathedral’s Bi-Centennial!

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MAJOR WORK

• Pew removal (all 200+ pews were repurposed or reused, either by individuals or other churches)

• St. Aidan’s Chapel is also included in the pew removal.

• Ceramic floor tile removal in the nave

• Carpet removal in St Aidan’s Chapel

• Reinforcing of the existing Nave floor structure

• Reworking the existing exit doors

• Reworking the perimeter heating enclosure to be self-supporting and housing new A/C units.

• Building a ramp to access the Sacristy hall

• Installation of new flooring in the nave

• Installation of energy-efficient air-conditioning system

• Rough-in electrical for future AV equipment

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PROJECT COSTS

Engineering & Design - $100,000

Building Permit - $4,500

Construction - $450,000

Air Conditioning - $250,000

Audio Visual - $60,000

Chairs - $267,000

Floor - $215,000

Campaign Expenses - $5,000

Contingency (15%) - $96,000

TOTAL $1,447,500

 

Does this project incorporate green building standards and best practices?

An access ramp is being added and the new A/C system will be up to the latest standards.

This A/C system will not only cool in the summer it will also supplement the heating system in the cold weather.

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Will this work have any affect on the Cathedral’s heritage status?

No. St. Paul's Cathedral in London, Ontario was designated a heritage property in 2005 by the City of London. The cathedral is protected under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Its interior attributes are not designated as ‘heritage’.

Why it’s a heritage property:

Historical Value – The Cathedral was built in 1846 and is a Gothic revival-style landmark in downtown London. 
Contextual Value – the cathedral’s grounds were once a graveyard for the village of London
Community Value – The Cathedral has a rich musical tradition and is a longstanding venue for arts, music and cultural activities.

 

When will the Cathedral nave be available for rental to external groups? Will this generate income to offset the Cathedral’s operating expenses? Who will be in charge of managing facilities rentals with outside groups?

The Cathedral is a beautiful and unique space. Already, we have received numerous expressions of interest. While the Cathedral’s primary function will always be on worship, we anticipate that our improved accessibility, energy efficiency and versatility will attract a variety of activities that align with our mission of serving our community, including public concerts, art events, conferences and community celebrations, commemorations and more. As bookings increase, a coordinator will be enlisted to oversee this activity. This rental revenue will help offset the costs of maintenance and repairs for the Cathedral.

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ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

What is the campaign timeline?

While Dreams & Visions will run for five years (we encourage pledges over a five-year period), our biggest fundraising push is Spring 2025 – the five months leading up to the scheduled

re-opening of the Cathedral nave in June 2025. The official campaign launch takes place at Vestry on Sunday, February 23, 2025. The public launch will take place in Spring 2025 (date TBA). Our goal is to encourage parishioners and those closest to St. Paul’s Cathedral to give their pledges and gifts prior to the public launch. This provides a strong start, demonstrates our own Cathedral community’s investment, and builds excitement and momentum.

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Who is leading the Dreams & Visions campaign?

There are two Honorary Co-Chairs: The Most Rev’d Percy O’Driscoll and Mrs. Pat Townshend, both with deep roots in the Diocese of Huron and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Honorable Ed Holder is our City Champion.

 

Dreams & Visions Campaign Cabinet:

The Very Rev'd Kevin George – Cabinet Chair and Rector

Bright Arinaitwe – Digital Support

Kerry Blackwell – Campaign Readiness

Suzanne Edmondson – Coordinator

Bette Ferguson – Heritage

Doreen Kyomugisha – Spiritual Readiness

Mary Ann McDowell – Volunteers & Events

Bruce Orr – Finance

Archdeacon Sam Thomas – Senior Pastoral Advisor

Carolyn Doyle – Member-at-large

The Honourable Peter Hockin – Member-at-large

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What is the strategy for raising the funds?

Over the coming months, the Cathedral will reach out to all of its parishioners and to the wider

community to support this revitalization project. We hope to rally both public and private support across our city and beyond. There will be approaches to individuals and to government, organizations, corporations, foundations and businesses.

 

How is the Diocese of Huron contributing to the campaign?

The Diocese of Huron has provided a $500,000 grant and also a $500,000 loan to be paid back

within five years. These funds have allowed us to begin the renovation work without delay, for which the Cathedral is very thankful.

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How do I decide how much to pledge?

Everyone’s financial situation is unique. Your decision is a personal one. All contributions, from

smallest to largest, are gratefully received and tax-receiptable in accordance with CRA regulations. We ask that you give prayerful consideration to your gift and that it be a meaningful personal sacrifice above and beyond your regular parish giving. Pledges are encouraged because it is easier to make a significant contribution by making a pledge

that can be fulfilled over a period of time rather than all at once.

 

Gifts of securities and planned gifts to support the Dreams & Visions campaign are also welcomed. Please contact Carrie Fieldhouse at 519-434-3225 or dreamsandvisions@stpaulscathedral.on.ca for more information.

In all cases, St. Paul’s Cathedral has policies and procedures to ensure that your privacy and

confidentiality are protected.

 

May I make a gift to Dreams & Visions in memory or in honour of someone important to me?

Yes, gifts to the campaign can be given in memory or in honour. Gifts at certain levels may also

include the option to have a particular campaign component permanently recognized in memory or in tribute to someone. Please contact Carrie Fieldhouse at 519-434-3225 or

dreamsandvisions@stpaulscathedral.on.ca to learn more about special naming opportunities.

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What are the campaign costs?

Dreams & Visions is volunteer-driven, with support from our Cathedral staff. There will be some

minor campaign costs to help us spread the word broadly (a vital part of the success of the

campaign) - printing of campaign materials and postage for special mailings, for example. Great effort is being made in this campaign to work innovatively to keep costs minimal.

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How will Dreams & Visions Campaign affect the annual operating revenue of St. Paul’s

Cathedral?

We ask that your gift to Dreams & Visions is above and beyond your regular offering to support the daily work of the Cathedral.

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How can I make my pledge or one-time donation?

You can make your gift by:

• cheque payable to St. Paul’s Cathedral –note Dreams & Visions in the memo section

• credit card and electronic payments

• Pre-authorized payments through your bank or financial institution

• Automatic payroll deduction (please ask your employer if they offer this option)

 

What if my circumstances change and I am unable to fulfill my pledge?

Financial pledges are promises or intentions; they are not legally binding. Donors make their

pledges in good faith with the full expectation of fulfilling their pledge commitment. If your

circumstances change at any time, you may revise your pledge simply by notifying the Cathedral. It is good practice for donors to amend their will to direct executors to use estate assets to fulfill any portion of a charitable pledge payment still outstanding. We request that you contact your legal or financial representative for advice.

 

How can I stay up-to-date on the progress of Dreams & Visions?

You can find regular updates at www.dreamsandvisions.ca and on the Cathedral’s Facebook

page. Check out the Dreams & Visions display board inside Cronyn Hall. There will be a weekly

campaign e-newsletter, as well as regular announcements at church services.

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Who can I contact for more information about Dreams & Visions?

Phone: 519-434-3225

Email: dreamsandvisions@stpaulscathedral.on.ca

Website: www.dreamsandvisions.ca