St. Paul Cathedral Restoration/Renovation and the Cathedral Campaign

"St. Paul Cathedral, a foundation of faith, building a future of hope"

Three years ago, with the Cathedral's 100th anniversary approaching in October 2006, a study was begun to determine what was needed to restore and renovate the cathedral for the next century. This study was accelerated two years ago when masonry began falling from the Cathedral and began to pose safety problems for all concerned. The first issue to be addressed, then, was the major exterior renovation work necessary to make the Cathedral safe, beautiful, and preserved for future generations. The actual work began in the late summer of 2005 and will be completed by June 2006. The four side towers of the Cathedral were assessed as very unstable and these were taken down and rebuilt incorporating steel pins, which had not been used in the original construction. The main towers on Fifth Avenue needed an all new steel infrastructure, since the almost 100 year old steel had rusted, and, in some instances even broken off from the towers. There were close to 1000 stones on the exterior that needed replaced due to cracking or breaking, and many decorative carvings had to be repaired. The entire Cathedral will be re-pointed and cleaned. Along with this, many stained glass windows in the towers had to be replaced or repaired, due to breakage.

The interior work will begin in June 2006 and will be completed in September 2006. This will include repairing all interior windows that are damaged; providing new electrical wiring and lighting (the last system was done in the 50’s); providing a new heating system, which will include air-conditioning (the old boilers are over 40 years old and some of the pipes are almost 100 years old); providing handicapped access to the sanctuary; and repainting the interior (the Cathedral was last painted in 1984). Special handicapped seating areas of the Cathedral will also be provided.

Also, in June 2006, construction will begin for an addition to the rectory side of the Cathedral, which will make the building handicapped accessible and provide handicapped bathrooms for those who need them. This addition, which will be entered on Fifth Avenue, should make the cathedral totally compliant with the American with Disabilities Act. This addition will not be ready for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Cathedral on Oct. 22, 2006, but will be completed in the spring of 2007.

The final aspect of the Restoration/Renovation project will be the repair and restoration of the great von Beckerath organ, one of the finest instruments in the United States. We hope to complete this work sometime in 2007.

On January 8, 2006, Bishop Wuerl officially announced the beginning of an $8.5 M campaign to accomplish this restoration and renovation work. This campaign is seeking funds from the Cathedral parishioners, the 212 parishes of the diocese, special benefactors, the priests and deacons of the diocese, and from the corporate and foundation communities. The needs are obvious, and each issue directly affects, not only the stability and beauty of the building, but also the safety and comfort of the people. The building is historically significant, as Pittsburgh's finest example of neo-Gothic architecture, a building designated by the History and Landmarks Society. The building is also spiritually significant as the Mother Church of the Diocese, the only church containing the chair of the bishop’s teaching and shepherding authority. St. Paul Cathedral has served as the spiritual home of over 800,000 Catholics for 100 years, and has been a spiritual oasis in the heart of the university and medical community of Oakland.

If you would like to help restore and renovate this great asset to the community of believers and to the entire community, please send your contributions to: St. Paul Cathedral Campaign, 108 N. Dithridge St., Pittsburgh, Pa 15213.