SAIN T M A R K ’S E PISCOPAL CATH EDR A L, S EAT TLE
LIKE LIVING STONES, LET YOURSELVES BE BUILT INTO A SPIRITUAL HOUSE , TO BE A HOLY PRIESTHOOD, TO OFFER SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES ACCEPTABLE TO GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. 1 P ETER 2 : 5
FROM THE DEAN T HE V ERY R EV ER END ST EV E N L . T H OMASO N Dear Friends, When I travel to meetings across the Episcopal Church, I am consistently greeted with comments about Saint Mark’s Cathedral and its reputation for great music, sound worship in a unique building, and a strong commitment to social justice. I receive such comments with pride and gratitude for the privilege of serving here.
hybrid forums and concerts, and podcasts.
Much has been written about the confluence of meaning gained when people, place, and purpose synchronize in mission. Few communities enjoy such a tangible connection as Saint Mark’s. We are a people, called by God to be together; we are a place, a Holy Box on the hill; and we have a When I engage people purpose here—to serve across our city and tell as a locus of ministry them I work at Saint and hope in and to the Mark’s, they frequently world. People… Place… make the connection Purpose—that is what this with comments capital campaign is really acknowledging “that great about. church you can see from Yes, we are working to the freeway,” and “the preserve and improve a place with the Compline building that is known service and Cathedral worldwide for the Yoga.” It is clear that Saint ministries that flourish Mark’s Cathedral enjoys here so that generations a distinct familiarity, to come may claim this as and a vast number their spiritual home. of people have a real Yes, we are working to connection with the place. Tens of thousands build a sound future for ministries to thrive in cross the cathedral’s threshold every year, and this place, so that the people in this cathedral countless more join via livestreamed services, community may continue
serving others in the world in Christ’s name. Yes, we are working to build on the mission to which God is calling us. People… Place… Purpose. I bid your prayers and participation as we engage this work together, knowing that we serve as stewards of the cathedral at a remarkable time in the history of humanity, and in the history of Saint Mark’s Cathedral. I am grateful for your presence, for the privilege to serve with you, and for God’s blessings that abound in our lives. Yours faithfully,
The Very Reverend Steven L. Thomason Dean & Rector
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Meeting Saint Mark’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 through replacing extremely outdated and inefficient heating and cooling systems
Enhancing the cathedral’s welcome and worship experience through a new radiantheated slate floor in the nave and renovated narthex and restrooms
Making lasting investments in music at Saint Mark’s through endowments for music ministries and funding the installation of a custom Renaissance organ donated by its builder
FROM THE CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS RAN DY U R M STON & E L IZ A DAV IDSON Dear Friends, Like you, we love Saint Mark’s Cathedral. We love the fellowship. We love the liturgy and music. We love the encouragement to integrate justice into our lives. We love the cathedral’s mission, vision, and guiding principles. And we love our cathedral building, the Holy Box. Living Stones II: Building a Sound Future expresses that we love the Holy Box not only in itself, but as one of the essential tools for build-
ing a strong cathedral community in service to each other, to the broader endowments for music community, and to God. ministries and funding Specifically, the campaign the installation of a cusaims to 1. meet our Cre- tom Renaissance organ ation Care commitment donated by its builder. that the cathedral campus We have been tremenbecome net carbon-zero dously blessed by all by 2030, through replac- before us who invested ing extremely outdated in our beloved cathedral. and inefficient heating Now it’s our turn. These and cooling systems, 2. are exciting times and we enhance the cathedral’s hope you will join us! welcome and worship experience through a new radiant-heated slate floor in the nave and renovated narthex and restrooms, and 3. make lasting investments Eliza Davidson in music at Saint & Randy Urmston Mark’s through Campaign Co-chairs
Carol & John Hoerster, Honorary Co-chairs
It is often said that cathedrals are really never finished; they unfold over centuries with each generation stewarding the sacred in their own right—and this is certainly true for Saint Mark’s. To recount briefly the history of major projects in our first century: 1920s: 1920s
raising funds and breaking ground on a new cathedral for the Pacific Northwest 1940s: 1940s
raising funds to reopen the cathedral after the war and to retire the debt 1950s: 1950s construction of Cathedral House and Bloedel Hall as parish life center
1960s: 1960s
installation of the Flentrop organ, a new narthex, and revision of the east façade
2010s: 2010s
the Living Stones project sealing the building envelope, limestone cladding, replacing nave 1980s & 1990s: 1980s & 1990s windows, and accessibility a phased campaign to enhancements including address seismic retrofitting, an elevator and new front a new cathedral roof, and terrace revision of the west façade
(Snapshots of the phases of the building’s life can be seen on the inside back cover.)
Today the nave floor is crumbling, creating a safety risk, and the narthex and its mid-century bathrooms are in poor repair, unheated, and outdated. A new, modern radiant floor heating system with slate overlay, a renovated, light-filled narthex, and modernized bathrooms will improve safety, accessibility, and welcome. These improvements will enhance the worship experience in our breathtaking space, while also serving our carbon reduction goals.
previous page: the main entrance of the cathedral today above, top: proposed renovated entrance with glass doors middle, L to R: the narthex today, and the proposed renovated narthex bottom: proposed design for the nave with new slate floor. Proposed designs and renderings by mgarchitects, Seattle.
In solidarity with future generations, grounded in our Christian duty to preserve and protect God’s creation and promote justice, we will educate, empower, and support the cathedral and its members to become carbon neutral by 2030. —Saint Mark’s Cathedral’s Mutual Ministry Goals, originally adopted by the cathedral Vestry in April 2021
NEW AIR-TO-WA
NEW
Since adopting the commitment to become net carbon zero, we have already reduced carbon emissions by more than 30% on the cathedral campus through interventions such as replacing hot water heaters, upgrading the boiler control systems, and replacing failed steam traps in the HVAC systems. However, the greatest contributors to the building’s emissions have always been the gas-burning boilers that heat the cathedral nave and Cathedral House (Bloedel Hall), both of which have exceeded their life expectancy and can no longer be repaired when they inevitably fail. Now is the moment to replace this outdated and inefficient equipment with new, energy-efficient electric systems.
FIGURE 3. LOCATION PLAN - OPTION 2 - AWHP / RADIANT FLOOR (CATHEDRAL)
The primary goal of the Master Plan is to identify scenarios with different timelines and costs for the Church to reduce greenhouse gas emissions down to zero for the entire campus…
ATER HEAT PUMP
Secondary goals for this plan have been to implement building infrastructure improvements that address serious existing deficiencies, and position the 4" PIPING MAINS buildings to remain relevant and functional for the next 50 years.
W 5 HP PUMPS
Deficiencies include performance problems such as lack of thermal comfort, deteriorating NEW HEAT infrastructure such as leaking RECOVERY VENTILATOR steam systems, safety issues such as uninsulated steam pipes, malfunctioning system components such as steam traps, and/or obsolete components such as pneumatic controls. —from Saint Mark’s Zero Carbon Master Plan, 2021, Solarc Energy Group, LLC EXISTING HOT WATER BOILERS EXISTING ELECTRICAL
EXISTING STEAM BOILER
NEW RADIANT FLOOR TUBE LAYOUT ABOVE, 6" SPACING, 350' MAX. CIRCUITS. NEW RADIANT FLOOR MANIFOLD ABOVE (TYP. OF 6)
Background image is one of several illustrations of proposed new HVAC equipment, from plans produced by Solarc Energy Group, LLC
1962
1965
top row: Two clippings from The Seattle Times, a 1965 photo of the Flentrop’s installation, and the Renaissance-style organ proposed for Compline Corner (the NE corner of the nave) by Paul Fritts & Co. Organ Builders middle row: Canon Michael Kleinschmidt at the console of the Flentrop and leading the Evensong Choir; and the Marion Camp Oliver organ built by Paul Fritts for Thomsen Chapel in 2003 bottom row: The Compline Choir entering the nave, and congregants participating in the now decades-old tradition of experiencing Compline on the nave floor.
FROM THE CANON MUSICIAN MI C H A EL K L E INSCHMIDT For centuries, the Church has sustained the practice of fine arts and crafts, just as fine arts and crafts have for centuries helped to sustain the Church. Saint Mark’s is a global convergence point among churches that possess a spacious acoustical environment and a heritage of precious expertise that is constantly being made new: the practices of singing Compline, training children to lead liturgical music-making, and building exquisite
pipe organs. This is why organ builder Paul Fritts has invited Saint Mark’s to receive the gift of a new instrument built in late-Renaissance style. Paul is in the vanguard of pipe organ craftspeople worldwide. The Renaissance-style organ will contribute to the worship life of Saint Mark’s Cathedral, alongside the famous Flentrop organ, for decades to come.
ensure the continuation of Saint Mark’s musical ministries, no matter what the future holds. This would be part of this generation’s lasting legacy for those who come after us in this place.
Secondly, to endow the position of Canon for Cathedral Music is to
Michael Kleinschmidt Canon for Cathedral Music
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE COMPLINE CHOIR D R . JA SO N A N D ERSON Compline at Saint Mark’s has been a treasure of inestimable value to countless people—at Saint Mark’s, in Seattle, and around the world— for almost 70 years. Leading an institution with this depth of history requires taking a long view, and leaving the Director of Compline
position will make it possible to hand off this role to a successor, when that time comes, and allow the Compline Choir to endure into the future. Choir uncompensated, as has been the case for almost all of this history, is not sustainable. An endowment for this
Dr. Jason Anderson II Director of the Compline Choir
THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT The construction project that arises from the capital campaign’s goals will be guided by our missional values and by realities of the elements of the cathedral’s infrastructure that require timely attention, as identified in a pre-design process. These include: 1. Nave HVAC system has exceeded its expected lifespan. 2. Electrical system of the campus is at capacity and has exceeded its expected lifespan. 3. Cathedral House HVAC system is functioning marginally and has exceeded its expected lifespan. 4. The narthex and bathrooms are dated and unwelcoming (from the 1960s, no heat, slip hazard, dimly lit). 5. The nave floor is crumbling (safety hazard). CAPITAL PROJECT (as adopted by the Saint Mark’s Vestry, December 3, 2024)
HVAC Cathedral (radiant floor heating) ✳
$ 4,493,000
HVAC Bloedel (VRF—variable refrigerant flow)
$ 1,918,000
Narthex Remodel
$ 660,000
Music Endowment (75/25) ◆
$ 1,000,000
Renaissance Organ Gallery §
$ 250,000
Compline Choir Stalls (estimate) ¤
$ 250,000
TOTAL
$ 8,571,000
✳ Nave HVAC solution includes new electrical system for building, new heat recovery ventilator, radiant floor heat system, and new slate floor.
◆ Music endowments raised would be 75% for cathedral canon position (full-time), 25% for Compline Choir director position (¼ FTE)
§ Saint Mark’s has already received a pledge ($1–1.5 million) gifting a new Renaissance organ above the
Compline Corner, which will serve as a signature addition to the worship experience. Construction of the gallery and structural support for the new organ will be part of the project scope for this campaign.
¤ A Compline Choir stall design is not finalized. It is secondary to funding the endowment for the Compline Choir director.
How do we get there? It takes everyone... number of gifts 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 4 8 10 14 16 20 30 50 80 many gifts
amount $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $750,000 $500,000 $300,000 $250,000 $150,000 $100,000 $75,000 $60,000 $45,000 $30,000 $18,000 $9,000 $6,000 $3,000 $300–$1,800
total $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $750,000 $500,000 $300,000 $500,000 $450,000 $400,000 $600,000 $600,000 $630,000 $480,000 $360,000 $270,000 $300,000 $240,000 $120,000
cumulative total $1,500,000 $2,500,000 $3,250,000 $3,750,000 $4,050,000 $4,550,000 $5,000,000 $5,400,000 $6,000,000 $6,600,000 $7,230,000 $7,710,000 $8,070,000 $8,340,000 $8,640,000 $8,880,000 $9,000,000
“Not Equal Gifts, But Equal Generosity” The first part of this phrase means that there will be various dollar amounts dedicated through our campaign; however, no comparisons will be made among what each of us is willing to give for our cathedral. But what about “generosity”? Truly generous giving is the act of making sacred or setting apart our financial resources for God in ways that are of significance to us. It means to dedicate that which is precious to us for that which we value deeply—the future of our cathedral and its ministries. The Scriptures make it clear that God measures our gifts not in relationship to others, but in relationship to the
degree of individual generosity based on how one has been blessed. St. Paul said, “For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has.” [2 Corinthians 8:12] And Jesus said, “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required.” [Luke 12:48] Each of us must seek God’s guidance, confident that God will lead us in discerning how we can best give. As you make your commitments to our capital campaign, give thanks, for, as St. Paul said, “You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God!” [2 Corinthians 9:11]
CREATIVE GIFT PLANNING Many of us are experienced at stewardship in support of the mission and ministry of Saint Mark’s. Many of us provide from our current resources—checking and savings—to supply our support of the church. Often, however, gifts for capital campaigns are contributed in ways other than cash and checkbook. Let’s think outside the conventional box and be creative in our giving. Gifts of Appreciated Investments
Life Insurance
Donations of appreciated long-term stocks, mutual funds, or other investments are an excellent way to support our cathedral. When you donate appreciated investments, you do not pay capital gains tax, and you receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value on the date of the donation.
You may consider donating existing life insurance by making the cathedral both the owner and the beneficiary of the policy. If the policy is whole (ordinary) life insurance, you will receive an immediate tax deduction for the cash value on your federal income tax, and, if you continue to pay future premiums, can take future deductions.
Gifting from an IRA If you are age 70 ½ or older, you can make a tax free Qualified Charitable Distribution to the cathedral from your IRA. The distribution must be made directly from your IRA to the cathedral and it may be applied to your Required Minimum Distribution.
Lifestyle Giving
Bundling
Real Property as a Charitable Gift
With the significant increase of the standard deduction, there’s a reduced incentive to itemize. Since you must itemize to claim a charitable deduction, consider “bundling” your charitable gift. With bundling, you simply alter the timing of your giving so that you exceed the standard deduction and reap a tax deduction. For example, instead of donating $5,000 annually for each of three years, consider giving $15,000 all at once. It’s the same gift as before, but if you coordinate it with your other potential deductions, you may be able to take advantage of the deduction in a year you itemize.
There are two main methods for real estate to be given as a charitable gift. The first is an outright gift of the property. This is the simplest, most direct method resulting in the most immediate tax benefit. The second method involves bequests either through one’s will, establishment of trusts or annuities. For the latter there are various tax benefits depending upon the specifics of the bequest and upon the individual’s life circumstances and desires.
Another way to generate gifts for our campaign is to consider lifestyle adjustments. Postponing the purchase of an automobile or remodeling of a home are ways to “find money” in order to make a generous gift.
Note: Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral cannot give legal advice. You are encouraged to consult your professional advisor before implementing any of the above plans.
Nearly half a century ago, Sydney Evans, then Dean of Salisbury Cathedral, wrote:
“[A cathedral is] built to provide a canopy over the acts of a worshipping community of believers… a celebration of the Christian understanding of the meaning and mystery of being alive and being human. A cathedral is a theatre for a kind of liturgical dance to the music of time and the hidden harmonies of God…”
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