Six historic Episcopal churches selected as National Fund for Sacred Spaces grant recipients
St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson, Arizona. Photo: St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church
[Episcopal News Service] Six historic Episcopal parishes are listed among 29 churches and one synagogue selected to receive capital grants of up to $500,000 for preservation efforts, community engagement and fundraising projects.
The 30 grantees were selected out of 319 applicants due to their historical significance and their community engagement, according to an Oct. 21 announcement posted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a nonprofit committed to preserving historic places nationwide.
The grants come from the National Fund for Sacred Spaces, a program of Partners for Sacred Spaces in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The program, now in its 10th year, has awarded or pledged more than $33 million to 168 congregations representing 28 faith traditions across 45 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
“The phrase ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ may be overused, but nothing could better describe the significance of this grant,” the Very Rev. Matthew Bradley, dean of Christ Church Cathedral, said in an Oct. 21 statement announcing that the cathedral was awarded $500,000 to repair its 201-year-old building. “The cathedral continues to be a vital part of the downtown neighborhood, and this grant provides crucial support for the building’s upkeep and maintenance, and really our ability to continue providing worship and ministry.”
Christ Church was preparing to launch a capital campaign to cover renovations, including repairs to stabilize its roof trusses and making the roof watertight to prevent deterioration, when a parishioner suggested applying for the National fund for Sacred Spaces grant. The cathedral is the first recipient from Kentucky.
“What is particularly exciting about the partnership of the National Fund for Sacred Places is that they understand what an historic parish like ours means to its community and congregation,” Bradley said.
The other 2025 Episcopal grant recipients are St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson, Arizona; St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Dover, New Hampshire; Trinity Episcopal Church on Capitol Square in Columbus, Ohio; the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd/El Buen Pastor Iglesia Episcopal in Ogden, Utah; and St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery in Manhattan, New York City.
St. Philip’s in the Hills has received $150,000 to support repairing the sanctuary’s primary façade, which was constructed in 1936, according to an Oct. 21 Facebook post.
St. Thomas’ may be awarded up to $192,000 to support replacing the church’s 135-year-old slate roof if it can match the National Fund for Sacred Spaces financial pledge. The church has launched a fundraiser to raise the money.
“The matching campaign will engage parishioners, friends and community supporters in ensuring that St. Thomas’ continues to serve as a vibrant place of worship, community gathering and outreach for generations to come,” the church said in an announcement on its website.
Trinity, built in 1869, will launch a matching campaign in January 2026 to unlock the National Fund for Sacred Spaces’ pledged grant of $500,000. The money would be used to renovate the church’s building and improve accessibility, create a space for children and families and expand the church’s kitchen ministry.
“This prestigious grant affirms the vital role our sacred space plays in both spiritual life and community service,” an Oct. 21 post on Trinity’s Facebook page said.
Good Shepherd/El Buen Pastor has received $100,000 to help restore the church’s narthex and Memorial Chapel, including stained-glass windows, doors, the bell tower and stonework. Built in 1875, Good Shepherd/El Buen Pastor is the National Fund for Sacred Spaces’ second grant recipient from Utah. The church will soon launch a two-year capital campaign to match the National Fund for Sacred Spaces’ grant.
“Our Memorial Chapel is now 150 years old, and it’s showing wear, especially in the Narthex, where we enter the church to worship. We know restoration will require historic preservation expertise and a masterful touch,” Good Shepherd/El Buen Pastor said in an undated announcement posted to its website. “This grant will allow us not only to take care of the urgent needs of our historic building, but also to evaluate the condition of the entire chapel and plan for its upkeep over the long term. We are excited to embark on this new partnership.”
St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery was awarded $250,000, which will be used to renovate the church’s parish hall, including installing an accessible ramp and heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, and repairing the roof. Established in the 17th century, St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery is New York City’s oldest site of continuous religious practice and the second-oldest church building in Manhattan. Its building was consecrated in 1799.
All recipients will additionally receive technical support and consulting support for fundraising and stewardship campaigns, community engagement and space sharing.
-Shireen Korkzan is a reporter and assistant editor for Episcopal News Service. She can be reached at skorkzan@episcopalchurch.org.
