Christ Church Christ Church
Reflect. Restore. Renewed. Printable pledge card [Adobe PDF].
Reflect. Restore. Renewed.

Campaign Goal: $260,000
Challenge Goal: $360,000

Dear Friend,

For nearly 200 years, Christ Church has been a vital place of ministry in Binghamton and beyond. Generations of Christians built and preserved this place—and filled its walls with life. It is our turn to ensure this legacy continues.

Through your generous commitment to the Reflect. Restore. Renewed. campaign, we will witness the physical restoration of the stone and mortar that was skillfully crafted to make the vision of architect Richard Upjohn a reality. At the end of the immense task of restoration, we will feel renewed in spirit knowing that our building will be structurally sound as we move into our third century of ministry.

This is the most ambitious fundraising initiative in our history. The total cost of renovations will be $500,000. Our feasibility study indicated that a reasonable campaign goal would be $260,000. We will make up the difference through a "stretch goal" of an additional $100,000, transferring $90,000 from the Memorial Fund, and seeking success in various grant proposals. All of this will enable us to complete this work in a single phase.

If these walls could talk, they would tell us a rich story of faith, stories of tears and laughter, of hopes and dreams. And if these walls could talk, they would express gratitude to us, because we cared enough to ensure that the Christ Church story will continue long into the future.

If we each give from the heart, we will collectively achieve our goal.

Yours in Christ,

The Very Rev. John R. Martinichio, Rector

For 197 years, the enduring presence of Christ Episcopal Church has been a sign of faith for generations. It is within these walls that our love is expressed. It is within these walls that we have a place to focus on God’s presence in our lives and in our community. It is within these walls that we receive strength, are renewed, and are commissioned to serve God. Although these walls do not define us, they do provide a foundation for our faith.

This campaign will enable us to preserve our cherished home. By renewing the exterior of Christ Church, we will protect this architectural treasure for many, many years to come. Please consider a generous gift.

West Façade Chimney & Masonry

The deterioration of the masonry at the top of the west façade chimney presents a potential life safety hazard for people entering the small courtyard between the historic church and the west addition. Joints are open, and bricks have shifted outward at the top courses of brickwork. We will reconstruct the top one to three feet of the west façade chimney and repoint and repair west façade masonry. $155,000

Capstones

Leakage at copings is admitting water into the upper wall masonry. Neither sealant nor mortar alone are appropriate for use in this exposed and difficult to access location. We will seal all capstones with a lead weathercap, including the west wall, east wall, and transepts. This will provide a durable, long-lasting seal. $25,000

Wood Cornice Moldings

Paint is failing on much of our wooden cornices. Some moldings are severely deteriorated at the eave of the shallow slope roof on the north façade. New molding stock will be run to replace severely deteriorated portions and our cornices will be repainted. $25,000

Drainage

The existing copper gutter system is sagging in some locations and requires adjustment. Some gutters are joined or fitted improperly and roof drainage is running over the gutter. In areas such as the low slope roof of the north façade, roof drainage is running behind the gutter, rotting the trim. We will replace missing slate roof tiles and address these crucial drainage issues. $30,000

Repoint and Repair Masonry

The north and south walls require buttress repairs. The less exposed portions of these walls require repointing. There are several large voids in masonry and areas of delaminating stone that appear to be in danger of falling. We will repair our buttresses and repoint and repair our masonry. $225,000

Contingency Expenses

Inflation, increased construction costs, and pledge attrition require a buffer to ensure our effort�s success. $40,000

Summary

Campaign goal $260,000
Challenge funds $100,000
Transfer from Memorial Fund $90,000
Grants $50,000
Total needed $500,000

Every Gift Matters

Please consider a generous campaign pledge, payable in installments over three to five years (three years preferred). The following chart shows the sizes and numbers of gifts we will need to reach our challenge goal of $360,000. Where do you see yourself?

Size
of Gift
Number
Needed
Cumulative
Total
Monthly
Over 3 Years
$35,000 1 $35,000 $972
$25,000 2 $85,000 $694
$10,000 5 $135,000 $278
$5,000 10 $235,000 $139
$2,500 20 $297,500 $69
$1,000 50 $347,500 $28
<$500 Many Goal Achieved Variable

In addition to your campaign pledge, you might also wish to consider a planned gift, such as a bequest in your will, a gift of appreciated property, or a charitable trust. For more information on planned giving, please contact the church office.

No matter how you decide to help,

Thank You.

Reflect. Restore. Renewed.       Printable pledge card [Adobe PDF].

Lord, remove the distractions of our lives so we can listen to Your Spirit, discern Your will, and have the faith and courage to obey. Let us consider what You wish to accomplish through us for Christ Church and how we may return all that You have given us. Almighty and ever-living God, two hundred years ago You sent Your Holy Spirit to a young church to give it the courage to grow. You now call us to restore our church so that we might continue to foster Your kingdom on earth for those who follow us. Send Your Holy Spirit into our hearts so that we may have strength to build upon the faith of our ancestors. Bless us with vision, energy, and courage that will breathe new life into Christ Church and our community. Bless our campaign and our efforts to preserve our church. May the faith we share this day be our legacy for the next generation. May all of our actions give honor and glory to You, Christ our Lord. Amen.

© MMXII Christ Episcopal Church. Binghamton, NY.