PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
September 1, 2019
Pittsburgh, PA – Church of the Ascension, a historic Anglican church in Pittsburgh, PA celebrated their “MORE THAN STONES” Capital Stewardship Campaign Kick-Off on Sunday, August 25, 2019, launching the public phase of the campaign. With more than 500 members and friends in attendance, Rector, Jonathan Millard, announced that 49 households have already pledged a total of, $2,834,260 toward the project needs. This amount is already more than what was raised by the entire congregation during the previous capital campaign, twenty years ago, and is more than two times annual giving.
A strong call to mission is the driving force behind all of the initiatives identified by the Vestry. Repairing some of the aging, historic structure, originally built in 1897 and expanding the ability to extend hospitality to the neighbors is at the heart of the capital campaign. Repointing the failing mortar, repairing the many remarkable stained glass works of art, cleaning decades of “Steel City” soot that has covered the beautiful stone façade, will present a warm and welcoming presence to the community.
Additionally, the church has seen significant growth over the past decade and the Parish Hall is beyond capacity. Enlarging the space will provide opportunity to hold larger church-wide events, extending hospitality and welcoming the nations who have come to Pittsburgh and are now their neighbors. Architects, Rothschild, Doyno Collaborative, have listened intently, through the summer months, to understand the needs of the congregation. Principle, Ken Doyno and project lead, Melanie Buzgan Dower, were on hand to present the renderings and answer questions. With an expanded Parish Hall, the project will open its walls and doors to the community with a new Narthex filled with natural daylight, that also provides a warm glow at night. At the street’s edge a new plaza and “front porch” will provide a welcoming and inviting intersection with the thriving congregation. “The spirit and hospitality of the congregation continues to inspire the creation of a space that will allow them to expand their mission and better serve the community” said Doyno. “We are honored to be a part of this important project.”
Church of the Ascension is a member of the Anglican Church North America (ACNA) and is located in the historic Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Established in 1889, they are “A Worshipping Community; Equipping God’s people; Sharing Christ’s healing with a broken world.”
The visionary leadership of the Rector, The Rev. Canon Jonathan Millard, along with the Vestry and other key leaders, have laid a firm foundation on which to launch this capital campaign. “We are at a pivotal moment in the life of our congregation as we respond to significant growth with a renewed commitment to welcome our neighbors and reach the nations with the transforming love of God,” said Millard. “It has been humbling to witness the generosity of many in the early part of our More than Stones initiative.”
James D. Klote & Associates, Inc., a firm specializing in capital funding projects for non-profit organizations, is providing full-time, resident counsel. Consultant, Dan Reese, is representing the firm. “It has been my distinct honor to assist a great team of volunteers through this process.” said Reese. “This congregation is committed to reaching the nations and their neighbors with the hope of the gospel.”
With offices in Falls Church, Virginia; Dallas, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Los Angeles, California; and Toronto, Ontario, Canada, James D. Klote & Associates is the largest full-time, on-site stewardship consulting firm in North America. For additional information, please contact the firm at www.jdklote.com or (800)-360-2315.