Massy Foundation Donates Half a Million to Cathedral Restoration

MASSY FOUNDATION DONATES HALF A MILLION TO CATHEDRAL RESTORATION

A cheque for the final tranche for the Restoration of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Port of Spain was made to His Grace, Archbishop Joseph E. Harris making a total contribution from the Massy Foundation of $500,000 to the Archbishop’s Appeal.

Gaston Aguilera, Chairman of the Massy Foundation, made the special presentation of $100,000 at Archbishop’s House on Wednesday April 1. Also in attendance to witness the handover were Jenny Lee, Director of Fund Raising and Development of the Archbishop’s Appeal, Deacon Patrick Laurence and Sandra Welch-Farrell, Director of the Massy Foundation.

On presenting Aguilera said, “The Massy Foundation feels extremely proud to be part of the restoration process of this historical and cultural landmark.  The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception has been a sanctuary for many of our citizens from all walks of life who pass through our city on a daily basis.”   He went on to state that “We recognize that the corporate community plays an important role in preserving the cultural heritage of historical buildings throughout Trinidad & Tobago and the Massy Foundation felt it necessary to step up to the plate to assist in restoring this important edifice in the capital city.”

The Cathedral, which was completed in 1850 is listed as a significant heritage site by the National Trust of Trinidad & Tobago.

It is the Mother Church of the Roman Catholic faith of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain. In 2011 it was deemed unsafe for worship and in dire need of restoration and in April 2012 the decision was made to close the doors of the Cathedral for renovation. A dilapidation survey conducted in 2011 indicated that total restoration costs were estimated to be 77 million dollars.

An Appeal was then launched by the Archbishop of Port of Spain to raise funds to the tune of 77 million dollars for the restoration.

The restoration project, which Archbishop Harris affectionately refers to as “more of an evangelizing project”, has received tremendous support from various organizations and individuals across Trinidad as well as Tobago.  He said, “Schools from as far as Point Fortin, and Patience Hill, Tobago crossing various denominations have participated in a variety of fund raising ventures from BBQ’s to Curry-Q’s for the worthy cause.”

All the restoration work being undertaken on the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is being carried out by local craftsmen.  Citizens would soon see completed floors, towers, windows, and the ornate grillwork. 

A new burial chamber is being constructed to house the remains of Archbishop Anthony Pantin whose beatification process has already begun.

The Elaborate locally made wheel chandeliers adorn the center aisles and the north and south naves and are hand crafted in steel and fretted polished brass sheeting.

In 1967, the original floor of the Cathedral with its intricately formed complex pattern of encaustic and geometric tiles made of fired clay were replaced by terrazzo.  However, as part of the restoration process, the apse and sanctuary areas are being re-tiled with encaustic tiles and concrete tiles designed locally and made in the Caribbean.

For many years the highest points in the City were the Cathedral’s twin towers which provided a landmark for ships coming into the Port of Spain harbor.  The towers are identical in structure with the top being formed by majestic cast iron crowns which sit on brick structures.  The north tower houses the Cathedral’s seven bells which are over 100 years old.  

The 27 rose windows set in the upper walls of the church and made of cast iron have gently filtered the light, noises and sounds of the outside world for 167 years. Upon completion all of the lancet windows will have amber glass. 

The majestic doors and ornate cast iron work which added to the security and decoration of the Cathedral are being restored.

The five year project is nearing completion.  The re-dedication of the Cathedral is due to take place on December 8 2015, to coincide with the celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. 

ENDS