In part, this project will continue some of the Restoration work that was begun in 1998 by Bishop Robert Carlson. And while much was accomplished with that effort, much more remains to be done.
 
There is a great deal of basic infrastructure that needs attention. Every building requires maintenance, and the Cathedral is no exception. The electrical system here is original, now 90 years old. Our sound system is inadequate, particularly for those who have hearing challenges. There are eight layers of paint that is peeling, plaster is deteriorating around some of our beautiful stained glass windows, and the floor needs attention. Nothing has been done in the sanctuary area for over 30 years.
 
I am keenly aware of the fact that this is a treasure that we could lose. I was rector of the St. Raphael Cathedral in Madison, WI when it was set on fire by an arsonist. To experience standing on the street as these brave firefighters were trying to put this fire to rest, then to have the building gone with a sudden whoosh—I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. It motivates me because I know what the loss of a cathedral means to a diocese. Suddenly there wasn’t a place to come for special events, to ordain priests, to celebrate enduring marriages, and to bless the oils in the same way that the Cathedral allows. We need to take steps now to protect the integrity of our Cathedral.
 
Second, beyond basic maintenance, we believe we have an opportunity to highlight the architectural and artistic beauty of The Cathedral to a greater degree. There’s not another structure like it in the world. Some of our older parishioners remember the days when color was used to highlight the beautiful appointments in the ceilings and the stations. One way we teach the faith, and are uplifted in that faith, is through beautiful art. We have some extraordinary elements here that are worthy of a more attractive treatment.
 
Ultimately, it comes down to responsibility. We have a gem here that needs some attention. Those who came before us built this with great vision, with tenacity, with patience, and with sacrifice at a time when this was a relatively small community, not the great city it is now. The diocese was primarily rural. Yet they built this Mother Church in part as a gift to future generations. We have the responsibility to honor them and what they did, I think, by caring for what they gave us and passing it on to those yet to come.
 
I travel all over the vast area of our diocese, so I spend a lot of time in the car. Frequently I’ll pass by an abandoned farm house. You’ve seen them, too, as you travel this state. Each of those places once had life, families, vision, hopes and dreams. Now they sit empty, sad sights as they slowly deteriorate. We can’t let that happen to The Cathedral.