The push is on to save a historic Saint John cathedral in desperate need of extensive repairs and restoration.
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception needs a new roof, among other updates, and restoration estimates are in the millions.
Geoff Flood is among thousands of New Brunswickers who can trace their roots back 160 years to the early Irish immigrants who built the cathedral.
“I found receipts that were signed by my great-great-grandfather for a hammer or for some masonry,” says Flood, chair of the restoration project.
“It was an act of faith. It meant so much to them. It meant ‘we’re here and we’re here to stay’ and the people I talk to who know the story, there’s no hesitation. This is a good thing to do.”
The restoration project has brought together a cross section of people, representing more than 100,000 New Brunswickers.
Representatives from the business community, as well as leaders of the Acadian and First Nations communities are working together to raise the millions of dollars needed to keep the cathedral open for generations to come.
“Everywhere you come from in Saint John, east west, south, in the harbour, what do you see first? You see that spire,” says Pat Darrah, a fundraiser for the project.
“That spire is the inspiration for a lot of people that may not resonate on a day-to-day basis, but if you don’t have it to look at, you will miss it immensely.”
The fundraising project will begin Sunday afternoon with a celebration of music and history at the cathedral.
“The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception has been a big part of my life and has been since I was a young boy,” says parishioner Gary McGrath.
“It’s going to work and I believe that because you have to have confidence and trust and I believe it will be restored.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Mike Cameron
