Press Release: Effort to Save Endangered Holy Rosary Church Receives Major Gift, Challenge to Succeed

Tacoma, WA–The endangered 99-year-old Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Tacoma, Washington received pledged funding to make opening the doors again not just possible but probable. The independent non-profit Save Tacoma’s Landmark Church received a $1million pledge consisting of $500,000 and a matching pledge of an additional $500,000. The pledge is from the Jack and Angela Connelly Family Foundation. The Foundation will match all donations given by August 31, 2020 up to the $500,000.

The Archdiocese of Seattle has reported that it would cost an estimated $2.0 to $2.5 million to repair the building sufficiently to reopen the doors for safe use. Save Tacoma’s Landmark Church has already raised over $400,000 in pledges. Should the matching gift total succeed, the total amount pledged would exceed $1.9 million in less than one year of effort, getting very close to the first milestone to put the church back into service.

Save Tacoma’s Landmark Church was formed earlier this year with the sole mission to raise the funds to repair and potentially help operate Tacoma’s Holy Rosary church in the future. It is completely independent of the parish and Archdiocese of Seattle. The non-profit was formed since the parish itself was instructed not to raise funds for the building, as Archbishop J. Peter Sartain decreed that the building be closed and razed in August 2019. The separate non-profit allowed those parishioners, non-Catholics and local citizens to focus on the building while appealing the Archdiocese’s decree. After Archbishop Sartain retired in September 2019, Archbishop Paul D. Etienne has confirmed in writing that the Archdiocese received multiple valid appeals to the decree, which are currently under consideration. Part of the basis for the decree was the assumption that the parish “could not” raise more than $600,000 to repair the church, a number far exceeded by these and other donations and pledges. The Archdiocese’s Assessment Detail is available online at https://holyrosarytacoma.org/.

“The challenge here is that Holy Rosary is not a ‘normal’ parish, an assumption that has been erroneously made in Seattle. It breaks my heart that the Archdiocese of Seattle is even considering this action,” stated donor, Jack Connelly. “Holy Rosary’s parish and building has served its parishioners as well as the community, neighborhood, Christians and Tacoma residents of all faiths, for decades.” The Church was dedicated in 1921. Connelly added, “It is a special, beautiful, iconic Church that does not need to be torn down. The loss of Holy Rosary would be a severe loss to Tacoma.” Connelly is an attorney with offices in Old Town Tacoma and Seattle. “We just want a chance,” said Jonathan Carp, board member of Save Tacoma’s Landmark Church. “A neighbor commented to us that he’s battling addiction and uses the steeple that he sees through his window as his inspiration. The power of that icon–and the damage that we’d all suffer if we lost that symbol–is hard to comprehend.”

Save Tacoma’s Landmark Church has already raised over $400,000 through recent publicity and fundraising efforts. The major fundraiser, a Roaring ’20s Dinner & Auction is January 18 at Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma. Individuals or businesses who wish to give to help #SaveHolyRosary can give online, pledge online, buy auction tickets or donate items all at www.savetacomaslandmarkchurch.com. “With Advent, end-of-year giving and Giving Tuesday, we were already in a great time for people to pledge a gift,” said Carp. “Mr. Connelly’s challenge gives everyone one more reason to go online today and pledge.” All donations are tax-deductible. Plans are also forming for an outdoor band event, similar to Basilica Block Party in Minneapolis that saved and now funds operations for the Basilica of St. Mary’s. If businesses are interested in sponsorship, contact savetacomaslandmarkchurch@gmail.com.

Currently, Archbishop Etienne has asked for more time to consider the multiple appeals he received. Members of Save Tacoma’s Landmark Church have asked for a meeting with the Archbishop to discuss funding efforts and ways the non-profit can help the church into the future with fundraising and operating. The Archdiocese estimates that $2 to $2.5 million reopens the church’s doors, an additional $7 million prevents any further damage from happening to the building and an additional $8 million completes all delayed renovations including paint, etc. The total is $18 million but can be completed in phases. If the Archbishop declines the appeal and upholds the decree, Save Tacoma’s Landmark Church will file an appeal with the Vatican. According to Canon Law, which governs the Catholic Church, a church may only be demolished if the funding to repair is not available or not obtainable. Every dollar Save Tacoma’s Landmark Church raises not only helps reach the goal to start renovations but also helps strengthen the appeal.

The outpouring of support has far exceeded the parish boundaries and even the lines of religious groups. Historic Tacoma has named Holy Rosary to its Most Endangered list. Mayor Victoria Woodards attended a meeting in late August to express the City of Tacoma’s support to Save Holy Rosary and social media has been filled with messages like “wasn’t able to donate much, but you have the continuing prayers of a Baptist pastor in Georgia!” received via Twitter. Supporters talk about their history with Holy Rosary, their love of its architecture or simply their desire to see a symbol of faith dominate the city skyline right at the I-5 entrance to the City.

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