FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

St. Joan of Arc Receives National Fund Award

Indianapolis, Indiana (October 20, 2017) –

St. Joan of Arc has secured a dream for many of America’s older houses of worship.

The National Fund for Sacred Places, a program of Partners for Sacred Places and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, announced the acceptance of St. Joan of Arc as one of 17 congregations nationwide to participate in a national historic grant-making program that supports capital building projects. Launched last year with grants totaling $14 million from the Indiana-based Lilly Endowment Inc., the Philadelphia-based National Fund will offer planning grants, professional services, and capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 to a minimum of 50 congregations over four years.

Founded in 1921, the congregation has met in its Italian Renaissance Revival church for nearly a century. As part of its Centennial Campaign, a capital investment project, St. Joan of Arc will invest awarded monies from the National Fund in the interior restoration of its sanctuary; preservation needs include significant structural repairs and an HVAC system that will protect the church’s Stations of the Cross oil paintings.

Chad Martin, Director of the National Fund, says, “We are thrilled with the opportunity to support this major restoration campaign. St. Joan of Arc has done substantial fundraising to date and has shown a commitment to best practices for preservation of its sanctuary building. Like thousands of Catholic parishes across the country, this parish has been integral to the well-being of its neighborhood. We believe this project is important precisely because it highlights the civic value of such sacred places for the common good of communities across America.”

The congregation’s community service makes the church an invaluable local resource. St. Joan of Arc operates a refugee clothing center, engages neighborhood youth, and hosts numerous civic meetings. “While we’ve been a pillar in the neighborhood for nearly 100 years, and many have an affinity for our church, the aging interior is a detracts from the vibrant community we have developed and continue to nurture,” says Parish Administrator Molly Ellsworth. “A full restoration will help us to continue our service to our neighborhood and city with a renewed sense of purpose.”

Father Guy Roberts, pastor of St. Joan of Arc, anticipates strong regional support for the church’s capital campaign as it moves closer to its centennial celebration. He says, “It is challenging to find a Catholic on the northside of Indianapolis who does not have some connection, directly or through family, to St. Joan of Arc.”

The final grant amount will be determined upon the completion of the technical support parts of the program -- including training and project consultation. The complete list of National Fund awardees for the 2017-18 program year include the following:
● Church of the Epiphany—Los Angeles, CA
● Congregation Beth Ahabah—Richmond, VA
● Downtown Church—Memphis, TN
● Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church—Charleston, SC

● The First Baptist Church of Boston—Boston, MA
● First Church—Oberlin, OH
● First Presbyterian Church—Santa Fe, NM
● Grace United Methodist Church—Dallas, TX
● Holy Ascension of Our Lord Cathedral Russian Orthodox Church—Unalaska, AK
● Judson Memorial Church—New York, NY
● Lutheran Church of the Reformation—Washington, DC
● Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña—San Antonio, TX
● Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church—Indianapolis, IN
● Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church—Cedar Rapids, IA
● Shrine of Christ the King Sovereign Priest—Chicago, IL
● United Baptist Church of Poultney—Poultney, VT
● Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church—Philadelphia, PA

About The National Fund for Sacred Places
The National Fund for Sacred Places is a program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. www.fundforsacredplaces.org

About Partners for Sacred Places
Partners for Sacred Places helps congregations and others with a stake in older religious properties make the most of them as civic assets in ways that benefit people of all faiths and of no faith. Learn more at sacredplaces.org

About The National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded nonprofit organization, protects significant places representing our diverse cultural experience by taking direct action and inspiring broad public support. www.savingplaces.org

For more information, contact the following:
Molly Ellsworth
Parish Business Manager, St. Joan of Arc
317-283-5508
[email protected]

Chad Martin
Director, The National Fund for Sacred Places
215-567-3432 x19 (Philadelphia office)
[email protected]