We Spend Your Money Wisely.
The 250 Campaign
The 250 Campaign is a $500,000 historic preservation initiative that will address critically needed repairs to the St. John’s stained glass windows, installed in the late 19th to early 20th century. It will also address repairs to gravestones in the St. John’s churchyard (late 18th century – early 19th century).
If allowed to deteriorate further, the windows could face catastrophic damage and be lost forever.
Can We Count On You?
The work on the Alpha Omega window has commenced. See below for more details.
There are 21 stained glass windows at St. John’s.
Five have been conserved and four are in stable condition.
The remaining 12 windows need immediate conservation.
Restoration will add ~ 100 years to each window’s lifespan.
EXAMPLE: Window 8, Priority I:
Alpha & Omega
Alpha & Omega is an ornamental window installed circa 1896, with opalescent rolled glass held in a lead matrix. Its multicolored panels are highlighted with pressed glass jewels set in geometric design. The bottom sash has significant deflection.
Recommendation: Removal and restoration including re-leading.
Price: $35,000
Source: E.S. Taylor Studio LLC
Your Gift will also Support Repairs in our Historic Graveyard.
The St. John’s churchyard is the oldest public cemetery in the City of Richmond. Approximately 3,400 people are buried at St. John’s, but only 400 gravestones remain. Repairs will help preserve the gravestones so they are not lost.
To make a gift to the campaign, mail a check made payable to St. John’s Church Foundation to:
St. John’s Church Foundation
2319 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23223
Memo line: “250 Campaign”
Interested in making installment payments? Make a pledge! If you have questions please contact Executive Director Stephen Wilson.
804.729.6881
The 250 Campaign will help preserve St. John’s, site of Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech well into the future, and it will build interest in the speech and its impact on the American Revolution in advance of the 250 th anniversary of the speech on March 23, 2025.
What Our Donors Are Saying About Us.
“After I attended a Historic St. John’s Church reenactment of Patrick Henry’s Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death speech, I was very impressed with the whole immersive experience. My son was enthralled as history came to life before his eyes, and I was amazed at the quality of the entire production. When I learned that the facility receives no government funding and relies on private donations, I knew that I needed to be a part of its legacy.” — Jayda Justus, Richmond
A St. John's supporter rings our Meneely church bell following its successful restoration.
“I started giving because of a love for history, but have continued to support St. John’s because of the genuine appreciation that I receive from the organization. From personalized emails to invitations to historical talks, I can tell that the funds are really appreciated! I also value everything St. John’s does for Richmond and Church Hill in particular.” — Liz Keenan, Richmond
“Neither liberty nor historic preservation can be taken for granted. The work of the foundation to preserve property and tradition is so very important, and we make it a priority to lend our support.” — Gail and Everett Harwood, Glen Allen