An architectural and engineering study identified multiple projects necessary to secure the long-term functionality, safety, accessibility, and beauty of the Cathedral.
We have already implemented some of the most critical efforts needed to prevent further damage to the interior of the building, and now it is time to enter the next phase of the building restoration, focusing on:
Repairing decorative plaster, rebuilding bronze doors, and revitalizing the Sanctuary.
Addressing building security, upgrading the plaza and parking, and replacing the elevators that are beyond repair.
Improving all lighting, replacing the failing pipe organ, and enhancing the musical program with additional instruments commensurate with episcopal liturgical needs and fitting for a cathedral setting.
As an iconic landmark in Cincinnati, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains is known for its grand columns, sanctuary woodwork, large bronze doors, intricate decorative paintings, and its original high altar. These details make a profound impact on the physical beauty of the Cathedral and the spiritual and liturgical experience of those who enter. Over the years, periods of neglect, lack of funding, and simply the passage of time have resulted in damage to the building’s decorative plaster, issues with asbestos in the finishings, some destabilization and disintegration of the marble altar, and degradation of the building’s seven pairs of bronze doors. Funding for these projects will allow the Cathedral to engage qualified experts in woodworking, painting and plaster work, masonry, bronze restoration and mechanics to address these issues. With your support, we can restore the Cathedral’s original majesty and return the doors to good working order, restore the sanctuary’s woodwork, correct the engineering defect and replace the temporary altar top with the intended and necessary marble of the original design, and update the building’s painting and plasterwork.
Providing a welcoming environment and sanctuary for all who enter is critical to the mission of the Cathedral. Ensuring that our space is accessible and safe is essential to allowing those who enter to participate fully in worship and engage in personal prayer and reflection. This includes providing ample parking and clear wayfinding signs. With your help investing in safety and accessibility, we will level and resurface the parking lot that has degraded, provide systems for the Cathedral staff to begin managing the parking concession, and provide security, fencing, and signs to welcome visitors and reach the community with evangelizing and catechetical opportunities. Additionally, we will upgrade our sound system to broadcast both indoors and outdoors for those occasions – such as liturgies for Easter Vigil, Blue Mass, Palm Sunday, and public funerals – when worshippers fill the plaza and portico. We will also renovate our three building elevators to address critical mechanical issues, lower energy waste, and address recurring service issues – ensuring that the elevators run smoothly and safely and continue making our building accessible to the elderly and those with disabilities.
The Cathedral is a sacred space that ushers us into the presence of the Divine. The sanctuary provides space for contemplation, reflection, reverence, and awe. While lighting enhances the Cathedral’s architectural beauty and guides our focus toward the altar, the choirs and pipe organs invite us into deep reflection, communal worship, and connection to Heaven and God. Together, these elements transform the Cathedral into a true place of worship where parishioners and visitors experience the beauty, truth and goodness of our Catholic faith. The Cathedral’s current lighting system provides insufficient light to support the liturgy and participation of the faithful. This also limits the Cathedral’s ability to capture high-quality video for streaming. Replacing the Cathedral’s 65 year old lighting system will not only increase the Cathedral’s energy efficiency, but would allow for the creative use of lighting in liturgical celebrations and improve our video ministry to those who cannot attend the Cathedral in-person due to illness or other limiting factors.
The Cathedral’s current pipe organ has been deteriorating for several years. Despite multiple repairs, the pipe organ continues to have recurring problems. The parts needed for repairs are no longer manufactured. After thorough research by the Cathedral’s organ committee, we have the opportunity to commission three new pipe organs: one for use in the Blessed Sacrament chapel, a second organ dedicated to supporting the Cathedral Basilica’s stellar choral program, and a grand organ in the east gallery to support the many archdiocesan liturgies, concerts, and other events held in the mother church of the archdiocese.
These new organs are modeled on the centuries-old tradition of European organ building that has a track record for longevity and reliability. These organs are estimated to last for at least 200 years with minimal maintenance. Along with providing a majestic sound for our sacred liturgies, they will also further the Church’s outreach to support student artists at institutions such as the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music. Students will be inspired to pursue careers in sacred music, where there is a profound shortage of qualified musicians. World-renowned artists will seek out our Cathedral for performance and recording opportunities, furthering the Church’s mission of evangelization.
No particular church, including our own mother church, can thrive without looking forward to tomorrow. We know that future ministry at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains will require investing in the identified renovation and upgrade projects now, for the benefit of generations to come.
Please consider joining us, in faith, as we answer this call to restore our beautiful Cathedral Basilica and preserve its place as the Mother Church in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
for the mission and ministry of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains.
your support and share your faith.
in stewarding this beautiful Cathedral Basilica and securing its future in the archdiocese.