A Message from Dean Thomason: Update on Living Stones II Capital Campaign

Dear friends,

Following the wonderfully successful parish phase of the Living Stones II capital campaign in 2025, we have been in the Continuation Phase these last twelve months, reaching out to churches across the Diocese and to the broader community, seeking additional gifts and pledges from others for whom Saint Mark’s Cathedral holds a special place. True to our mission to serve as a “sacred gathering place for the Diocese of Olympia and the broader community in times of crisis, sorrow, and celebration,” there are many who recognize the importance of the project to preserve and update this cathedral, and many have joined the effort.

As of August 1, we have received 578 pledges and gifts to the Living Stones II campaign! This number includes a $1 million gift from the Norcliffe Foundation, whose mission is “to improve the quality of life for all people in our community” by focusing on projects involving human services, health care, civic, educational and the arts. I met with their board in May, and they resonated with Saint Mark’s mission and how this building serves so many in our community. We are delighted to share this good news with you.

The total pledged is currently $9,909,102, and more than $6 million of that pledge total has been fulfilled, making it possible for the main construction project to unfold in mid-2027. Thank you to all who have contributed to this effort. I am overwhelmed by the generosity of this community!

Because of your generosity, the Design Committee has been hard at work planning for project, and they will share an important parish update at Cathedral Commons on Wednesday September 23, at 6:45 p.m. in Bloedel Hall and on Zoom. I hope you will mark your calendars now to join that important gathering.

Our initial estimate for the project funded by Living Stones II was approximately $8.5-9 million, and our campaign feasibility study led us to establish our initial campaign goal of $8.5 million. We learned this spring that rising costs and a few unanticipated challenges to a century-old building now project the all-in cost to be about $10.5 million, which means we are not finished with the fundraising yet. As Cathedral Dean, I continue to visit other churches in the Diocese to preach and teach, share about the cathedral, and to solicit gifts from parishes and individuals. And there are folks in the cathedral parish who have not yet made a gift or pledge to the campaign. We hope you will!

Everyone who gives will be recognized on a donor wall, as we did for Living Stones I a decade ago. I hope all who claim this as a spiritual home will join in the effort to ensure the cathedral will serve generations to come. Together we will make our way, and I am so delighted to be part of this community at this important time in the history of Saint Mark’s Cathedral.

For more information on the Living Stones II campaign, or to make your pledge or gift, please visit the campaign webpage, or contact Dean Thomason or Erik Donner in the church office.

Gratefully yours,

 

 

The Very Reverend Steven L. Thomason
Dean and Rector