Photo caption: From our photo files comes this photo of the last mass held at St. Mary’s Church in the year 2000.
The year 2022 marks the 22nd year of the board of directors and staff of the Gendron Franco Center acting as stewards of the former St. Mary’s Church of Lewiston, Maine. During these 22 years, over $7 million dollars has been raised and spent on the building so as to create a premiere performing arts center.
As an example, the raised floor in Performance Hall that created a tiered seating arrangement cost over $400,000 and the cushioned seats cost almost $95,000. Then there were the railings with fleur-de-lis designs that added to the cost. It’s a beautiful venue for weddings, concerts, celebrations, and inaugurations.
In 2022, we have launched the start of our new $7 million dollar capital campaign to “Save Our Stones.” The repair work to the building will occur in phases determined by funds and donations received.
The first phase focuses on exterior repairs to the buttresses, gutters, and granite facade. The second phase will focus on repairs to the stained glass windows. The third phase includes an air quality assessment to determine HVAC needs and installation of an air conditioning system. Additional interior work will continue in phases.
Our fundraising for this capital campaign has just begun. The city of Lewiston City Councilors voted to give $250,000 toward our capital campaign. We are preparing detailed presentations to show the cost of the work and where the money is coming from.
We would love your support this year. Every donation counts as we try to reach our $7 million goal.
Think of your donation as an investment in a social event calendar that has something for everyone. Think about the diverse high-quality live performances, celebrations, and educational programs you and the rest of the community can enjoy because you invested in the Gendron Franco Center.
Donate here https://francocenter.org/donate/ or call 207-783-1585.
Wishing our friends and patrons of the arts all the best. Keep the social calendar full of choices for everyone.