Roof and Furnace Fund

Dear Friend of Gower;

As you know, Gower Street United Church sits in the heart of downtown St. John’s and has been for over 200 years, serving our community as it still does today.  On a yearly basis thousands of people from our community pass through our doors.

It is the focal point for many activities; Sunday Worship Services, feeding our community and outreach activities. It is also there to welcome our congregation and visitors for some of the most important occasions in our lives – our baptisms, weddings and funerals.

Our church is available to local community groups, and we host activities such as gatherings for seniors, meetings, concerts and fundraising events for non-profit groups. Over the years we have developed a reputation for not only being a downtown United Church, but also a strong community partner in times of need.

The average daily cost of running Gower Street United Church is close to $1,000 a day and is made up of costs including insurance, heating, light, printing of service materials, maintenance i.e. snow clearing and minor repairs.

As you can imagine there are many challenges of maintaining a Heritage building that is more than 100 years old.  We have recently completed the second phase of a project involving the complete replacement of the Memorial Building roof and interior repairs from the water damage. As we were finishing this project our furnace unexpectedly ceased to function and required replacement. The total cost of the project and the furnace replacement will be in excess of $200,000.  We have been fortunate to receive a grant from the Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage Foundation of $50,000 which leaves us to raise the remaining balance of $150,000.

Therefore, the Roof Construction and Furnace Replacement Project will need a special campaign.

As a member of the Gower Community Band you already contribute to Gower both from an Outreach perspective as well as financially for which we are immensely grateful.
If you are able to consider a gift to Gower Street United Church in your gift planning this year, it would be so greatly appreciated.
As a friend of Gower your generous donation will help us to pay for the repairs to our roof and replace the furnace and at the same time preserves an important asset to our community.

To make your gift you can:

• Click the “ Donate Now” button below.
• Complete the Pledge Form to increase your monthly Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR).
• Send a cheque to the Church Office.  Or
• If you attend Gower, include an extra amount in your weekly envelope.
  

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and considering our special request so that Gower can continue as an important community partner providing help in times of need  to Downtown St. John’s.
Yours Sincerely,
Lorne LeDrew
Board Chair
Gower Street United Church

Yes, I would like to keep Gower Warm and Dry!
Please click the “Donate Now” button below to pledge your gift now (or complete the Pledge Form)

Here are some examples of how a modest monthly commitment by you would help. However,  rest assured that any amount would be greatly appreciated: