More than 150 years ago on Main Street in Versailles, Kentucky at the cost of $4,000, St. John’s Episcopal Church was constructed. Since that time, St. John’s has experienced and witnessed much history, growth and change, yet remains constant as a community of faith centered on the person and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth . . . . endeavoring to reflect His love.

In the spring of 2006, St. John's Long Range Planning Committee requested parishioners' views and suggestions about how best to use the physical assets of the parish, particularly the Hughes property, to carry out the mission and ministry of St. John's. After extensive research and prayerful consideration, the Committee, with the approval of the Vestry, developed an approach, based upon that parishioner input, and determined to undertake a campaign to "Restore, Renew & Rejoice" St. John's community of faith.
In order to continue to gather, grow and serve the community, St. John’s must address pressing structural needs throughout the church and community areas of the facility, restore and renovate the Hughes House, and landscape the grounds to expand and enhance existing and future outdoor services and events.

The estimated cost of this undertaking is $1.5 million. It has been determined that the best course of action is to raise this money through philanthropic gifts which may be gifted outright or pledged over three-years in order to complete this project. No program, mission or annual operational funds will be designated or redirected to finance this effort, and all monies raised will be retained by St. John’s Episcopal Church to be dedicated to this effort.

For St. John’s Episcopal Church, the campaign to Restore – Renew – Rejoice will guarantee that these holy, historic and communal structures will continue as enduring structural testaments where everyone is refreshed and renewed whether it be the faith community or the community-at-large.

Restore - St. John’s Episcopal Church

Although much has been done each year to keep St. John’s Church, St. Mary’s Chapel, Hosea Hall, the offices and classrooms, and St. John’s Cabin at Cathedral Domain in a state of repair, the budget has not permitted a comprehensive renovation and refurbishment of the facility; and these areas are clearly showing many years of wear.

The Restore – Renew – Rejoice Campaign will provide the funding that ensures an integrated program of repair and updating takes place, to include:

Refurbishing and repointing sections of the structural masonry and stonework, including St. Mary’s Chapel.

Updating and remodeling Hosea Hall kitchen.

Improving structure and equipment including improvements to the heating and air conditioning system in order to conserve energy and conform to accepted safety standards.

Renovating the structure to increase functional capabilities. Among these projects are replacing outdated lighting, repairing and painting walls, updated restrooms, and replacing carpet, tile and flooring.

Renovating and updating of St. John’s Cabin at Cathedral Domain camp and conference center.

Total Cost: $425,000

Renew – The Hughes House

In the 1990’s St. John’s purchased the Hughes House immediately north of the church. The house is a mid-nineteenth century building constructed of brick and wood framing in the Gothic Revival style of architecture. The house, like the church is a distinct community landmark and one of the designated historic structures in Versailles.

The Hughes House will become a place for church meetings, Christian formation, receptions, weddings and events, and as a resource for the community that would generate rental and usage income. However, this elegant and venerable house must be completely restored before it can be returned to use.

The Restore – Renew – Rejoice Campaign will ensure the renewal and historical integrity of the Hughes House for adaptive reuse through:

Reorganizing and redesigning of the first floor as a reception and meeting area, dressing and preparation area for bridal parties, and the installation of a kitchen for catering use.

Building two wheelchair accessible entrances and restrooms.

Modifying the upper floor to function as smaller meeting rooms, staff offices and storage space.

Replacing and/or repairing the roof, foundation, masonry, windows, exterior doors, bathroom, kitchen, woodwork and stonework throughout.

Restoring of the front and rear porch.

Installing new plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems.

Refurbishing the Hughes House including reconditioning and painting interior walls, replacing flooring and lighting and restoring other interior finishes.

Total Cost: $800,000

A number of site improvements are also planned to increase the beauty and functionality of the grounds surrounding the Hughes House. Among these enhancements are:

Creating a 210 seat outdoor amphitheatre for worship, concerts and other church and community events, ceremonies and programs.

Installing new brick walkways and a paved terrace on the south lawn.

Construction of a new wood picket fence in the Gothic Revival style along the south yard, and rebuilding the stone retaining wall on the north end of the property.

Replacing and resetting stone steps and retaining walls.

Establishing a new parking area.

Landscaping the grounds to highlight and enhance the Hughes House.

Total Cost: $275,000

Rejoice!

The restoration and renewal of St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Hughes House is more than a campaign to raise $1.5 million to restore and renovate facilities. These are the symbols that reflect our belief and mission to stand in the rich tradition of Christian worship, where people are encouraged to grow in the faith that they profess, and live to make a difference in the world.

In order to meet the challenge of this opportunity everyone will be asked to consider as generous a gift or pledge as their personal circumstances permit. As you prayerfully reflect on your level of support, please do so with the knowledge that this undertaking assures that the future of St. John’s Episcopal Church shall be as celebrated as its past.

Almighty God, we give thanks for our community of faith that we know as St. John’s: for all that has passed and the many blessings we enjoy because of the sacrifices and gifts of so many that we do not know. We pray for your guidance as we endeavor to restore and renew the gifts of our buildings for the use of your children to your glory, and to prepare the way for all those who will come after us. In the name of Christ who was and is and is to come, Amen.

If you would like more information, please contact Ann Richmond.

2006 - 2013 St Johns Episcopal