April 28, 2024

Fr. John L. Ubel, Rector of the Cathedral of Saint Paul, Saint Paul, MN

Fr. Joesph Johnson, pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church, St. Louis Park, MN

The "Let It Shine! 2014" project involved polishing all of the marble floors on the main floors and sanctuary.

Thank you, Fr. Ubel, for your stewardship of the Cathedral these past 12 years, in service to the Parish as its spiritual home, to the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis as its Mother Church, and to the community as a source of civic pride, welcoming many thousands of visitors to the Cathedral, both to worship and to experience its majesty and spiritual beauty. You also diligently supported, as a Curator, the work of the Foundation, and the Parish's completion, of nearly $6 million of preservation and restoration projects during your tenure.

Here's a list of highlights:

• Repaired and refinished the "Resurrection" doors (exterior front center doors).
• Sacristy restoration including new flooring that matched the original pattern of the 100-year-old tiles.
• LaFarge and Connick stained glass windows (12) restored and cleaned
• Completed a comprehensive lighting study and upgraded to LED lights on the interior and exterior.
• Historic 244 Dayton purchase (original 1920's chancery)
• Rose windows (north and south) fully restored and cleaned.
• Let it Shine! cleaned and polished the 100-year-old marble floors on the main level and purchased a commercial-grade buffing machine to keep the marble floors shining.
• SOUND OFF! Finished the restoration and enhancement of the Cathedral's two historic pipe organs.
• Added a main floor custom-built Welcome desk.

The Board of Curators expresses its sincere gratitude to you, Fr. Ubel. And in recognition of your service over these 12 years, we designate you as a "Curator Emeritus" of the Foundation. Your legacy will not be forgotten as we continue to build on this good work with Fr. Joseph Johnson when he arrives in July.Col

Sincerely,

Mary E. Schaffner

Chair, Cathedral Heritage Foundation Board of Curators

A Crowning Achievement:

The Restoration of the Cathedral of Saint Paul

2003 documentary

Here's a look back on a major restoration of the Cathedral's exterior, specifically it's iconic dome visible for miles in all directions. More than 50 companies representing 8 different trades took part. Following them as they climb the heights to accomplish their work will astonish you.

This documentary was produced as part of the Cathedral's "Preservation Campaign" in 2003. Partners included: Andersen Windows and Doors, Premier Banks, Miller Dunwiddie, McQuillan Bros, McGough, and Creative Energy CO-OP.

Here's the producer's introduction to this well-done documentary: "The people of Minnesota watched in wonder as a towering enclosure of scaffolding rose around the world-renowned Cathedral of Saint Paul....." Enjoy! Link