The Basilica of Saint Mary’s Iconic Cupola Now Restored

Although not an official element of the current Basilica School of Saint Mary’s transformational campus construction project, it was discovered in early 2021 that our 72-year-old iconic Williamsburg cupola and its internal structural supports were severely compromised and in dire need of restoration. Housing the 1811 school bell that pre-dates the 1827 Royal Street church, our iconic cupola is now sound and gleams as a beacon of Christ’s love and of our commitment to Catholic education and formation for our children. Costs associated with this unexpected restoration project amounted to $167,000 and was paid for by church restoration and preservation funds.

If you would like to help the parish recover these funds, please consider making a tax-deductible gift to The Basilica School of Saint Mary’s Preservation and Restoration Fund at Faith Direct by clicking here.

Special thanks goes to the Historic Alexandria Foundation (HAF) for being part of this process. Because of a generous and timely 2021 grant from the HAF, subcontractors were able to perform forensic architectural assessments that identified years of hidden damage to the cupola and school bell.