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. 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.