Supporters are raising funds to repair Florissant's historic Old St. Ferdinand Shrine

[Sherman A1]

http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/supporters-are-raising-funds-repair-florissants-historic-old-st-ferdinand-shrine

Supporters of the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine in Florissant are trying to raise $400,000 to repair the nearly 200-year-old complex, which includes some of the oldest Roman Catholic buildings in the Louisiana Purchase Territory.

Age and weather have taken a heavy toll on the shrine's church, convent, rectory and school building, according to Geri Debo, secretary/treasurer of the Friends of Old St. Ferdinand Shrine. The nonprofit formed in 1959 to care for the historic brick structures after the Archdiocese of St. Louis replaced them with new parish buildings.

New windows and tuck-pointing top the list of critical repairs needed to stop moisture that is damaging the walls of the buildings.

The group raises funds for daily operations through membership dues, tours and renting the facilities for special events, including weddings and funerals. But because the cost of repairs far exceeds the shrine’s budget, the group has started a gofundme campaign to spread the word.