St John’s, March 2016. The Constantinian Order is pleased to announce the that a donation of $120,250 has been made towards the restoration fund of the historic Anglican Cathedral of St John the Divine in Antigua & Barbuda.
On 15 March 2016, Delegation members Anthony Bailey and William Jeffcock presented the donation to the newly appointed Dean of the Cathedral of St John the Divine, The Rev Canon Ernest Flemming.
Among those attending the short ceremony were HE Ambassador Lionel Hurst, Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda and HE Mr David Shoul, Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the Holy See. Following the presentation, the delegation toured the Cathedral to see first-hand the improvements and restoration work currently underway.
Delegate Anthony Bailey said, “I am delighted that the Constantinian Order through a partnership established by delegation member Sir William Jeffcock with one of the oldest Anglican Church Trusts in England, the Feoffees of Ecclesfield in Yorkshire, is supporting this significant national ecumenical project benefiting both the Anglican community and the nation as a whole.
“I very much look forward to see the Anglican Cathedral of St John the Divine returning as a historical, religious and cultural symbol of Antigua and Barbuda and for religious services to commence once again.
“This will mirror the works already well underway close by at the former Catholic Cathedral of St Joseph and St Patrick which was abandoned in 1974 but which thanks to the support of the Constantinian Order is currently under complete restoration. So hopefully we will see in the coming year masses and services commencing once again in these two historic pillars of this country’s Christian identity”.
The Rev Canon Ernest Flemming said, “I am immensely grateful to the Constantinian Order and most especially the Feoffees of Ecclesfield for this much needed and valued support. We are proud to partner with you both and I have no doubt that our cooperation will continue to grow”.
The charitable programme followed the highly successful visit of the Grand Master HRH Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro and the Grand Prior, HE Renato Raffaele Cardinal Martino, and delegation to Antigua and Barbuda from 1-4 November 2014. During the visit a meeting was held at the Office of the Prime Minister of the Ecumenical Council of Antigua and Barbuda and this project in favour of the Anglican community was adopted for fundraising purposes.
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