The Custodians of America's First Cathedral
The Custodians are individuals or couples who contribute a gift of at least $25,000 to the endowment of the Basilica of the Assumption Historic Trust. By their gift, Custodians invest in the Trust ministry in its sole mission of maintaining, preserving, protecting, repairing, and restoring America’s First Catholic Cathedral.
Left: The Altar of Our Lady on the northern side of the Chancel.
Right: The Altar of St. Joseph on the southern side of the Chancel.
Left: The Altar of Our Lady on the northern side of the Chancel.
Right: The Altar of St. Joseph on the southern side of the Chancel.
Left: The Seat of the Archbishop at the northwestern corner of the Chancel. The incumbent Archbishop is The Most Reverend William E. Lori. The Papal Bell, or Tintinnabulum, at the left is the second artifact marking Basilica status.
Right: The Pulpit at the southwestern corner of the Chancel. The incumbent Rector of the Basilica is Father James E. Boric.
Left: The northern Transept, featuring the Organ and a stone memorial to James Cardinal Gibbons (1834–1921), ninth Archbishop of Baltimore (1877–1921).
Right: The southern Transept, featuring a stone memorial to Archbishop John Carroll (1735–1815), the first bishop and archbishop in the United States.
In March of 2022, the Board of Trustees of the Basilica of the Assumption Historic Trust created the Custodians of America’s First Catholic Cathedral.
The Custodians are individuals or couples who contribute a gift of at least $25,000 to the endowment of the Basilica of the Assumption Historic Trust. By their gift, Custodians invest in the Trust ministry in its sole mission of maintaining, preserving, protecting, repairing, and restoring America’s First Catholic Cathedral.
The investment income generated annually by the endowment of the Basilica of the Assumption Historic Trust allows the Board of Trustees to respond to the current and future needs of the Basilica. As the endowment grows, so does the annual investment income. There are four levels of Custodians:
Legacy Custodians
Gift or Pledge of $100,000 or more
Gold Custodians
Gift or Pledge of $75,000 or more
Silver Custodians
Gift or Pledge of $50,000 or more
Bronze Custodians
Gift or Pledge of $25,000 or more
*Pledges are paid over a period of up to 5 years. Custodians can elevate their support level by adding to an already existing gift or pledge.
An annual Custodians Reception will be held at the Residence of the Archbishop of Baltimore or another location as deemed appropriate to welcome new members and to celebrate the work of the Basilica of the Assumption Historic Trust. In addition, Custodians are recognized at all Basilica of the Assumption Historic Trust events.
The title Honorary Custodian can be bestowed by resolution of the Board of Trustees upon individuals or couples who have generously supported the work of the Basilica of the Assumption Historic Trust.
New Custodians will be welcomed at a reception at the residence of The Most Reverend William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore Fall of 2023.
To further inquire about joining the Custodians, please contact John Schlageter at 202-230-4316. Gifts can be mailed to Basilica of the Assumption Historic Trust 320 Cathedral Street Baltimore, MD 21201.
Our Custodians
Silver Custodians
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- Mr. Michael J Ruck and Mrs. Wendy Ruck
Bronze Custodians
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- Michael and Stephanie Clancy
- H.E. Vicki Downey
- Deacon Sean and Sheri Keller
- Mrs. Margot Kyd
- Mr. Gerry Laporte
- Wm Randolph Weber and Sondra Weber
Honorary Custodians
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- Mrs. Teresa Ayd Knott
- Mr. Malvin A. Pavik