Introducing the Friends of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kingston, Jamaica

On Sunday 24 October 2010, the "Friends of the Holy Trinity Cathedral" was launched.

The Holy Trinity Cathedral is more than “just” a church. Yes, it is the principal place of worship for Kingston’s Roman Catholic community, but the building itself is a unique artistic, historical and cultural monument and is one of Jamaica’s most important landmarks.

The restoration of the Cathedral, in particular the removal of the layers of gray paint that had covered the amazing frescoes for nearly 40 years, requires the support of all Jamaicans to see it through to its completion. Once the Cathedral has been fully restored, it will require ongoing support from the broader community to maintain the edifice and the artwork, and to see to the continued development of the site so that it fulfills its potential as a premier locale for Jamaicans and for visitors to our island to experience it and learn about it.

The “Friends of the Holy Trinity Cathedral” has been established to engender this support for the Cathedral, not only among Roman Catholics, but among all Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica, whether on or off the island.

In general, “friends” of museums and other such public institutions such as heritage sites like the Holy Trinity Cathedral, are those who contribute in any way to the support of the museum or site, to its development and to its public presence and influence.

“Friends” act on a voluntary and non-remunerative basis. Their support is moral, financial or consists of voluntary work or expertise. Friends and volunteers of a museum institution undertake to support it and its activities with generosity and enthusiasm. Friends and volunteers expect no benefit, financial, or other, save the satisfaction of contributing to the maintenance and development of the institution to which they belong and to the satisfaction of the public which it serves.

The “Friends of the Holy Trinity Cathedral” aims to bring together supporters and volunteers of the Cathedral and structure their activities in an open manner and in a spirit of co-operation with the parent institution, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kingston, and with the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.

If you are interested in being a part of the completion of the Cathedral’s restoration, of the maintenance of the spectacular and unique artistic, historical and cultural treasure that it represents, and the development of the site into one of Kingston’s premier cultural sites, we invite you to become a Friend of the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

What would be expected of you as a Friend of the Holy Trinity Cathedral?

Be counted as a friend and supporter of the Cathedral.

Spread the word about the Cathedral and its marvels to your family, friends and acquaintances. Encourage them to visit, to attend mass there, to view the website, and to also support the Cathedral.

Subscribe to the blog to keep informed about the restoration efforts and the general life of the Cathedral.

Join the Facebook group.

Offer yourself, your skills and your services in any way that you deem helpful to the Cathedral.

The conveners of the Friends group are (from left to right) Karin Wilson-Edmonds, Diana Thorburn, Carolyn Terrier and Enith Williams.