Saving Saint Germain des Prés, the Oldest Church in Paris

American Friends for the Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to fund the restoration of Paris’ oldest church. The foundation works with its French counterparts at The Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés Foundation to garner donations in the pursuit of preserving history.

Americans Rally to Save Saint Germain des Prés, the Oldest Church in Paris

OMTimes: There are a plethora of mixed feelings rising since the fire consumed the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Many people seem to think that the Vatican should contribute to the restoration of monuments of faith such as Notre Dame and Saint Germain. Does Saint Germain belong to the jurisdiction of the Vatican and can they contribute? Please explain.

Saint Germain des Prés: We are very disturbed by the tragic damage to Notre Dame and regret the various controversies that have arisen. It is clear that the task of preservation and restoration is one that, in France, is complicated by the State’s ownership of church buildings and the reality that so many of these need attention and resources.

OMTimes: Although it remains unclear what caused the fire, firefighters said the blaze may be “potentially linked” to renovations to the building, per Huffington Post France. What are the concrete (material) risks and challenges old cathedrals like Notre Dame and Saint Germain face while undergoing a comprehensive process of a renovation?

Saint Germain des Prés: We must all await the final report on the cause of the fire at Notre Dame before drawing any conclusions as to what did indeed happen there or what could happen just about anywhere. There are many risks to preservation work. They range from disinterest to under-financing, from poor design to poor execution, from decay and breakage to fire and water, and many more. To get it right is extraordinarily difficult and painstaking.

OMTimes: What are the challenges your organization faces while trying to restore an architectural treasure such as Saint Germain des Prés that is owned by the Municipality?

Saint Germain des Prés: As the owner of the site and overseer of the detailed plan for the renovation, the City of Paris has been a remarkably effective and diligent partner in shepherding these works to what we expect will be an extraordinary re-invigoration of this thousand-year-old church.

OMTimes: We observed a rising social media trend where people have been criticizing the amounts donated to save Notre Dame, along with the immediate availability of cash for its restoration, arguing that no similar amount of money has ever been allocated to help end hunger, or help war refugees, or the victims of natural disasters. What are your thoughts?

Saint Germain des Prés: The fire has brought about an overwhelming response by people and organizations all over the world to help, to rebuild, to preserve something fundamentally important, almost regardless of cost. Contrary views have arisen and, though lesser in intensity and number, they are of course valid and worthy of discussion and response. Ultimately, rebuilding Notre Dame and social justice are not mutually exclusive.

OMTimes: We are living in strange times. For the past few years, we have experienced the loss of many valuable monuments of our human history and of our Faith. In France, there are reports of several churches being vandalized and desecrated. Why do you think that our modern society tends to disregard sacred places and historical patrimonies such as Saint Germain?

Saint Germain des Prés: Anytime that we lose a part of who we are and where we’ve come from is a time for both reflection and action. To walk into Saint Germain des Prés church today is a catalyst for both reflection and action.

OMTimes: How can we inspire the open public to actively support the preservation of the treasures of Human History & Memory, and ageless works of Art and Faith such as the Saint Germain des Prés?

Saint Germain des Prés: Preserving these wonderful examples of the development and progress of man, culture, and history demands the involvement of all of us. We undertook to raise individual donations from interested individuals to be sure that Saint Germain des Prés was able to continue its mission of outreach to the community and students of Paris and remain a symbol of its deep historical influence on learning, art, culture, and faith.

OMTimes: You are calling the preservation campaign Adopt a Saint Germain Star. Please tell us more about these stars.

Saint Germain des Prés: The Adopt-a-Star campaign allows interested friends of Saint Germain des Prés to donate money towards the restoration works now underway, and which will continue until 2021 or later. The ancient, vaulted church ceiling is cerulean blue and contains some 3,000 golden stars peering down on the activities of the church far below. Friends of Saint Germain des Prés specifically, or of art and architectural restoration in general, can go onto our website and “adopt” one of these stars in exchange for a donation of $100. The donor can then choose to ascribe to that star the name of a loved one, a child or parent, a fallen comrade, a cause, or, indeed, nothing at all.

Many stars have already been adopted, and it is at once meaningful and heart-warming to see all the names appear on these stars as one wanders across the virtual ceiling on our website. The monies collected go directly to the restoration works.

Our organization, the American Friends for the Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés church, is a recognized 501(c)(3); therefore, all gifts are subject to full deductibility for U.S. taxpayers. (Donors should check with their local tax advisors for specific applicability of this and any charitable deduction as they may relate to the circumstances of the individual taxpayer.)

Our website contains the full history of the church, an overview of the works accomplished to date, a view of works to come, and an easy mechanism to make online donations with a credit card. The website is www.preservesaintgermain.org. We are grateful for your interest and support.

~ David G. Sheppe and Brian W. Smith, Directors American Friends for the Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés Church

Leave Your Mark on 1,500 Years of History

Established in 543, Saint Germain des Prés is a top tourist destination in Paris.

The Adopt a Saint Germain Star™ campaign is a fundraising effort for the restoration of the Monk’s Choir ceiling in the church. Together, donors will breathe new life into this emblematic heritage site, preserving Saint Germain des Prés for generations to come.

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