St. Martin’s Episcopal Church Capital Campaign
Help Maintain our Home ▪ Plans for Repairs and Renovations
A NOTE FROM OUR PRIEST
Dear Family of St. Martin's,
Over these last few years, you have welcomed me into your midst. During that period of time we have prayed together, laughed together, cried together, and worked hard to make our small Community of Faith a place of welcome for all.
I often think that St. Martin's is the hidden treasure along busy highway 19 in Pasco County. Our small Community of Faith is a place filled with the most caring, loving, generous people I have ever had the pleasure to know. Like the buried treasure (see Matthew 13:44) in Jesus' parable, for those of us who have found our way here, we have discovered the great riches of this Godly Family.
Our lives together have been centered in and around the building that houses and stands as a witness to our community of faith. This building has been the focus of that life together for over thirty years and as is true of all things, with the passing of time so comes the aging process. For us that often means aching bones, graying hair, and a few more wrinkles than was true this time last year. For the buildings at St. Martin's, the years have also taken their toll. Too many years of deferred maintenance, some temporary patchwork repairs, and benign neglect have resulted in a threat to the very fabric of our beloved building. In the notes which follow, you will see and read about the much need repairs and improvements.
God, in His loving generosity has placed into our care these buildings, not only for our time together, but also for the generations yet to come. Our Lord entrusted us with this collective ministry and responsibility.
In order for us to respond to God faith in us, we are embarking on a Capital Campaign, an opportunity for you to give gifts of money for the purpose of the restoration and preservation of St. Martins Church.
Having been the beneficiaries of the generosity the faithful souls (all of whom have now entered Eternal Life in the Lord) who more than thirty years ago purchased the land and built our building, now it is our tum to care for their gift to us, and to pass on that gift to future generations.
On the pages which follow, you will discover the ways through which you can respond.
May the Lord who has blessed you so richly, inspire you so that you, on our Lord's behalf, may bless all who seek the peace and joy and warm fellowship of this faith filled family for many years to come.
Father Ronald C. Kowalski
THE STORY OF ST MARTINS
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church had its humble beginnings in the Hudson Chamber of Commerce Building. Shortly thereafter, St. Martins moved to a two - story bank building on US 19 in Hudson. As the congregation grew, St. Martin’s planned to build a parish hall with rooms for a Sunday School and finally, a church.
The parish hall was completed first and was dedicated on the current property at 15801 US 19 in Hudson, Florida in December of 1985. The church was flourishing with 197 members, Sunday School classes and a children's chapel. In 1990, the church ran a thrift shop at a local strip mall and a gift shop in a garage type building on the grounds. Quinnan Hall was build in 1991 to hold offices and Sunday School rooms for parishioners who had previously met in different parts of the parish hall. A kitchen was also installed along with a place for the choir to meet and practice.
The congregation started to decline due to various factors such as age, transfers etc. We have many tireless workers, but it isn't enough to fix the physical problems in the church as far as maintenance is concerned.
In 2021, we have approximately 60 members, most in their seventies and eighties. We still have tireless workers within the church. We do outreach to the Hudson community, especially the Northwest Elementary School. Our congregation donates clothing, shoes, schools supplies and even food for the less fortunate in our community. Our congregation is like family with everyone looking after each other. Our Priest in Charge is Father Ronald Kowalski. He does an excellent job and is well liked by the congregation. Unfortunately; over the years the physical building has been neglected and the funds needed to repair it aren't there.
SCOPE OF THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
1. ROOF - Replace the roof of the Church, Quinnan Hall and the connecting hallway.
2. BUILDING - Replace outside siding that has rotted areas, and repair stonework areas when needed.
3. CEILING - Repair the ceiling that has water damage in the church and repaint ceilings.
4. CEILING TILES AND PAINT - Replace broken and stained ceiling tiles in the offices. Repaint interior where needed.
5. PARKING LOT - Repair parking lot where needed and resurface entire parking lot and repaint parking lines.
6. SIGNAGE - Replace roadside signs with updated and larger signage.
7. SPRINKLER SYSTEM - Repair sprinkler system and add sprinklers where needed to cover the front and left side of church.
8. SOD - Sod front and left side of church to improver appearance.
Other Ways to Help
CASH/CHECK
Please mail checks or cash contributions to:
St. Martin's Episcopal Church
PO Box 7199
Hudson, FL 34667
SECURITIES
Appreciated securities offer donors and income tax deduction for a charitable gift and donors avoid capital gains tax that would be incurred through a sale. Please consult a tax accountant.
BEQUESTS
Individuals may make a gift in a specified amount or percentage of his/her estate to support St. Martin’s. Please consult your attorney.
LIFE ISURANCE
St. Martin’s may be the named as owner and beneficiary of a new policy or ownership of an existing policy may be transferred to the parish.
REAL ESTATE
Real estate allows donors to both claim and income tax deduction for the value of a gift and avoid paying capital gains on the appreciation of the property. Please consult a financial advisor.
PLEDGES
Pledges shall be counted toward the campaign goal at the full face value of the pledge when properly documented by a signed pledge card. To be counted in full toward the campaign goal, the pledge must be payable in full within a period of up to three years from the date of the pledge. Other payment terms may be requested.