Category Archives: Bishop and Chapter

Bishop and Chapter News – March 2025

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Bishop and Chapter met in the evening of 11 March 2025 with 10 of 12 members present. Notes were circulated from the article “10 Ways to Turn Off Your Donors” discussed in February. Members made suggestions as to positive action to address some of the ideas presented. The article “Can Your Approach to Church Finances be both Spiritual and Practical?” (Ann A. Michel) was used to prompt further discussion. Minutes of 18 February 2025 were adopted with one correction.

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral

• a summary of ministry over the past three weeks was provided. The Dean mentioned in particular regular communions at Windsor Court and Farraline Place; Diocesan meetings attended; the beginning with a group studying the Sunday lectionary in Lent; continuation of the Stewardship Certificate learning group this week on Module 4 of 7; Annual Report completed, published and available.

Up-coming

• Annual Meeting 16 March 2025

ARISING

• Chapter By-Law - dated 25 February 2025

• Diocesan Consolidated Investment Fund - the Lay Chair reported having reviewed history and details of Cathedral invested funds

• Safe Church - 31 March deadline for risk assessments and position profiles with many committees reporting completion

• Committee report status - the 2025 Annual Report (for 2024) has been completed with thanks to all who providing reporting

DISCUSSION

• Chapter Orientation - dates were discussed for a half day orientation of Chapter to further understanding of routines and processes. 02 April or 08 May possible

• Appointments - discussed the need to attend to appointments: Bishop’s Advisory Committee and Chapter Secretary at the brief meeting following the Annual

REPORTS

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - nothing additional to report beyond what was shared at the February meeting of Chapter

Nominating - one Chapter position remains vacant (Bishop’s appointment). Minimum of 5 nominees (2 youth) needed for election by the annual meeting

Finance and Administration - proposal under consideration re office photocopier contract. Planning required for upcoming orientation

Communications - continue to work through safe church documents

Welcome and Hospitality - aware of Mothers’ Union desire to host a luncheon following worship on Mothering Sunday. Nametag Sunday and newcomer package on-going projects. Safe Church complete

Health / Pastoral Care - Automatic External Defibrillator installed in the Hall, training complete (video). Medley Tea May 6th. Bulletin notices being prepared. First Aid training targeted for Fall 25.

Property - committee continues to track a lengthy list of items needing attention on the timeline

Mission / Outreach - Monday outreach programme served 81 in February. Several have expressed interest in a 26 or 27 mission trip to Belize. Working through Safe Church risk assessment and profiles

Christian Formation - committee continues to be convened by the Director of Formation. Lenten lineup of opportunities underway

Treasurer - February financials: Revenue - $35,180 Expenses - $48,895 To 28 February expense exceeds income (-$13,316) Draft financials for 2024 included in the Annual Report. Some adjustments are needed prior to acceptance. Continue to pursue change in VISAS

UPCOMING

• Annual Meeting - 16 March 2025

GMH

 

Bishop and Chapter News – February 2025

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Bishop and Chapter met on 18 February 2025 with 10 of 12 members present. An article from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership by Ken Sloane - “10 Ways to Turn Off Your Donors” was discussed. Examples of each of the ways were considered and a follow-up next to identify some positive steps that could be taken towards change. Minutes of 22 January 2025 were adopted as circulated.

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral

  • a usual summary was provided. Highlighted were attendance at a pastor’s luncheon hosted by JoyFM; Conference of North American Deans in May; staff breakfast on 03 February; stewardship learning group continues on selected Wednesdays with completion by early April; submission of Cathedral statistical return to Synod completed. An invitation to Kathleen’s Snow’s installation as Worldwide President of Mothers’ Union has been received

Up-coming

  • Annual Meeting 16 March 2025

ARISING

  • Chapter By-Law revision re Secretary - one last signature and Bishop’s approval before coming into force
  • Safe Church - 31 March deadline for risk assessments and position profiles
  • Annual reports - waiting on budget and financials

DECISION

  • 2025 Draft Budget - adoption of the current draft to be presented to the Annual Meeting: Revenue $690,008 / Expenses $689,734
  • 2025 Conference of North American Deans - a decision to provide funds necessary for attendance. (Note: not included in the current 2025 draft budget)

REPORTS

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - City Council virtual Cathedral tour held 10 February. Next steps will include decisions by the City and Diocese, appointment of the Board, visioning and negotiated agreements

Nominating - one nomination of a needed 6 for Synod delegates; one Chapter position open for nomination; two offers for nomination for a second Chapter term

Finance and Administration - recent meetings unsuccessful with conflicting schedules. Monitoring safe church deadlines

Communications - “Not just on Sundays“ article. Welcome package

Welcome and Hospitality - current projects: welcome package, name tag Sunday, safe church training completed by all but two

Health / Pastoral Care - Automatic Electronic Defibrilator purchased and being installed in the Hall. First Aid training being considered

Worship - sacristy guild has replaced communion cruets due to a crack in the handle of one

Property - progress on to do’s continues. Considerable adjustments needed on Cathedral new furnace setup, so far cost covered by installation. New heating circulation pump failed/replaced

Mission / Outreach - Monday programme reached 86 individuals served in January. $1000 from New Maryland United. 120 bus tickets from Fredericton Transit ($300). Invitation to express interest in a future mission trip to Belize made on 16 February

Christian Formation - committee continues to meet without a chair

Treasurer - Process of replacing current VISA cards for online access continues with difficulty. January financials: Revenue: $47,767 Expenses: $46,098. Awaiting review by LeBlanc Scott CPA

UPCOMING

• Next meeting - 11 March 2025
• Pancake Supper - 04 March 2025
• Annual Meeting - 16 March 2025                                                  GMH

 

 

Bishop and Chapter News – January 2025

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Bishop and Chapter met on 22 January 2025 with 9 of 12 members present. A brief study on reflections on 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 by Charisse R Tucker (Christian Century) entitled “Group Work: How to serve faithfully and for the long term?” The Dean provided some questions to help focus a discussion on the issue that “groups tend to function such that a few people do the bulk of the work.” Minutes of 17 December 2024 were adopted.

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral
• summary of ministry over the previous month included: Christmas worship [Eve 4:00 (238) 8:00 (80) 11:00 (87) Day 10:00 (57)], 1 funeral, communions at Windsor Court and Farraline Place, conclusion of Advent study. Certificate in Stewardship begins soon. One meeting of Synod Finance Committee

Up-coming
• Confirmation, Reaffirmation and Reception preparation continues, Annual Reports will be due on 03 February

DECISION

• Automatic Electronic Defibrillator - purchase for Memorial Hall at a cost of $3006 (updated cost)

• National Trust Next Great Save - information was received

• Chapter Secretary - motions to cover member status of secretary

DISCUSSION

2025 Budget - discussion of the current draft. Offering revenue in 2024 was at 85.85% of budget, an impact of about $82,000 making budgeting for 2025 a significant challenge

REPORTS

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - progress is being made on consultation with proposed partners and appointments to the board of directors

Nominating - no progress on a nomination for Chapter (Christian Formation). In addition, nominations will be needed for delegates to Diocesan Synod

Finance and Administration - January meeting was cancelled due to unavailability of members. Two Safe Church December deadlines (training and risk assessments) for Chapter. Follow-up on completion

Welcome and Hospitality - chair plans to meet with Communications to discuss a welcome package for newcomers. Safe Church training (awaiting certificates) and risk assessment completed

Health / Pastoral Care - “Listen, Love Pray” grief and loss support continues. Blood pressure clinic served 19 on 19 January

Worship - thanks to Sarah Petite for repair of frontals. Gift of 25 BCP’s from the Parish of Grand Manan with thanks

Property - Plan for 2025 with progress made setting timing delegating responsibilities for action on solid list of about 25 active items including new additions: Cathedral outside lighting; miscellaneous items from new furnace installation. Scope to be determined on much of the list in the coming months

Mission / Outreach - Monday morning Outreach (last Monday of the month beginning 9:30 a.m.) guests and costs still on the rise. Thanks to Carriage Place Dental for generous donation of dental items

Christian Formation - committee continues to meet without a chair

Treasurer - Investigation on current VISA card situation and current needs. Expecting payout on ACW shares. December total Revenue $85,729, but expense and deficit waiting on a print VISA statement by mail

UPCOMING

• Next meeting - 18 February 2025
• Annual reports - due 03 February 2025
• Annual Meeting - 16 March 2025

GMH

 

 

Bishop and Chapter News – December 2024

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Bishop and Chapter met on 17 December 2024 with 10 of 12 members present. Minutes of 19 November 2024 were adopted. Prompted by some recent expressions of gratitude, the Chair requested we identify and share that which we are most thankful for at the moment.

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral
• summary of ministry over the previous month included: 2 funerals, communions at Windsor Court and Farraline Place, Advent study, update on Thomas Gonder.

Diocesan
• Synod Finance (1)

Up-coming
• Confirmation, Reaffirmation and Reception preparation begins 18 December, Christmas Lessons and Carols 22 December, Certificate in Stewardship begins 2025.

CORRESPONDENCE

• Formation event - funding request (Kurt Schmidt)
• Communion administration - R. Hall permission

DECISION

• Stewardship study - $1000 group tuition from H. Palmer bequest
• John Philip Newell - up to $7200 from the H. Palmer bequest in support of a formation event 08 May 2025
• H. Palmer Bequest - remaining $6800 restricted for formation
• Annual Meeting - date set Sunday, 16 March 2025
• Parish Nursing restricted funds - released for health ministries
• Automatic Electronic Defibrillator - purchase for Memorial Hall at a cost of $2,891
• 2025 Stipend and salaries - Dean - minimum stipend $50,590 + 15,862 includes 3.1% cost of living increase. Staff 3.1% cost of living
• Staff Handbook - that we adopt the Handbook in its current form

DISCUSSION

2025 Budget - preliminary draft discussed. Issues: offering budget has fallen short to November 2024. There will be significant challenge in budgeting for what’s considered essential in 2025. Need for review of salaries in the new year

REPORTS

Nominating - additional communication on attracting a chair for Formation. Requirements for March Annual being considered

Finance and Administration - Staff Handbook (employment policies) shared with Chapter. Four motions proposed

Welcome and Hospitality - future projects: welcome packet for new comers, name tag Sundays, good response to Sunday refreshments

Health / Pastoral Care - considering need for First Aid training, planning next blood pressure clinic, $1000 offering for AED

Worship - small group met on 15 December to consider a Plan B for Christmas music if needed.

Property - Cathedral furnace operational with decision to repair old boiler and repair for backup. Considerable focus on budget for 2025 with a solid list of identified items in need of attention

Mission / Outreach - Monday morning Outreach guest number up. St. Hilda’s School 2024 funding sent for year-end. Seeking interest in a mission to Belize. Support for Giving Tuesday exceeded $2000 commitment to Montgomery St. School Home and School

Christian Formation - committee continues without chair

Treasurer - reporting included preliminary 2025 budget. November Revenue $58,452, Expense $65,008 (-$6466 deficit). Year to date Revenue $526,951, Expense $604,600 (deficit of -$77,648)

UPCOMING

• Next meeting - 21 January 2025

• Christmas Lessons and Carols - 4:00 p.m. 22 December 2024

• New Year’s Day with our Bishop - 11:00 a.m. 01 January

GMH

 

Bishop and Chapter News – November 2024

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Bishop and Chapter met on 19 November 2024 with 9 of 12 members present. Minutes of 15 October 2024 were adopted. An article was pre-circulated and discussed – “The Team Building Leader” by Ray Schulte, identifying helpful aspects of the necessary separation of task and maintenance, following up followed on “The Facilitator”

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral

• a usual summary of ministry initiatives over the previous month.

Diocesan

• Diocesan Synod (1), Bishop’s Counsel (1), Synod Finance (1)

Up-coming

• First Communions, Advent and Christmas usual schedule

DECISION

• Atlantic School of Theology - $100 in response to request

• Replacement of Cathedral Furnace - revisited with motion carried to spend up to $75,353 from investment restricted for maintenance

• Financial Review - that we engage the accounting firm of LeBlanc Scott for a 2024 review engagement at a quoted cost of $8,500

• Communion Administrator - Dean request permission for R. Hall

• Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - a motion to accept the Cathedral operational requirements document was tabled pending further review and a vote early next week

DISCUSSION

Items recommended by Chapter Executive - 1) Financial forecasting 2) Safe Church initiatives including evacuation plans; 3) Member orientation especially administration processes and tools 4) Considerations regarding Giving Tuesday

REPORTS

Nominating - an additional member of Chapter required as member. Current chapter vacancy in Christian Formation.

Finance and Administration - Finalizing Staff Handbook of employment standards; tracking Safe Church deadlines for Chapter set in June 2024; considerations re financial review and 2025 budget process; Certificate in Stewardship opportunity in 2025.

Welcome / Hospitality - hosted Safe Church training in October. Items under consideration include: “name tag Sundays,” welcome package, on boarding and incorporating new members, hospitality at Reign of Christ/First Communions, exploration of possible new committee members from greeters and kitchen committee

Health / Pastoral Care - continuing discussion on acquiring an AED for the Memorial Hall; partnering with Anglican Church Women on Christmas function 11 December; “Listen Love Pray” grief and loss support begins 09 December; current need for First Aid training

Worship - Sanctuary Guild items; server training/recruitment; 2025 Greeter schedule; music; Lucy's Sewing Group repairs; Verger(s)

Property - Cathedral furnace repair/replacement is complete with final inspection pending with revised estimate $65,525. Tile scratches from summer sprinkler flushing have been satisfactorily repaired

Mission / Outreach - discussion on inquiries about a future mission trip to Belize and required logistics; Monday morning programme on-going once per month; annual November funding to mission initiatives in Honduras (Mejias) and Uganda (Jeffries) is in process

Christian Formation - committee continues to meet without chair

Treasurer - several statements and reports made available. October offerings fell short of budget by $-18,806. Year-to-date offering is below budget by $-61,212 (ie we needed $433,792 to date to meet the adopted 2024 budget. We have received only $372,580). See The Cathedral Times current Offering Budget chart

UPCOMING

• Next meeting - 17 December 2024
• Advent Lessons and Music - 4:00 p.m. 01 December 2024
• Christmas Lessons and Carols - 4:00 p.m. 22 December 2024

GMH

 

Bishop and Chapter News – October 2024

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Bishop and Chapter met on 15 October 2024 with 8 of 12 members present. Minutes of 17 September 2024 were adopted with thanks to J. Hand. “The Facilitator” by R. Schulte (the Center for Parish Development) was circulated in advance and briefly discussed. The author explored ways a leader can help a team with their work and the benefits to team members of doing so

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral

• the usual summary of meetings and ministry since the last meeting of Chapter was delivered. Legal documents clarifying land title for the Cathedral were signed. A fall donation to the Anglican Foundation will be sent as per our recent usual practice. The Dean reiterated that of our 17 or so +/- 10% givers we have lost at least three over the last two years

Diocesan

• meetings of Diocesan Council, Synod Finance Committee; Synod Planning

Up-coming

• Greater Chapter 16 October. Diocesan Synod is 02 November

CORRESPONDENCE

• Atlantic School of Theology - fall request for financial support

DECISION

• Giving Policy Funds - Chapter concurs with removing the Parish Nurse Pledge Campaign from our current list of funds

• Replacement of Cathedral Furnace - that we withdraw monies from investment (Mary L. Boyce bequest) to replace the Cathedral furnace ASAP (approx $70,000) and apply to saveenergyNB for a potential portion rebate. There may be one Sunday without heat

DISCUSSION

Clarification with Synod - needed to aid in budgeting, determining ongoing maintenance and requirements in the future.

REPORTS

Nominating - an additional member of Chapter required for membership. One current chapter vacancy in Christian Formation.

Finance and Administration - D. Lewis engaged as sexton 01 October; Parish Nurse Pledge Campaign no longer exists; continue finalizing the Cathedral staff handbook; stewardship team (subcommittee) has been inactive for over a year

Welcome and Hospitality - organizing Safe Church training for 17 October; working on risk management Safe Church documentation

Health / Pastoral Care - potential for a fall blood pressure clinic on a Sunday; places to assist with an Anglican Church Women fall event; discussion about the installation of an automated external defibrillator (AED) at the Hall - estimated cost $1800-2600

Mission / Outreach - food cupboard has been installed (NW) by Mothers’ Union; Belize student scholarships and support for St. Hilda’s School has been sent ($5000 plus wiring fees); Christmas Angels programme to be organized by Kirsten McKnight and Claudia Vargus; Drop-in on the last Monday of the month will change to 9:30 a.m.

Treasurer - several statements and reports submitted for consideration including offerings by month, investment fund summary and Revenue vs Expense. September: Year to date Income - $432,841 Expenses - $478,804 Total deficit year to date (-$45,243)

Fredericton Cathedral Foundation - continuing work on legal articles of incorporation, land title clarifications, application for charitable status and the church’s operational requirements. No further word from the City regarding involvement

UPCOMING

• Next meeting - 17 November 2024
• Diocesan Synod - 02 November 2024

GMH

 

Bishop and Chapter News – June 2024

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Bishop and Chapter met on 18 June 2024 with 11 of 12 members present, Richard Crowe was meeting chair. Minutes of 21 May 2024 were adopted. An article entitled “The Risk of Trying to Please Everyone” by Mike Bonem was briefly discussed. “The hard work of change doesn’t call for pleasing everyone, but it does require the commitment of enough of the right people.”

CORRESPONDENCE

Diocesan Synod - a letter of thanks to the Synod Treasurer re support for the stair lift project.

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral
• the Dean offered a written report of activity since 21 May including the intention of vacation 08 July- 04 August 2024. Annual staff reviews are on track to be completed this month

Diocesan
• meetings of Synod Finance Committee; Synod Planning; Diocesan Council

Up-coming
• wedding 06 July (Smith/Demerchant); Diocesan Synod is 02 Nov;
Vacation - 08 July - 04 August (thanks to R. Black and J. Lownds)

DECISION

• Chapter membership - member - Hank Williams (Committee on Worship), Victoria Hachey (Vice-Chair)

• Restoration Trust Fund - amendment adopted as per 16 June congregational meeting

• Fredericton Cathedral Foundation

- that Restoration Trust funds be made available to the Bishop for use by a future “Fredericton Cathedral Foundation”
- Richard Crowe appointed to be the Cathedral member

• Safe Church - four motions adopted directing implementation steps by Chapter committees for all groups under their purview.

- by year-end: 1) Coordination of safe church training for all Cathedral groups and committees, 2) Coordinate completion of risk assessments by all groups.
- by 31 March 2025: 3) coordinate position profiles for all volunteers, groups and committees, 4) coordinate action plans resulting from the assessment of risk
See Diocesan Safe Church, for the Regulation, forms and templates

REPORTS

Nominating - Nomination for one of two Chapter member vacancies; nomination for Vice Chair

Buildings and Property - Cathedral sprinkler flushing underway; Memorial Hall boiler repaired; investigating possibilities for maintenance/renovation of Cathedral heating; interim cleaning by Crystal Clean at $2864 per month.

Finance and Administration - Safe Church implementation plan; staff handbook final draft being reviewed; staffing: tour guides and sexton in process

Health / Pastoral Care - blood pressure clinics held on 10 June; Health Ministries- yoga, grief support, prayer shawls; volunteers for helping hands welcome; hospital visitor and home communions ministries continue

Mission / Outreach - Outreach event last Mondays of the month with 50-70 guests; will discuss Belize mission possibilities; no information on food cupboard installation

Treasurer - Several large expenses (+/-) pending: sprinkler flushing ($60,000); Hall boiler ($10,000), Stair lift ($30,000); Year-to-date (May) income $236,334 / expenses $246,833. We are behind on budgeted offering YTD $24,017

UPCOMING

1.     Next meeting - 17 September 2024
2.     Diocesan Synod - 02 November 2024

GMH

Bishop and Chapter News – May 2024

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Bishop and Chapter met on 21 May 2024 with 11 of 12 members present, Archbishop Edwards, chair. Minutes of 13 March, and special purpose meetings 09 April, 24 April, 01 May were adopted. An article entitled “5 Ways to Minimize the Stress of Pastor and Employee Evaluations” by Sarai Rice was referenced. Congregations often evaluate the work of staff in ways that lead to a lot of stress. Fortunately, the church can do better.

PRESENTATION - Future Fredericton Cathedral Foundation

Canon Charles Ferris and Tom Maston shared with Chapter work done thus far by the advisory group exploring foundation possibilities for the future Cathedral operations on behalf of: Melissa Dawe, Jean-Paul Desjardins, Bruce Eddy, Charles Ferris, Bill Jones, John Leroux, Lori Mais-McCord, Tom Maston, and Vanessa Youssef. Four recommendations to begin as soon as possible 1) Name and federally incorporate the foundation; 2) Make assets available for a financial campaign to acquire further restoration funds. Transfer maintenance funds to establish an endowment. A congregational meeting to amend the Restoration Fund By-Law will be required. 3) Begin work with all parties to develop an initial operating agreement 4) Approve transfer of Cathedral property to the new foundation

CORRESPONDENCE

P. Shepherdson - communication from the Diocesan Synod re financial assistance with Memorial Hall chair lift replacement project

FROM THE DEAN

Cathedral

• the Dean offered a written report of Cathedral ministry activity since 13 March including the intention of vacation 08 July- 04 August 2024. Note that annual staff reviews will be scheduled in June

Diocesan

• 2 meetings of Synod Finance Committee; 1 Bishop’s Counsel

Up-coming

• Cathedral staff reviews during June; 3 committals scheduled; wedding 06 July (Smith/Demerchant); Diocesan Synod is 02 Nov

DECISION

• Cathedral Foundation - approve the name and consent in principle to the transfer of property. Current maintenance assets to be transferred

• Hall chair lift- that the lift be replaced (approx $30,000). Funding: Hall Renovation Fund, Guild of St. Joseph, Diocesan Synod and an appeal for contributions

• Restoration Fund Committee - appointed - R. Crowe, G. Hall, G. Young-Morris, C. MacDonald, J. Mahar, A. Decken (See By-Law s.6)

• Interim cleaning services - that we engage Crystal Clean Maintenance

• Food cupboard - approval to Mothers’ Union to install a food cupboard on the Green in consultation with the Property Committee

REPORTS

Nominating - Chapter will need to express its will on current vacancies (Committees on Worship, Christian Formation, Vice-Chair)

Buildings and Property - current projects: hall chair lift ($30,000), unexpected hall boiler repair ($8500); cathedral sprinkler flushing 17-21 June ($60,000), interim cleaning and maintenance arrangements

Communications - invitation to any who would like to be involved especially with writing and on-going website needs

Finance and Administration - Safe Church initiatives underway, sexton search, tour guides to hire for July/August

Christian Formation - “Living with Dying,” Thy Kingdom Come 2024

Health / Pastoral Care - blood pressure clinics possible, tea in April

Mission / Outreach - some casual questions about future mission trips

Welcome Hospitality - Sunday refreshments main focus

Worship - meeting this week, summer music series coming together

Treasurer - April YTD Revenue $193,602 Expense $190,240

UPCOMING

• Congregational Meeting - Sunday, 16 June 2024 following 10:30 a.m. worship - Agenda: amendment of Restoration Fund By-Law

• Next meeting - 18 June 2024

GMH

 

Congregational Meeting

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The Dean has called a congregational meeting on Sunday, 16 June 2024 following 10:30 a.m. worship.

Find details of a report to Bishop and Chapter from representatives of the group investigating a public foundation option in the May 2024 Bishop and Chapter News.

The agenda will address a request from the Restoration Trust Fund Committee to amend the Restoration Trust Fund By-Law to make funds available to the Bishop for use by a new Fredericton Cathedral Foundation.

Section 4 reads: "It is declared that the Fund is a trust of which the Chapter is the trustee, the income and capital of which is to be used only to maintain, repair or restore the Fabric."

The proposed amendment will cause Section 4 to read: "It is declared that the Fund is a trust of which the Chapter is the trustee, the income and capital of which is to be used only to [, or make possible to,]  maintain, repair or restore the Fabric."