The Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption chimeras to land within months as project completion draws near

Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

The Diocese of Covington Restored in Christ Campaign is nearing completion as the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington, enters the final stages of construction. Still to be completed in the coming months is the finishing of: Dutchmen repairs to the tracery, stone replacement, terracotta reglazing; instillation of the gargoyles, chimeras, lower columns, bases and cross; the stabilization of seven spires; and final touches such as the façade cleaning and the sealing of the 12 unsealed windows.

Don Knochelmann, diocesan director of the Buildings and Property Office, said the chimera will be the first to arrive but the last to be installed, hoping to minimize the possibility of damage during their instillation.

Trisco Construction Company continues its work of the upper tracery, which is the limestone columns and the decorative pieces at the top of the Cathedral, this will continue through August, said Mr. Knochelmann.

The gargoyles, which are nearing completion at Boston Valley Terra Cotta, New York, are on track to be installed in October.

“Everything they’re doing now is a continuation of what they’ve been doing all along. There’s stone replacement, there’s terracotta glazing around the tracery, around the windows, column replacement. It’s a big project. We’re doing some sealing around the windows to repair leaks,” said Mr. Knochelmann

The Restored in Christ Campaign, which was announced in early 2023, has been raising funds to support the repair and restoration of the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption. Currently, 96 percent of the $7,560,000 goal has been raised, with $250,000 left to raise.

Bishop John Iffert says about the fundraising goal nearing completion, “I am deeply grateful for your sacrificial gifts that have raised an incredible $7.31 million toward our Cathedral Renovation Capital Campaign … Because of your unwavering support, the Cathedral Basilica will continue to shine as a timeless symbol of faith, beauty and community in our Diocese of Covington.”