Church receives grant for house
The First Presbyterian Church of Ste. Genevieve has announced the award of a Capital Campaign Challenge Grant from the Jeffris Family Foundation of Wisconsin. The Foundation funds historic preservation projects in the Midwest.
The matching Challenge Grant of $100,000 will assist the church to meet its goal to raise $200,000 by June 30, 2017.
In June 2013 the church was awarded the Jeffris Heartland Fund Matching Grant to complete an Historic Structures Report (HSR) on the house. The HSR provided professional research and design concepts needed to define the goals for renovation.
The Silversmith’s house, built before 1820, augments the chronicle of the life of Antoine Oneille, his work, and migration through what was French territory on the American frontier, from Detroit, Vincennes, Indiana, and then to Ste. Genevieve. A diminishing fur trade coincided with the decline the Indian trade, and thus of Oneille’s silver production. He died in April 1825 and is buried in historic Memorial Cemetery in Ste. Genevieve.
Oneille’s house is designated as a contributing structure within the National Historic Landmark status of Ste. Genevieve, but in its current state is in danger of be lost due to weakening of the structure.
The First Presbyterian Church is grateful for the generosity of the Jeffris Family Foundation and its continued support for this project. Donations will be accepted beginning June 30, 2014 through June 30, 2017.
