Dear <<Salutation>>,
Since its completion in 1926, the Irvine Memorial Chapel has provided a space for worship, prayer, and contemplation for students, faculty, and alumni of all faiths. The Chapel is perhaps the most iconic building at Mercersburg and one that you may remember most vividly from your time as a student there. It was dedicated in memory of the 55 Mercersburg Alumni killed and World War I, and rededicated in 1993 in memory of Dr. Irvine.
The restoration of the Chapel’s stained glass windows is a priority for Mercersburg and a project that will take many years to complete. The Loyalty Club – your graduating class and all other classes that have celebrated their 50th reunion – is committed to restoring the Saint Michael Slaying the Dragon window as a way to show our love for the school and for its rich traditions. This particular window was dedicated in memory of Ralph Talbot ’16, who is one of Mercersburg’s three Medal of Honor recipients, and was killed in France during World War I.
The Saint Michael Slaying the Dragon window measures 5 feet by 2 feet and is one of three small windows located under the east transept gallery. It displays characteristics of turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau style with e curvilinear motif, plant forms, and distinctive colors. This window depicts Saint Michael, a main Archangel who intercedes God and Man, descending from Heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand, binding the satanic dragon for a thousand years. The Loyalty Club is working to raise $40,000 to fund the painstaking restoration and your help is needed to reach that goal.
Gifts of all sizes are welcome for the Saint Michael window restoration. Donors are acknowledged at a recognition ceremony, and their names are included in the Book of Gratitude on display in the Chapel.
In addition to your support for the Saint Michael Slaying the Dragon window restoration, I hope you will continue your faithful support for True Blue: The Mercersburg Annual Fund. Your True Blue gift is vitally important to the school’s day-to-day operations, and I’m confident that we will see strong participation in both the window project and the annual fund this year.
The Chapel is a reminder of that portion of the school’s mission to teach students to value the spiritual dimension of human existence. Please join your fellow Loyalty Club members in supporting the restoration of this beautiful window by returning the gift card in the enclosed envelope. Together, we can transform a special piece of Mercersburg.
Sincerely,
<<Signature>>
<<Name>>
Loyalty Club Chair
*This letter is a draft of what could be used for Mercersburg Academy's Window Restoration fundraising drive*
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