In the heart of the Diocese of Raleigh, Mary Conlon and George Gentzler stand as a testament to the profound connection between faith, travel, and the beauty of architectural expression. This married couple shares a passion for exploring the intricate tapestry of religious history, particularly through the lens of 18th century German architecture, influenced by the enchanting styles of French Rococo and Italian Baroque.
Their journey began as they traversed the landscapes of Germany, immersing themselves in the awe-inspiring presence of historical architecture. The more they encountered these masterpieces firsthand, the deeper their inspiration grew.
As their appreciation for history flourished, it became a transformative force, enriching their faith and prompting them to turn their focus to a local endeavor—the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral project. Rather than memorializing an architectural piece within the Cathedral, Mary and George were driven by a desire to contribute financially to its construction, becoming integral supporters of the sacred space.
Later, after a meeting with their financial advisor, Mary and George were encouraged to set up an estate plan. Deciding that they wanted to leave a gift to the Diocese of Raleigh, but not knowing where or how to assign their funds, they met with the staff at The Foundation. Mary and George discovered that they could leave a permanent legacy to the Diocese of Raleigh. With the completion of the Cathedral, their passion for architecture, particularly in the context of providing religious places of worship, propelled them to establish an endowment. The Gentzler-Conlon Home Mission Society Endowment serves as a testament to their commitment to supporting the ongoing development of sacred spaces within the diocese.
For George, the belief that every parish, regardless of its location, deserves a beautiful church building to serve its people is a guiding principle. Through their journey, Mary Conlon and George Gentzler have not only discovered the profound connection between their love for travel, architectural marvels, and faith but have also actively contributed to the realization of this vision within their local community. Their story stands as an inspiration for those who seek to intertwine their passions with meaningful contributions to the spiritual landscape.
To learn more about the Gentzler-Conlon Home Mission Society Endowment, or how you can contribute to or create an endowment, visit www.foundationdor.org.
To read more about the inspiration behind the establishment of this Endowment, please click here.