Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne is receiving $66,350 for roof and belltower repairs, as part of $2.4 million in grants going to places of worship across Indiana. Photo from Google Maps.

News Release

FORT WAYNE — Fourteen historic houses of worship across Indiana will share $2.4 million in grant funding from Indiana Landmarks’ Sacred Places Indiana Fund to address critical repairs and preservation needs. The initiative, established in 2023 with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., aims to help congregations maintain and modernize their landmark buildings.

Fort Wayne and South Bend churches are among those receiving major support. Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne was awarded $66,350 to replace its roof membrane and restore the bell tower and chimney of its 1929 building. In South Bend, Our Lady of Hungary received $100,000 to update heating and cooling systems and preserve sanctuary murals, while St. Thomas More Academy was granted $125,000 to install modern climate control systems in the 1883 St. Hedwig Church.

Other awards include $400,000 to the Diocese of Gary for masonry repairs at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels and $285,000 to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Evansville for roof replacement.

Grants also went to congregations in Centerville, Columbus, New Albany, Vincennes, Olean, Valparaiso, and Indianapolis.

The Sacred Places Indiana Fund awards matching grants through a competitive process, emphasizing projects that demonstrate strong leadership, stable membership, and community engagement. Eligible congregations must show readiness to launch and complete both fundraising and construction within two years.

By supporting these preservation efforts, Indiana Landmarks aims to help historic churches remain vital centers of faith and community life. More information about the program is available at indianalandmarks.org/sacred-places-indiana.