Preserving Our Future

“As stewards of God’s gifts, we build on the foundation left by those who came before us.”

For over 180 years, Christ Church Cathedral has thrived because of the foresight of its members. By including the Cathedral in your estate plans, you ensure that our worship, music, and life-changing outreach—like The Beacon and New Hope Housing—will continue to serve Houston for generations to come.

The Christ Church Cathedral Endowment Fund

The Endowment is the bedrock of our long-term mission. It has sustained the Cathedral through seasons of both abundance and challenge. All planned gifts and bequests should name the Christ Church Cathedral Endowment Fund as the beneficiary. Investment proceeds from this fund are used exclusively to enhance the good works of the Cathedral.

Empty exterior brick hallway at Christ Church Cathedral in Houston, TX.

The Bishop Richardson Society

Named for Dean J. Milton Richardson, who founded the Endowment in 1954, this society honors those who have made a provision for the Cathedral in their long-term financial planning.

  • How to Join: There is no minimum gift required. You become a member simply by notifying us that the Cathedral is in your estate plans.
  • Recognition: New members are recognized each year on Loyalty Sunday and have their names added to the ground plaque in the Bishop’s Courtyard near the bell tower.
  • Enrollment: If you have included the Cathedral in your plans, please contact Amanda DeViney, Minister for Stewardship, at 713-220-9766 or adeviney@christchurchcathedral.org.

Ways to Leave Your Legacy

There are several flexible ways to remember the Cathedral. We recommend consulting with your financial advisor or attorney to choose the path that is right for you.

  • A Bequest in Your Will

    The simplest way to give. You can add a sentence (codicil) to your existing will to leave a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the “residue” left after other bequests are fulfilled.

    Sample Codicil & Language (PDF)
    How to Phrase a Bequest (PDF)

  • Beneficiary Designations

    You can name the Endowment Fund as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), brokerage account, or life insurance policy. This often does not require an attorney and can be done directly through your financial institution’s website.

  • Charitable Trusts

    Trusts are flexible vehicles that can provide sizable tax savings. You can even structure a trust to provide a gift to the Cathedral while leaving an equal amount to your heirs.

  • Life Income Gifts

    Through a Charitable Gift Annuity or Remainder Trust, you or a loved one can receive a steady income for life, after which the remaining funds pass to the Cathedral Endowment.

Ready to Start the Conversation?

We are here to help you explore how your legacy can reflect your values.

Contact Amanda DeViney

Disclaimer: Christ Church Cathedral provides this information for educational purposes only. Please consult with a professional tax, legal, or financial advisor before taking action.