Leave a Bequest
St. James Cathedral has offered a place of worship, community and dialogue for over two hundred years. It’s possible when making a Will to provide for your loved ones and to continue that life-giving tradition, here in the heart of Toronto.
Past bequests have supported vital capital projects, such as the restoration of the stone cross on the roof and structural repairs to the masonry. Others have contributed to our musical ministry, supporting our excellent choirs; or our outreach programs, serving the poor and marginalized of our community with food and care.
Unrestricted bequests are allocated to the area of greatest need at the Cathedral, and this flexibility is most helpful for us. If you prefer, you can designate your gift to a specific fund. The Cathedral is a registered charity and any gift will be eligible for a charitable tax receipt, which may reduce taxes payable to your estate. Please consult your tax advisor or accountant for professional advice.
Leaving a Legacy
A gift to St. James Cathedral can be included in your Will simply by naming St. James Cathedral as a beneficiary, as follows:
I DIRECT my trustee(s) to pay:
- ……percentage parts of the residue of my estate
- [OR] the sum of ……………dollars
to The Cathedral Church of St. James currently located at 65 Church Street, Toronto, Ontario
- ….. for the area of greatest need
- [OR] for its capital / music / outreach fund.
The receipt of an appropriate officer of the Cathedral shall be a sufficient discharge of my trustees(s). In the event that circumstances make the specified use or purpose of this bequest no longer practicable or desirable, the Cathedral is authorized to make changes in its use, keeping as far as possible with its original spirit and intent.
Proper wording is vital to the validity of a bequest, so we recommend you seek professional advice when preparing your Will.
Other ways to give
There are other ways to support St. James Cathedral in your lifetime or in your Will – for example with a gift of securities, a gift of property, a gift from your retirement plan (RRSP/RRIF), a gift from your Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA), or through your life insurance.
Next steps
If you have already included a gift to St. James Cathedral in your Will: thank you. Your generosity will help this community to flourish for generations to come. You have no obligation to tell us about your plans, but if you do so, we would be delighted to thank you in person. Your bequest can be kept confidential or recognized during your lifetime, depending on your wishes. We promise to handle your legacy with discretion and respect.
Contact us
If you would like more information about making a gift to St. James Cathedral, please contact:
Susan So
Executive Director
sso@stjamescathedral.ca
(416) 364-7865 ext. *225
