It was with a committed heart that former graduates of St. Francis de Sales and St. Emma Military Academy decided to form a non-profit corporation for the express purpose of preserving Belmead’s African American history and the salvation/restoration of the prestigious properties. Pete Chenevert and the late Angela Gerald were the initial organizers of this project. Considerable effort was expended by Angela and Pete toward this magnificent objective. They discovered very early the possibility that the 2,300 acres could be sold, developed, and subsequent disappearance of our history.

Angela and Pete realized that in order to influence the decision of what to do with the properties, a significant relationship had to be cultivated with the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. They were extremely effective when they produced on video tape the story of the rich history of the land and establishment of the two schools and presented it to the Sisters.

They contacted graduates of the schools who were interested in the project and established Book and Candle Research & Development Corporation. It is a non-profit, IRS designated 501(c)(3) corporation with a Board of Directors comprised of alumni from each school. There are several categories of membership available to persons or entities that support the B&C Mission. The organization is steadfast in its commitment to preserve the history of the schools, has a solid relationship with the Sisters, and is working with the SBS on their Virginia Property Implementation Plan that preserves and protects 80% of the properties. Book and Candle has been instrumental in securing appropriate studies and developing implementation strategies from One Common Unity, Howard University, and Catholic University.

We are confident that Angela is pleased with the progress the organization she founded has made and is delighted at the direction that the SBS is pursuing to preserve the land we all loved.