Holy Cross Monastery
Holy Cross Monastery, the mother house of the Order of the Holy Cross, is an Anglican religious community located in West Park, New York. Designed by Ralph Adams Cram and Henry Vaughan, its architecture blends Mission/Spanish Revival and Tudorbethan styles. Established by Rev. James Otis Sargent Huntington, it serves as the order's house of formation and is recognized for its retreat facilities and commitment to social causes.
Key Facts
- ›Mother house of the Order of the Holy Cross, an Anglican religious order.
- ›Designed by architects Ralph Adams Cram and Henry Vaughan.
- ›Construction began in 1902 and was dedicated in 1904.
- ›Sits on a 26-acre site overlooking the Hudson River.
- ›Founded by Rev. James Otis Sargent Huntington, who is buried on the grounds.
- ›Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
Mission/Spanish Revival, Tudorbethan
Monastic Church of St. Augustine, Monk's Cell Book and Gift Shop, Retreat Facilities, Peace Vigil On Saturdays During the Iraq War
Rev. James Otis Sargent Huntington, Madeleine L'Engle
- Construction Began In 1902
- Dedicated In 1904
- Added To the National Register of Historic Places In 1995
- Kept A Peace Vigil On Saturdays During the Iraq War
About Holy Cross Monastery
Holy Cross Monastery stands as the mother house of the Order of the Holy Cross, an Anglican religious community deeply rooted in the Benedictine tradition. Situated on a picturesque 26-acre site in West Park, New York, the monastery offers sweeping views of the Hudson River, directly opposite the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site.
Architecture and Construction
The monastery's distinctive architecture is a harmonious blend of Mission/Spanish Revival and Tudorbethan styles, brought to life by the renowned architects Ralph Adams Cram and Henry Vaughan, both celebrated for their significant contributions to religious building design. Construction commenced in 1902, culminating in the monastery's dedication two years later.
Founding and Purpose
The monastery was established by The Rev. James Otis Sargent Huntington, the founder of the Order of the Holy Cross. It represents the order's first permanent house, established after a period of using interim locations in New York City and Maryland. Today, Holy Cross Monastery continues its vital role as the order's house of formation, guiding new initiates through their initial training. Rev. Huntington himself is interred within the monastery's church on the grounds.
Community and Public Engagement
Beyond its primary function as a monastic community, Holy Cross Monastery provides facilities for individual and group retreats, fostering a space for spiritual reflection and renewal. Notably, author Madeleine L'Engle, famous for "A Wrinkle in Time," conducted retreats in conjunction with writers' workshops on the premises for many years. The monks also engage in charitable activities and maintain a book and gift shop, the Monk's Cell, on the property. Reflecting the order's commitment to social justice, they have historically maintained peace vigils, notably on Saturdays during the Iraq War.
Recognition
In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, Holy Cross Monastery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Holy Cross Monastery located?
Holy Cross Monastery is situated on US 9W in West Park, New York, United States. It enjoys a scenic location overlooking the Hudson River.
What is the architectural style of Holy Cross Monastery?
The monastery's buildings are designed in a combination of Mission/Spanish Revival and Tudorbethan styles. Architects Ralph Adams Cram and Henry Vaughan, known for their religious building designs, were responsible for its architecture.
Who founded Holy Cross Monastery and the Order of the Holy Cross?
The monastery was founded by The Rev. James Otis Sargent Huntington. It was the first house established by him for the Order of the Holy Cross, which he founded 20 years prior.
What facilities are available at Holy Cross Monastery?
Beyond the motherhouse, Holy Cross Monastery features two guesthouses, the Monastic Church of St. Augustine, and the Monastic Enclosure. The monks also operate a book and gift shop called the Monk's Cell and sell incense and perfume.
What is the significance of Holy Cross Monastery?
It serves as the mother house and house of formation for the Order of the Holy Cross, an Anglican religious order inspired by Benedictine tradition. The monastery is also known for its retreat offerings and its commitment to progressive social causes.
Can the public visit Holy Cross Monastery?
Yes, the monastery is available for individual and group retreats. Visitors can also access the Monk's Cell book and gift shop on the property.
Related Monasteries
Oratory of the Good Shepherd
The Oratory of the Good Shepherd (OGS) is a dispersed international religious community within the Anglican Communion, founded in 1913 by Cambridge college chaplains seeking a disciplined life. Members are bound by a common rule of consecrated celibacy, prayer, fellowship, and "Labour of the Mind," which involves study. Though they do not typically live together, they meet regularly in chapter and retreat, supporting each other in individual ministries across the globe.
Ely Cathedral Priory
Ely Cathedral, originally an abbey founded in 672 by St Æthelthryth, is an Anglican cathedral in Cambridgeshire, England. It evolved from an Anglo-Saxon monastery to a prominent Benedictine abbey before being refounded as a cathedral in 1109. Renowned for its monumental Romanesque architecture, it features a unique central Octagon tower and later additions in Decorated Gothic style, making it a significant historical and architectural landmark.
Exeter Cathedral Priory
Exeter Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter, is an Anglican cathedral located in Exeter, Devon, England. Its present structure was largely completed by 1400, featuring an exceptional uninterrupted medieval stone vaulted ceiling, an astronomical clock, and early misericords. The site has a history stretching back to Roman times, with the cathedral's founding bishop, Leofric, establishing his seat there in 1050.