Society of St. John the Evangelist
Anglican·United Kingdom·Active (North American congregation)·19th century
The Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE) is an Anglican religious order for men, founded in 1866 in Oxford, England. Known as the "Cowley Fathers," it was the first stable men's religious community in the Anglican Communion since the English Reformation, making vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience. Historically, the society had a significant presence with houses across several continents, though its British congregation ceased in 2025. The North American congregation continues to operate in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focusing on ministries like preaching, spiritual direction, and hospitality.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1866 in Cowley, Oxford, England.
- ›Was the first stable religious community of men in the Anglican Communion since the English Reformation.
- ›Members take monastic vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience.
- ›Historically maintained houses in England, Scotland, India, South Africa, Japan, and Canada.
- ›The North American congregation is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in a monastery designed by Ralph Adams Cram.
- ›The British congregation ended in December 2025 with the death of its last member.
Monastery Designed By Ralph Adams Cram, Emery House Rural Retreat Center, Grafton House For Monastic Interns
Cowley Fathers
Richard Meux Benson, Charles Chapman Grafton, Simeon Wilberforce O'Neill, C. S. Lewis, M. Thomas Shaw, James Koester
- Founded In 1866, Becoming the First Stable Men's Religious Community In the Anglican Communion Since the English Reformation.
- Established A Presence In Boston, Massachusetts, In 1870.
- the British Congregation Withdrew From Marston Street, Oxford, In 1980.
- St. Edward's House In London Closed In 2012.
- Cowley Publications Was Sold In 2007.
- the British Congregation Ended In December 2025.
About Society of St. John the Evangelist
The Society of St. John the Evangelist
The Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE), often colloquially referred to as the "Cowley Fathers," is an Anglican religious order for men. Founded in 1866 at Cowley, Oxford, England, by Richard Meux Benson, Charles Chapman Grafton, and Simeon Wilberforce O'Neill, it holds the distinction of being the first stable religious community for men established within the Anglican Communion since the English Reformation. Members of SSJE live under a rule of life and, upon profession, take monastic vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience.
Historically, the Society maintained a significant international presence, with houses established in England, Scotland, India, South Africa, Japan, and Canada. In Britain, its main base operated from Marston Street in Oxford from 1868 to 1980, encompassing chapels, schools, and accommodation. A notable London house, St. Edward's House in Westminster, served as a center for retreats until its closure in 2012. The British congregation concluded in December 2025 with the passing of its last member.
The North American congregation of SSJE established itself in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1870 and is now part of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. Its members reside in a monastery in Cambridge, Massachusetts, designed by Ralph Adams Cram, and operate a rural retreat center named Emery House in West Newbury. The community's primary ministries focus on preaching, spiritual direction, and hospitality, with individual brothers also engaged in diverse outreach and support services. The Society also administers charitable trusts that support education and missionary work globally.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Society of St. John the Evangelist founded?
The Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE) was founded in 1866. It was established in Cowley, Oxford, England, by Richard Meux Benson, Charles Chapman Grafton, and Simeon Wilberforce O'Neill.
What are the core vows taken by members of the SSJE?
Upon profession, members of the Society of St. John the Evangelist make monastic vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience. These vows guide their communal life and spiritual discipline.
Where is the main community of the Society of St. John the Evangelist located today?
The North American congregation of the Society of St. John the Evangelist resides in a monastery designed by Ralph Adams Cram in Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Harvard Square. They also operate a rural retreat center called Emery House in West Newbury.
What kind of ministries does the Society of St. John the Evangelist engage in?
The community's chief ministries include preaching, spiritual direction, and hospitality. Individual brothers also work in various local and regional ministries with students, prisoners, soldiers, the homeless, and those affected by HIV and AIDS.
Is the Society of St. John the Evangelist still active?
Yes, the North American congregation of the Society of St. John the Evangelist remains active. However, the British congregation ended in December 2025 with the passing of its final member.
What is the significance of the "Cowley Fathers" nickname?
The Society of St. John the Evangelist is colloquially known as the "Cowley Fathers" because it was founded in Cowley, Oxford. This nickname reflects its origins and early prominence within the Anglican Communion.
Related Monasteries
Brecon Cathedral Priory
Brecon Cathedral, originally established as Brecon Priory in the 12th century, is a significant ecclesiastical site in Powys, Wales. Founded by Norman knight Bernard de Neufmarché as a daughter house of Battle Abbey, it evolved from a monastic church to a parish church before becoming the cathedral of the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon in 1923. The cathedral is known for its Gothic architectural elements and a history marked by pilgrimage and significant renovations.
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.
Community of the Sisters of the Church
The Community of the Sisters of the Church is an Anglican religious order of women founded in 1870 by Mother Emily Ayckbowm, who also established the Church Extension Association. The sisters dedicate themselves to a vowed life of poverty, chastity, and obedience, operating schools, orphanages, and providing support through ministries like parish work, counselling, and care for abused women and children. The order has a global presence with provinces in Australia, Canada, the Solomon Islands, and the United Kingdom, and is under the patronage of St Michael and All Angels.