Monastery in Mendham

Uncertainty hung over the Episcopal Sisters of St. John Baptist in Mendham ten years ago, as they surveyed the deterioration of walls and roof in their 90-year-old Convent. The historic building, designed by architect William Cordingly, a former mayor of Mendham, needed urgent repair. “We have to either renovate or move away!” they realized. They asked each other, “Where would we go? How could we ever pay for it?”

Now ten years later, with help from the County and State preservation funds and other donors, the Convent has a new English tile roof and barrier-free access in both the Sisters’ buildings. Some windows have been replaced and the restoration of the walls is ongoing. The 2000 guests who attend programs and retreats each year now come to a safer and more attractive place. “It is time,” the Sisters said, “to share our good news with the local community.” And so, Monastery in Mendham has been planned for Sunday, October 9, 1-5 p.m.

The Sisters will offer tours of their Convent and Retreat House, which are now listed on the National Register. The Convent, completed in 1916, is an authentic French Eclectic building and reminds visitors of the South of France in medieval times. The Retreat House, built by the Sisters in 1908 originally as an orphanage, was designed by Mills and Greenleaf in the style of the “Mountain Colony,” reflecting the architecture of stately mansions in the Somerset Hills.

The Sisters also will host a craft fair on the front cloister, featuring an assortment of jewelry, antiques, greeting cards, African crafts and many other items. Refreshments will be served in the retreat house, and a concert, “Handel and Friends” by the Adelphi Chamber Ensemble, will be held at 5 p.m. in the chapel.

The suggested donation for the tour is $20. Children are welcome, and a family rate is available. Concert tickets will be sold on the cloister during the event. Proceeds from Monastery in Mendham will help to support the Sisters’ retreat ministry at the Convent and Retreat House, as well as their outreach to the homeless in Morristown and New York. For more information contact Sr. Barbara Jean at srbj@csjb.org or 973-543-4641 ext. 1.