Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center will be deconstructed

Acknowledging that all things eventually reach the end of life, the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph have decided to deconstruct the Mount Saint Joseph Conference and Retreat Center.

The Retreat Center has operated since August 1983, when it took over the buildings that occupied Mount Saint Joseph Academy, the all-female high school that opened in 1874. The Academy graduated its last class in the spring of 1983. The Diocese of Owensboro did not have a retreat center until the Ursuline Sisters decided to open one. Since 1989, the Retreat Center has also been the Spiritual Life Office for the diocese.

The “building” is actually a number of buildings that were added throughout the years when the Academy was growing. The original building was constructed by Father Paul Joseph Volk in 1874, to be run by five Ursuline Sisters of Louisville who traveled by flatboat down the Ohio River to open the Academy. It is one of the oldest buildings in Daviess County. Additions were built in 1882, 1904 and 1962. A major renovation occurred in 1996-97, which included adding the glass-enclosed façade that serves as the entrance to the Retreat Center and provided space for an elevator.

The bricks used by Father Volk for the initial building were made from soft clay and are known as the “miracle bricks” in Ursuline lore. This story was recounted in “Born to Lead,” the book about the early days in Maple Mount written by Sister Eugenia Scherm.

“When the kiln of brick which Father Volk had burned was opened and the masons were on hand to begin the building, the bricks were soft and unfit for use: the men returned home expecting not to begin work until another kiln was burned. The priest was silent; he was seen about dusk passing around the kiln praying. He had gathered some straw and bush lying near which he put under the kiln and then lighted it. This subterfuge was no doubt to conceal the miracle which he knew God would not deny in this emergency, as the brief flash of fire had not sufficient heat to have any positive effect on the kiln.

“However, Father Volk called the workmen back; they returned more in respect for the good priest (everybody respected him) than in hopes of finding the very bricks which were soft and unfit for use the day before, hard and safe to be used in the large 2 1/2 stories, 74 x 34 feet building to be erected. The men lost no time to begin the erection of the building, which is still standing today.”

Those original bricks are now disintegrating, and the foundation of the building is crumbling, which would be extremely expensive to repair. It’s not just the oldest parts of the building that are in need. The fire suppression system and the heating and cooling systems – both installed during the 1996-97 renovation – all need replacing.

The Ursuline Sisters recognize that their many supporters expect the Sisters to be good stewards of their donations. This money is given to support the Sisters in their ministries and to care for their needs. As good stewards of these funds, the Sisters did not believe it was wise to spend an extensive amount of money to maintain buildings. While the Sisters love the history and spirit of these buildings, the spirituality of the Retreat Center has always been about the message, and that message will continue.

“We will look at possibilities for the future of the retreat ministry,” said Sister Amelia Stenger, congregational leader for the Ursuline Sisters. “We need time to investigate the needs of the Diocese and surrounding areas. In 1983 when the Academy closed, we began something new. Now, we must look to the future again and decide what God is calling us to do.”

The decision was an emotional one for the Ursuline Sisters, many of whom graduated from the Academy. Sister Amelia is a 1967 graduate, and also served 13 years as director of the Retreat Center.

“Our wonderful, historic building has reached the end of its life,” she said. “The oldest building is 147 years old and several of the others are at least 115 years old. We had engineers and architects evaluate the buildings. The cost to repair would be extreme. There is nothing we can do to make the bricks better. All things come to the end of life. It has served its purpose well. Father Volk probably didn’t expect them to last this long.”

The Sisters are relying on the wisdom of their founder, Saint Angela Merici, who said in her Last Legacy, “And if, according to times and circumstances, the need arises to make new rules or do something differently, do it prudently and with good advice.”

The Retreat Center closed on March 13, 2020, when the rest of the Maple Mount campus was shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Not having people in the building has hastened its decline, Sister Amelia said. The Retreat Center staff adapted during the pandemic to offer programming online and is offering some programming at parishes.

The building is especially nostalgic for the more than 800 alumnae of Mount Saint Joseph Academy, many of whom return each spring for an all-class reunion. Alumnae Weekend was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, and delayed this year until Aug. 28-29, when the banquet will be held in the Mount auditorium/gym. The gym is not affected by this decision and will remain available for programs.

Problems with the building were first discovered during an ongoing review of all buildings on campus. Architects and engineers advised the Sisters on what the building needed and its costs. Major decisions affecting ministry are discussed and voted on when the entire community gathers during the summer for their Community Days. The vote by the Sisters to deconstruct the Retreat Center was held July 9, 2021.

A timeline to deconstruct the building has not been determined, but it will likely not happen until 2022.

The Center is only one of the ministries of the Ursuline Sisters. Sisters continue to serve in seven states and in Chile, South America. 

Comments

  1. WaNell Stallings Lanham ‘71

    Does this include the post office, gift shop (stoop) building? So sad but understandable!!

  2. Rita Tanner

    Just heartbroken but understand the decision that was made. Many, many memories pressed between the pages of my mind.

  3. Carolyn Reynolds

    A wonderful peaceful retreat!!
    Time marches on for everything, even old loved buildings. I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to go, and be with friends.
    All decisions are hard, this one especially.

  4. Pat Howell

    So sad to hear that the life of those beautiful and historic buildings has come to an end.
    The Mount though is so much more than the buildings and the memories will live on forever.
    Its spirit will continue and the work that the MSJ OSU Community will always be a part of the world they serve. The spirts/ghosts of those who worked and served there will continue to live on and be felt as they roam the holy halls..Can hear the voices of the girls and sisters as they carried on in the academy.

    1. Alice Roberts , Class of 1965.

      You have said what is in my heart when I learned of the deconstruction of the building.
      So many have good memories of times spend there, be it the dorms, rooms, classrooms, or retreats.

  5. Phil Hurley

    During deconstruction, perhaps some of the “miracle bricks” can be salvaged and sold to raise funds?

  6. Marva Abram-Crutcher

    I feel like a part of me is going to be gone. My experience at MSJ is one of the very best of my life.

  7. Mary Alvey Jordan

    My sister and I went to Mount St. Joseph Academy in ’66-“67.
    We have talked about it for years. It was so much fun to attend.
    Bless the good nuns!

  8. Theresa Fogle Payne A-59

    This is sad news, but understandable. From 1956 through 1959, a lot of us would work 2 weeks before school started cleaning, scrubbing, painting~~~whatever needed to be done. I loved those front steps. On our wedding day, August 20, 1960 we went to see some of the nuns that taught me, we took pics on those steps. Theresa Fogle Payne 1959 Alumnae

  9. Cindy Frydach Argerious

    I have fond memories of MSJ. Though I was only there for one year, my sister Linda for two, it was a wonderful experience in a lovely blessed setting with beautiful people. I am sure every student was touched by the school, the sisters and the remarkable community.

  10. Mary Gordon A'69

    Can the bricks be purchased for keepsakes? This is sad to hear, but understandable for a building that is so old.

  11. Cheryl Underwood

    This is sooo very sad! Right out of high school I ran the the kitchen at the Retreat Center. I loved working there! I also worked all over the whole center. The nuns all have a special place in my heart especially the ones I worked closely with at the center. My heart breaks but I love the memories made there!!

  12. PHILIP HURLEY

    During the deconstruction, perhaps as many of the “miracle bricks” as possible can be saved and sold to defray the cost. I know that my wife and I would like to own a few!

  13. Marie Ballard Blumeier '64

    I have so many fond memories. I understand what needs to be done, but with a strong sorrow in my heart. I am sending prayers that all goes well and it gets replaced soon.

  14. Melissa Tuley

    Oh my. My lovely, holy, quiet place. I have revered this place for many years. I have been anticipating coming back here. I understand though. It’s like losing our old maple tree in our back yard. I stood at the window and cried as it had to come down. I have tears now. So many pleasant memories flood my mind.

    I love you guys and know that you waste nothing. Knowing that, I also realize you will find a new way to serve our souls.

    God bless you all!

    Melissa

  15. Angela Goetz Wink

    I shed tears when I received the letter about this and still mourn the loss of our home. My aunt was an Ursuline Sister and we visited her every month. My memories from an early age are of the Mount. I only attended one year, but it was the year I graduated and my mom, Mary Eulalia Blandford Goetz celebrated her 25th year Alumna anniversary –1960! I will miss the beauty of the building but carry the beautiful memories in my heart forever!

  16. W. Fraize

    Such a sacred place, full of many memories… This is a sad fate for the building, but it is the right decision.
    I hope that the artwork can be distributed to other churches and facilities in the parish, and new eyes can appreciate a bit of the legacy of the place.

  17. Sue

    I was one of the attendees for the Runaway Quilting group who would enjoy your sacred space each September. It was special. Your hospitality was warm and the food was fantastic. In the evening while the others continued sewing in the gym, I loved to walk the peacefulness of the grounds and pray beneath the many trees on benches that provided stillness and much needed rest from my busy home life. This was a retreat within a retreat . I have many pictures which will jog my memory and remind me of Christ’s peace I found with in your midst.

  18. Sidney Edwards Cole

    This article popped back up on my Facebook timeline. Now I feel sad all over. 😪 God will guide the decision makers to do what is best for our beloved landmark. Would be nice if some type of memento could be made out of the bricks, Keychain, paper wright, pens etc. I would purchase whatever.
    I’m so blessed to have 3 years of memories, 1961-1964.
    God bless our Sweet MSJ Nuns and Associates.

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