Holy Cross Monastery (West Park, New York) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Holy Cross Monastery
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Rear of monastery from parking lot in 2007
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| Location | West Park, New York |
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| Nearest city | Poughkeepsie |
| Area | 26 acres (11 ha) |
| Built | 1904 |
| Architect | Ralph Adams Cram, Henry Vaughan |
| Architectural style | Mission/Spanish Revival, Tudor Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 95000045 |
| Added to NRHP | 1995 |
The Holy Cross Monastery is a special place located in West Park, New York. It sits right on US 9W. This monastery is the main home for the Order of the Holy Cross. This is a group of Anglican monks who follow traditions similar to the Benedictine monks.
Contents
What is Holy Cross Monastery?
This monastery is a peaceful place where monks live and pray. It is also a center for spiritual retreats. People can visit for a day or stay longer to find quiet time and learn. The monastery welcomes both individuals and groups.
The Building and Its Location
The monastery building is very unique. It was designed by famous architects Ralph Adams Cram and Henry Vaughan. They were known for building churches and other religious places. Construction started in 1902 and the building was ready in 1904.
The monastery combines two cool styles:
- Mission Revival: This style looks like old Spanish missions.
- Tudor Revival: This style looks like old English Tudor homes.
The monastery sits on a large piece of land, about 26-acre (11 ha). It has an amazing view of the Hudson River. Right across the river, you can see the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. The monastery building is quite grand and can be seen clearly from the mansion's grounds.
What You Can Find at the Monastery
Besides the main monastery building, there are other important parts:
- Two guesthouses: These are for visitors who come for retreats.
- Monastic Church of St. Augustine: This is where the monks pray and hold services.
- Monastic Enclosure: This is the private area where the monks live.
Many people come here for spiritual retreats. A famous author, Madeleine L'Engle, who wrote A Wrinkle in Time, used to lead writing workshops here every January.
The monks also make and sell some interesting items. You can buy incense and perfume made by them. There is also a shop called the Monk's Cell. It sells books and gifts. The monks at Holy Cross Monastery are also known for caring about social issues. For example, they held peaceful gatherings to pray for peace during difficult times.
A Look Back in Time
The Holy Cross Monastery was the very first home for the Order of the Holy Cross. The order was started by The Reverend James Otis Sargent Huntington. He founded the order 20 years before this monastery was built. Before settling in West Park, the order used temporary homes in New York City and Maryland.
Reverend Huntington is buried right in the church on the monastery grounds. Today, the monastery is where new members of the order begin their training. It's like their school or starting point.
The Holy Cross Monastery was recognized as an important historical site in 1995. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
