Mount Saint Macrina facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Oak Hill Estate
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Southwest facade of Oak Hill, behind the original west gate. A low modern wall is in the foreground.
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | U.S. Route 40, 0.25 miles west of U.S. Route 119, North Union Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 261 acres (106 ha) |
| Built | 1903 |
| Architect | Ernest Woodyatt; Daniel Burnham |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 99000514 |
| Added to NRHP | May 12, 1999 |
Mount Saint Macrina is a very important place for Ruthenian Byzantine Catholics in North America. It's known for having the biggest yearly pilgrimage (a special religious journey). It's also home to the monastery of the Byzantine Catholic Order of Sisters of St. Basil.
This special place was started in 1933 by Mother Macrina Melnychuk (1879-1948). It's located near Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Every year, on Labor Day weekend, more than 30,000 people come here for the pilgrimage. Mount Saint Macrina is named after Saint Macrina, who was the sister of Saint Basil. The site was officially opened in 1934.
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The Story of Oak Hill Estate
Before it became Mount Saint Macrina, this large property was called Oak Hill. It was a huge estate, more than 1,000 acres big! It belonged to a very rich man named J.V. Thompson (Josiah Van Kirk Thompson). He was a key person in the big coal and coke industry boom in the late 1800s.
From Riches to a New Purpose
Later, J.V. Thompson faced money problems. Because of this, the Byzantine Catholic Order of Sisters of St. Basil bought the property in 1933. The large house that belonged to the Thompson family can still be seen from U.S. Route 40. Today, this mansion is used by the Sisters as a quiet place for people to visit and reflect.
Buildings at Mount Saint Macrina
The Sisters of St. Basil live in a five-story yellow brick building. This building is their monastery and is located at the north end of the property. The Sisters of St. Basil are an international group, with communities all over the world.
Mount Macrina Manor
A newer building on the property is the Mount Macrina Manor Nursing Home. It was opened in 1971. This nursing home provides care for people who need it.
A Place of History
In 1999, the United States government recognized Mount Saint Macrina as an important historical site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places under its original name, "Oak Hill Estate." This means it's a special place that is protected for its history.
Resting Place
Mount Saint Macrina also has a cemetery. Several important religious leaders are buried there.
- Basil Takach
- Stephen Kocisko
- Thomas Dolinay
- Basil Schott
- George Kuzma
- Albert N Skomra
