The Trappist monks of St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts constructed their monastery buildings using fieldstones from the nearby fields in the early 1950s, performing the majority of the stone-masonry work themselves.
A rustic arched portico at the front is topped by a bell tower.
The bells in the Abbey ring seven times each day to call the monks to prayer.
Gothic arched stained glass windows complement the architecture of the rustic stonework.
The stone-lined walkway leads to the two visitors’ chapels, one on each side of the altar.
Doors to the two Abbey guest chapels remain open daily for visitors.
The “Chartres” stained glass from the outside….
surprises and calms visitors as they enter the chapel. The term “Chartres glass,” an intense colbalt blue, mimics the color of the 12th- and 13th-century windows of the Chartres Cathedral in France.
Although the the monastic enclosure is not open to the public, visitors are free to enjoy the grounds at the front of the abbey.
Overlooking the Abbey fields, now with stones cleared, on a windy fall day.
Another beautiful and peaceful place – it looks amazing. The blue stained glass windows are stunning.
It is a very calming place, and luckily not a long drive from my home.
Hope you are enjoying your weekend !
I had the same impression as the fellow blogger who commented before: it looks like a very peaceful place.
Do you know if the monks conduct services that the public can attend? It would be nice to attend in order to see the interior of the church, and see the windows with sun streaming through them.
Yes, the monks chant every few hours. Visitors get a side view of them in the distance, and you can feel the “blue” all around you. You have to crane your neck to get the best view. 😉 On Christmas and Easter, there are full services and visitors are allowed in the main church.
That sounds really nice, Julie.
One of my favorite churches in Germany has mostly blue windows created by Marc Chagall and Charles Marq; the atmosphere is transcendent.
https://tanjabrittonwriter.com/2021/12/22/still-hoping-for-peace-on-earth/
What an amazing church St. Stephen’s is and your blog post was fascinating. Reading it gave me a bit of hope in these troubled times.
Wishing you a good week,
Julie
Thank you for reading, Julie.
I also wish you a good week.
Beautiful building and grounds, I’ve never heard of this monastery so close by. Intriguing!
I bet you’d like it there!
Shapes and textures always make good photos. Thanks for sharing Julie. Allan
You are so welcome! Happy Traveling this week!
Beautiful stonework and windows. What a treat it must be to visit this abbey.
Yes, and it’s only a short drive from my home!
Magnificent construction well photographed
Thank you! Wishing you a good week.
It is a beautiful monastery.
It’s a calming place to visit.