Friday, September 16, 2011

Convent of St. Mary, Abbey and Chapel, Peekskill, NY


The 1876 Abbey of the Community of St. Mary, shot by moonlight.

For over a century, the Convent at Mount St. Gabriel, a picturesque plot of land in the highlands of Peekskill, NY, was home to the Community of St. Mary. From its humble beginnings in 1872 in a clapboard farmhouse, the Convent soon grew into a multi-building complex with a full church, a school, and ample housing for both the Sisters and their charges. By 2003, when the convent moved to Greenwich, NY, the school had already been repurposed, but the Abbey proper, as well as the Chapel, remained vacant, as they have to this day.

Based on a Benedictine model, the Community of St. Mary adheres to a simple monastic life centered around prayer, reflection, and service. From tumultuous beginnings, including an uphill battle against the established positions of the Church on monastic orders in general, the CSM eventually flourished after being widely recognized for the selfless acts of its Sisters in service to the community. It is the oldest indigenous Anglican order in the New World, and the first monastic body constituted by the Episcopal Church since the dissolution of monasteries in the 16th century.

While the forms of service practiced by the nuns of the order have varied over the years and regions, at this particular complex, the running of a school and the manufacture of communion wafers were a primary focus. In 1977, as a result of declining enrollment, the Episcopal church closed the school, and the parcel of land containing it was sold off to a private developer; in the early 1980s, the 1911 building was converted to luxury condominiums. The Chaplain's House on the grounds is now the private residence of a local doctor, and has been gut renovated.

But since the CSM moved to a larger property in Greenwich, New York, in 2003, little has been done to the 1876 Abbey and 1896 Chapel buildings. The interiors of each are, for the most part, gutted; work was begun on the buildings, but never completed, due to the subprime mortgage collapse. Some significant interior architectural features have been left intact, but the majority of the structures have been stripped down to their frames. The properties are owned by Ginsburg Development, and their website indicates that they will be developed as "The Abbey at Fort Hill", a 12-unit luxury condo complex. This would be to the benefit of the town of Peekskill, which sorely needs the tax revenue, but also to the benefit of the Community of St. Mary - as part of the proposed development, Ginsburg would relocate the cemetery to the Greenwich location, bringing the founding Sisters to the modern convent.


The majority of the Abbey was gutted in between 2003, when the property was vacated, and the subprime mortgage collapse of 2008.



Untouched so far, the chapel on the second floor of the Abbey is remarkably intact.



During the heyday of the Convent, this chapel was primarily used to provide services for ailing nuns, who were housed on the second floor of the building.



As membership in the Convent and its school declined, the small chapel was used for most services, and the large 1896 Chapel building was only used for special functions.



The ornate hand-painted walls were finished prior to the start of the First World War, and are holding up remarkably well.



Very few interior architectural details remain, but apparently the developers feel that the original wooden staircases will fit with their luxury condo designs.



A view through one of the dormer windows on the third floor, looking towards the Chapel building.



An ornate spiral staircase leads from the first to the third floors.



This mechanism, with an array of gears and dangling weights, led up into what was possibly a bell tower.



View of the grounds at sundown. To the left is the Abbey, and to the right is the Chapel.



A dusk view of the 1896 Chapel, which was constructed of locally quarried stone - during this time period, labor was cheap, and materials expensive.



A font on the outside of the chapel; the inscription translates (roughly) as "Lydia: rest thou well and pray for us".



The bell tower on the Chapel building.



A view to the road leading away from the Convent.

For more images of the Convent, check out Amy Heiden Photography.

70 comments:

Anonymous said...

nice work! such a great find.
-mike

Laura Goggin Photography said...

Nothing makes me sadder than the words "luxury condo."

What a beautiful place. If there's a good side to this, I hope it's that the developers are able to save as much of the original features as possible. That spiral staircase is divine.

acquiringshelby said...

I'm so glad to see a new post. I most enjoy this site.
These buildings are like time machines. So beautiful.

So Yeah So said...

Glad to see a new post. Gorgeous photos as always. I also always enjoy the background you provide for the buildings.

roadsidewonders said...

Both sad and gorgeous. Your photos are just beautiful!

barbarac said...

I just love how you use light in your photos! Glad.to see you are still illuminating these magnificent structures.

Kristen Lothspeich said...

The shots taken at sundown are amazingly beautiful!
I wish all the old buildings in the world could be saved and kept with all their natural beauty.
I love what you do/are doing!!

Judy said...

Thank you for this latest gallery; beautiful and evocative, as always.

nana said...

Beautiful photoset:)
EPIC!

Anonymous said...

The Mechanism is a Tower Clock Movement, originally weight driven but since converted to synchronous electric drive.
Interesting place.

Nicki said...

Absolutely gorgeous.

Gayle said...

What a stunning set of photos! The chapel photos are so beautiful. I hope it can all be saved. Keep taking photos! It makes my day when I see you have a new post.

Anonymous said...

does anybody have any information on the bell that was left there by the convent please email me at richardmor.10@sunymaritime.edu

Robyn Crosby said...

What beautiful pictures, and they evoked so many memories. I graduated from St. Mary's School in 1972, and sadly, we students then did not appreciate the physical beauty of the structures.

Emily de Rham said...

I too went to St. Mary’s School, but contrary to the experience of a previous poster, I was deeply influenced by the beauty of the architecture. My four years there shaped my aesthetic sense today. The fate of the school building, which was a spectacular gothic quadrangle designed by Ralph Adams Cram c. 1911, is heartbreaking. It has been massacred by its current owners and is now a run-down and overcrowded apartment building.

Anonymous said...

I also went to St Mary's School, and made the mistake of driving up to see it some years ago.
You are right. It is very depressing. I was so sorry I had made the trip. What a waste. But I must say these photographs make it look a lot more beautiful than I saw it as a teenager.

Anonymous said...

the wood arches in the small chapel are incredible - don't see that workmanship any more

Miss C said...

Hope you don't mind but I have posted some of your work on my Tumblr and linked it back here. Beautiful photos - so evocative. I like the image implied in each of you roaming these empty spaces, camera in hand, leaving footprints in the begrimed floors.

Anonymous said...

...wow, beautiful, but a hard life...my grandmother went there...I am grateful for the photos, wish I knew more...

Leah said...

Thank you for a stunning and talented collection of photos. I can see the Divine Lorraine from my home and have always questioned it's history and space hidden inside.

Klikdana said...

So beautiful. Your photos are just beautiful!

Anonymous said...

My great-grandfather built the chapel. Your photos are absolutely incredibly beautiful, and sad! I am working on a publication on great-grandfather. I would love to be able to use your photos, and any that other people might have from before the convent closed. Are you sure the school was built by Cram? Might it be one of the architects from the same period whose work is attributed to Cram or Upjohn, such as Hallsey-Wood, or Congdon? Does anyone know the fate of the organ: it is a treasure that should be rescued and brought back to playing since it is by a very famous and innovative builder and was a beauty?

Anonymous said...

These are beautiful photos. In the mid-to-late 30s my mother attended and then graduated from St Mary's School for Young Ladies. What a wonderful commemoration of the building, which I was lucky enough to tour while it was still in use as a school.

Anonymous said...

Steve ask's a question.
I use to live in an Apartment and I think it use to be part of this Abby. I could see the River from my second floor apartment.
Is this the place? Chateau Rive???

Ginger said...

Chateau Rive is the former school, Saint Mary's School. The photos are of the Convent, which was down the hill from the school.

I attended Saint Mary's School in the 8th grade, during what turned out to be the last year in existence (1976-77).

Kay said...

My mother graduated from St. Mary's in 1926. I am wearing her class ring. My father wore it from 1929 until he died in the 70's. I would really like to see what the ring looked like when it was new. It is well worn now. We visited the convent in 1956. Thank you for the site. Daughter of Dorothy Stoltz.

Lyn Washington said...

I attended St. Mary's School as a boarding student, and graduated from there in 1965. As students we were never allowed in the convent proper but attended church every Sunday in the convent church. It was a beautiful space and the high church mass was wonderful (although not always appreciated by teenage girls.) We all learned "plainsong" a form of Gregorian chant (I think) and had choir practice every Friday afternoon in the School Auditorium. It broke my heart when the school closed and was sold, I had four happy years there. My mother had been a student at St. Mary's starting in 8th grade until she graduated in 1942. I hope the new owners of the convent retain some of the amazing beauty and grace of the old church and convent!
Lyn Washington class of 1965

Anonymous said...

My parents bought The Junior School property on 4 acres below the main school in 1947. We lived in all of the three buildings from that time until 1955 when it was vs old to Farber Whitman developers who tore down the main building which my parents turned into a hotel...it was a wonderful, magical place to grow up and I was heartbroken when it was sold...on my way to school in highland falls, passing thru South St by the Parkway Plaza, I could see the wreckong ball tear down this stone Victorian gem-- floor by floor--it still brings tears to my eyes. If you look at photos on 'Project Canterbury,' the white pillared building was part of our property and my father sold it to the Peekskill VFW which they used for years.
The Carriage House was also torn down and only a small building remains which is the Motel Mager's residence.
If anyone has photos or info to share, I am Carol Renza:
crenza@earthlink.net

ellie swallow spillett said...

I was a student there in the 1950's - Because of this school and the wonderful nuns and people, I had such a strong foundation in my faith and relationship with God! How lucky I was - Pictures are beautiful - Thank you! Ellie Swallow Spillett

Alexander Boyle said...

I went there from 1975-1977 and it is really sad to see such a landmark structure stripped to the bones as if it were some kind of tenement being flipped for condos.

Lee Ann McCarthy said...

I have lived in this area for over 30 years and always wondered what these buildings are...yesterday I got off the highway and found the road and drove up...I was in awe...such architecture and history, thank you for your pictures...I sure hope the developers keep the 2nd floor chapel...the paintings and antiques, the features are gorgeous...it is history that must be preserved...it is sad it had to close.

Unknown said...

I stayed at the convent for the better part of a summer in 1976, when I was nine. My parents had split up, and my mother worked in the altar bread department until we had enough money to fly out to Indiana. I know every inch of that property, since I was regularly in trouble for going "out of bounds." Reading "Life with Mother Superior" brought a lot of the places back to life for me, as well as this photo series. Thank you.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jane Emley Stanton said...

I attended St.Mary's School for four years, graduating in 1964. On the weekend of June 6, 2014, some of my classmates and I gathered at the school. It was exactly 50 years from the date of our graduation. Our first stop was the convent. Your pictures are a perfect reflection of what exists today. That is with the exception of the second floor chapel, which is not quite as well preserved. There is still the beautiful painting on the walls. I was heartbroken that the large chapel was boarded up and totally inaccessible. We all spent many hours in there and it has always held a special place in my heart. I hope the Ginsberg Company or whoever might own it now, have the sensitivity to maintain some of the beauty treasured by so many in the past. Jane Stokes Emley Stanton, SMS, Class of 1964

Anonymous said...

I graduated in '66....so sad to see the pictures now, it was such a beautiful place, and our class friendships have lasted all this time....I was lucky to have gone there, as did my mother in the 40's and my granny before that, in the 20's.....

Deb Roberts said...

My grandmother went here as a young girl in the early 1920s. I wish I knew more but remember her stories so well. Is it possible to explore the grounds now? Does anyone know if old attendance records are available? Thank you for posting these pictures.

fred said...

It was a great day for Peekskill when Ginsberg was chased away.To bad it was not done before they got their hands on the old Saint Mary's area.

Anonymous said...

This brings back fond memories! I had been there 3 times. The first time with a men's group from church, then with my wife, and again with our baby. The last time, because of the baby, they arranged for us to have an apartment reserved for visiting priests ... fold out sofa bed, private bathroom etc.

The first visit with the men's group was very special. I got home, and my wife was sitting there with a bowl of strawberry ice cream and a pickle! She had no intention of eating it, but a way to make a VERY special announcement!! I called Fr Marc, our parish priest, who had just dropped me off from the retreat. I asked about the cost of a Requiem Mass. He was taken aback at first, knowing my father was in his last days, so asked, haltingly w-w-who is it for? I told him ...... THE RABBIT!!

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Anonymous said...

What is the status of the convent now? If "Ginsberg has been driven out", who owns it now? Who does one contact to be able to go to the old convent buildings and see it? I have seen one photo from over-head: what is the "1 St. Mary's Convent" house for sale built on? Has some of the convent or school been torn down? I see the inside of the old convent: My great-grandfather designed the convent and the 1896 chapel, and oversaw the building. Ginsberg strung me along about whether I could get in to see it. Never did.
If you have info, please post and we will exchange emails.

Anonymous said...

It is a spectacular place. I'm writing a biography of architect Anne Tyng who was a member of the class of 1937. One of the nuns at the new location told me that at least some of the buildings were designed by Ralph Adams Cram. I'd be very interested to know whether or not that is true.

Can anybody help?

Anonymous said...

An Answer, and a Plea:

Answer:
So sorry, Anonymous, to have to tell you that the majority of the convent was not designed by Ralph Adams Cram. It is, in fact, the work of an architect very little known, because he did not advertise, but very prolific in his work: Henry Martyn Congdon, Architect, who had his offices on Broadway in New York City, and lived in Brooklyn Heights. To a number of his works (which he did not sign the way some of his compatriots did), modern authors have mislabeled as the work of Upjohn, Cram, or other contemporary architects. The nuns actually had, in the past, proof of Congdon's work. He received the original commission to build the convent, then returned in 1896 to build the external main chapel. He built several other buildings for the Episcopal Church that served to house groups of people for extended periods: such as the House of Mercy school at Inwood-on-the-Hudson, and the St. Mary's Free Hospital for Children in New York City. Most of his works, however, were Episcopal churches, Houses, or furnishings. As you might note from previous posts, he was my great-grandfather. I am trying to find more information about him, especially how he worked with the clients and the contractors, so that I can write a biography about him.

The Plea
I really would like to know what is happening with the convent now. I found a "city of Peekskill Common Council" bill on the net where the Common Council agrees to lift the limit on the number of units (suggests they will be less that overly-expensive luxury condos. The crucial part of law 3 of 2015 for the planning commission says "now knows as "Abbey at Fort Hill" has been revised by proposing a greater number of dwelling units that would occupy a smaller portion of the property. Does that mean that the "luxury condo" idea has been ditched for...? Small apartments, a prison, what? Does anybody know what is happening to this really interesting property?


. If anyone happens to know of documentation about Henry Martyn Congdon

Anonymous said...

I've in the past been in touch with Henry Martyn Congdon's granddaughter, who is able to document some of his work (and that of his son, who also was a church architect). I found her because I had discovered that our church, Trinity Lime Rock (CT), had been mis-attributed to Upjohn, and that we had documentation proving Congdon's role. I'd be glad to try to put you in touch with her -- email me at webmaster @ trinitylimerock.org

Unknown said...

My great grandfather, the Ref. Dr. John Jay Elmendorf founded St. Mary's. It is wonderful to see so many pictures of places where he lived and worked. It is a shame that it will be turned into condos, but I'm glad the buildings will not be destroyed..

Unknown said...

p.s. His son, Rev. Augustine Elmendorf, baptised Hetty Green. I'm thinking that is why there is a memorial building with her name.

tapers02 said...

I stayed here when seeking if I had a calling. I was shown beautiful classic robes that were from many years past. I was allowed into the Cloister for relax time and shown how the sister crocheted the rope belts. My cell was small. The small chapel was beautiful. Most of the sisters were elderly, and there was only 1 novice. I wondered what would happen in time. Now I know.

twin said...

I have lived in Peeksksill all of my life. And to have this beautiful building torn down and made into condos; It is a disgrace We as youngers use to walk down the long road and just look at St. Marys and wonder

ME said...

So beautiful landscape with beautiful complex of unique architecture. All should be preserved as much as possible and carefully renovated. It deserves better future then "luxury condos". Peekskill is going thru its renaissance time and this real estate is like Peekskill's jewel. How about to turn it into museum, whether local history or arts?

FRBILL said...

I was chaplain at SMS nearly 50 years ago and can answer some questions. There were two plaques at the school (may still be there) and one of these named Cram as the architect of that building (he had not begun his career when the convent itself was built), the other memorialized Hetty Green (I believe as a benefactress of the school -- which may have grown out of the circumstances of her baptism.

I don't know what happened to the school organ though some of the sisters at Greenwich might recall. When I last visited Peekskill the exterior of the present apartment building still looked nice, but I haven't been inside since the school closed.

Anonymous said...

Eventually, I found out that Ginsberg corporation is back and intending to turn the gutted convent into "condos" -- not luxury condos. Work is going to begin sometime soon. In the meantime, Miguel Hernandez from the West Chester Historical Society has written a good Blog on the creation of the convent.
The West Chester Historical Society and the Peekskill Historical Society will be running a visit to the convent in two weeks. I wish I could contact everyone who has seen this page and invite you all to come and discuss the Convent's history. If enough alumni from the convent want to see it again, contact Mr. Hernandez at the West Chester Historical Society. The June 25th tour may be the last chance to photograph in the convent and not the condos.

Desperately searching: Does anyone have a recording of the organ or the organ and choir in the convent? There is a very outside chance that a patron can be found to pay for the restoration of the Franklin Roosevelt organ.

My thanks to all who post on this page for all the information you have given, and especially to our host for the pictures. Hopefully, around 2022, the anniversary of Henry Martyn Congdon's passing, you will be able to get a book about how he was trained and how he worked with contractors.
Sincerely, the great granddaughter of Henry Martyn Congdon

Rick Politi said...

Hello to all. I was a FRESHMAN in the last graduating classes of PEEKSKILL MILITARY ACADEMY in 1967-1968. Although we did not have any (formal) get-togethers that year, it is my understanding that both had been closely united since the founding of ST. MARY'S(the PEEKSKILL ACADEMY was organized in 1833). The CIVIL WAR had provided ADDED momentum to the need to care for orphans and children, finding themselves without parents within the bitter confines of New York City(sole immigration station from 1855).
I suspect, although I cannot yet verify, that there was an "student exchange" of sorts, certainly understandable despite the ostensible "military"/all male feature that the Academy adopted in 1857. At founding the Academy had been COEDUCATIONAL, 1838-1841, which may have been precedent.
Any old stories that would add character to our occasional meeting would be appreciated. Rick Politi.

Martha said...

I was a Sister at St. Mary's in the 70's and 80's (had taken annual vows} and was the Sacristan for about 2 years. Hopefully, St. Scholastica's chapel will be saved. One of my duties was to clean it at least once a day. Looking at the pictures of the convent after being gutted, I can still tell where everything is.

George Sinzer, Journalist at FIREFOXNEWS ONLINE™ said...

I'm deeply saddened today because when I was a boy growing up in Peekskill and as an acolyte (alter boy) from Saint Peter church when I went to St. Mary's for the first time and saw the beautiful architecture even though I'm in tears because such a beautiful places being lost to people in Peekskill forever, it breaks my heart to see this.

I had hoped someone would have said no this building is not to be touched; but sadly it looks like it's all but gone with the one Chapel still remaining I know that there must be someone out there who can get a hold of the developer, talk to the mayor and city council and say something to save it. This building should not be turned into a condominium it should be saved for the people of Peekskill and even those who live in the condos now there.

I remember the first time I walked into those chapels it was in the mid-seventies actually early 70s and as an altar boy the sisters were so kind to me and so sweet (of course they could nothing but kind & sweet) and they always had a smile that would say thank you without even saying a word and on the one time I went up there it was shortly after we lost one of our dogs a miniature collie to be exact one of the sisters was coming out of the chapel and I was visibly crying because I loved that dog; she walked up to me put her arms around my shoulder and asked me what was wrong and I told her then we walked into the chapel together and she said a prayer for my dog and one for me and when she was finished I asked her "Sister did you say a prayer for me?" and she said "Because you were sad your dog passed away and I wanted you to that your dog is with God and that for you to have tears of joy not sorrow."

This Chapel must be saved; it must not be destroyed. I'm a journalist now I have my own news service and if anyone out there knows who the developer is and how to reach them please let me know. As I said at the beginning of my comment I am deeply saddened and heartbroken because this beautiful architecture and history is going to be lost forever
and only because greedy developers just want to make money caring little for the beauty of the chapel and the history it holds.

Unknown said...

Would someone please email me I formation on the grave site for nuns who were buried there and if the markers have been replaced. My great Aunt was a nun from 1925 till 1995. I would like to find out were she may be. I have her DOB and The day she went to heaven.

Unknown said...

I would also love to find out who has this place. My Great Aunt was a nun from 1925 til 1995. The grave markers have been destroyed and I am hoping to see if they are being put back or even replaced hope when I am back in July I will get more answers.

Anonymous said...

Ginsberg Development Corporation has restarted work at the site. They are turning the convent into an Inn, Spa, and Destination Resort. Think of the wedding pictures that could be taken from that site!
I suggest that you contact Mother Miriam CSM, head of the convent. She knows the history of the Nuns removal from Peekskill, which graves were removed. (The Community of St. Mary, Eastern Province, 242 Cloister Way, Greenwich, NY, 12834 ​Phone: 518-692-3028, Contact: The Rev'd Mother Superior.
There is a beautiful page, done by Project Canterbury, on the school. http://anglicanhistory.org/usa/csm/school1931/
For Remaining graves, you need to contact Ginsberg themselves.

Anonymous said...

DJ Zorn,

I live just outside of Peekskill and drove up the hill to see the site just yesterday. The grave markers are still there, black iron crosses quite eerily sitting planted within a fenced area. I want to go back and explore the area while some of the original buildings still are there. Much of the area is now under active construction.
I am not sure if the grave markers have any names on them but I can look...what was your great aunt's name? I will look for it if the markers have names on them...
Anthony

Ed D. said...

My great aunt was a nun at St Mary’s and died there in the 70’s (Sister Mary Michael - Margaret Stuart Dunscombe. I remember visiting her at the convent when I was a little boy ca. 1958

Ed D. said...

My great aunt was a nun at St Mary’s and died there in the 70’s (Sister Mary Michael - Margaret Stuart Dunscombe. I remember visiting her at the convent when I was a little boy ca. 1958

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Anonymous said...

I was able to obtain a chart showing who is buried where from the new home if the convent, relocated to Greenwich NY. The graves are now absent if names. The facility has been beautifully restored into a functioning high-end hotel and event space. The nun’s chapel with lovely murals is intact and I was able to view it when I spent a night at the hotel in July 2021.

Anonymous said...

Above comment from Ed Dunscombe

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