The Site
Set on 14 acres of park-like land adjacent to the downtown core of Cambridge , the property is a truly inspiring vehicle for the further realization of what God has called the Vineyard to in this city. This highly scenic and pastoral property is marked by tall stands of mature trees, rolling grassland and stunning late 1800's architecture.
The History
Also known as "The Oaks", the original farmstead was established in 1860 by James Fraser. In the mid 1950's the Slovak Jesuit Fathers purchased the property and set up the Jesuit Mission as we know it today. As they added more buildings, the Jesuits took great care in preserving the architectural integrity and beauty of the existing structures and surroundings. Throughout the years, hundreds of Jesuit priests from around the world would visit or take up residence at the monastery, seeking its quiet refuge to pursue their studies and writings. An on-site printing press provided inspirational literature on a global scale. The site was also the home of the Our Lady of Sorrows parish, offering worship and mass for decades to the local Slovakian community.
In the spring of 2000 , Rome issued orders for the Cambridge missionaries to close the monastery, liquidate its assets and return home to Slovakia . The property was listed for sale and immediately secured by a real estate developer. The plan was to demolish the site to make room for more than 100 homes on extremely small and tightly packed lots. It seems that God had other plans for His land. For nearly two years the property was tied up in red tape and litigation as different developers tried to wrestle this jewel from the hands of local residents and heritage advocates. It simply was not to be.
Shortly before Christmas 2001 the Vineyard leadership made an inquiry to the priest in-charge based on a gentle nudging from the Lord. It was then that we discovered that the property was indeed available and about to be listed once again. Beginning in January 2002 the Cambridge Vineyard launched a formal intention to acquire the Slovak Jesuit Monastery. On February 27, the Jesuits opened up negotiations for the property which ended with a signed agreement by August of that year. Thus begins a new and exciting phase of our journey.
