Located in the East End community (Saline County), Marylake Monastery played a vital role in the journey of men seeking to become members of the Discalced Carmelites, a Catholic mendicant order. This tranquil retreat was part of the Province of St. Thérèse, serving not only Arkansas, but also Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma.
The roots of the monastery began in 1895, when members of the Tull family bought a 400-acre tract in East End and dammed Clear Creek to form a fifty-acre lake. In 1906, the property changed hands when William Baxley purchased it, setting up a grist mill. Unfortunately, his efforts were thwarted when the dam broke, leading to the lake’s drain and ultimately causing Baxley to lose the land.
After an extended period of neglect, with the property lying unoccupied for eleven years after initial development attempts, a change occurred. Judge R. M. Mann decided to sell the picturesque lake with its 240 surrounding acres to the Shriners for $23,000. In the spring of 1926, the Shriners broke ground on a magnificent stone castle perched on a hill. This structure was envisioned as a charming country club for members.
In the wake of the 1929 stock market crash, the Shriners found themselves unable to meet the obligations on a $99,000 loan. This led to the bank selling the property to a group consisting of eight businessmen. In a twist of fate, these businessmen turned the property over to the infamous Dr. John R. Brinkley in 1937, who was well-known for his dubious medical practices. After Brinkley faced bankruptcy, his associate, Dr. H. D. Osborn, managed the golf course for a few years and controversially continued Brinkley’s outrageous procedure of implanting goat testicles in aging men to boost their sexual vitality.
In an interesting turn of events, the estate was purchased by Baptist Hospital and found new life after its transformation into a convalescent home. The property eventually hit the market again, catching the eye of R. G. LeTourneau, who purchased it in 1947. It’s worth noting that the hospital had placed a stipulation on the estate, mandating it be used for Christian purposes. In keeping with this requirement, LeTourneau handed the reins of the site to his wife, Evelyn, who successfully operated a Christian boys’ camp there until she eventually sold it to the Carmelites
The Carmelite Monastery was founded in 1952 by a dedicated group of monks known as the Trappists. This order was well-respected for its unwavering commitment to a life steeped in prayer, hard work, and deep contemplation. The serene and secluded location was carefully selected to provide the tranquil environment necessary for a monastic lifestyle, emphasizing solitude and spiritual focus.
The first monks to reside at Marylake Monastery were sent to Arkansas by the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky. The monastery began with a small group of monks, but over time, it grew in population and infrastructure. The monks built the chapel and other facilities necessary for monastic life, including areas for work, prayer, and hospitality.
The monastery, like many others during this period, dealt with a dwindling number of monks and financial difficulties. The aging community struggled with a decreasing influx of new members, leading to a troubling outlook for this once-thriving sanctuary.
In 2000, the monks chose to close the monastery. The sale of the property symbolized the end of a significant chapter, as the last monks left Marylake Monastery.
Although the doors of Marylake Monastery may have closed, its legacy continues to thrive. It is interwoven into the spiritual tapestry of Arkansas, as well as within the broader Trappist tradition. Following its closure, the property has been revitalized, now serving as a destination for those seeking peace and solace in an otherwise hectic world.
Today, the grounds of Marylake Monastery are privately owned, but the whispers of its religious heritage remain. Visitors are encouraged to uncover its storied past and appreciate the lasting influence it has had on monastic life in the Natural State.
Comments
Post a Comment