In May, 1982, the abbot of New Skete initiated discussions with two couples and one widow, who were seeking a closer relationship with the monastery. Initially, the discussions centered on possibly establishing a modified monastic rule of life to be practiced at home. As discussions continued, the possibility of building individual dwellings on monastery property were begun, to allow participants to more fully participate in daily worship at matins and vespers. The discussions led to constructing one building, rather than individual buildings, but apartments for each couple with separate cooking facilities, phones, etc.
Over the course of time, if the project were to go forward, the group would have to form a monastic community: one dwelling with private space for each couple or widow, but with the remainder of the dwelling as common space. Further, the participants would lead a vowed monastic life, holding all things in common. At this point, many others who had joined the discussions dropped out, as they were not interested in such a radical move, but one additional couple and one widow remained. These discussions continued weekly, now centered primarily on living monastic life .
In March, 1983, three couples and two widows signed a declaration of intent pledging the money to build the dwelling. Construction was initiated within two weeks. Participants placed their properties on the market to raise the money for construction. Money was borrowed from friends and relatives to purchase an additional 100+ acres adjoining the chosen site, which was added to the monks’ property. They worked with the contractor as much as possible to assist with painting, insulating, etc.
All were members of the OCA, worshiping at New Skete; however, they came from a variety of religious and work backgrounds. One was a cradle orthodox, four had been raised in the Roman Catholic tradition, one Presbyterian, one Swedenborg, and one Episcopalian. The variety of work backgrounds ranged from a seamstress to teachers, nurse, factory worker, attorney and a government employee.
In August, 1983, the members elected their first Superior. In September, the three couples moved in, although the house was unfinished - no kitchen, no carpeting, no sheet rock in common areas. The two widows joined in December.
We continued to meet to discuss monastic life and our struggles to form a community, not merely live together. Given the diverse backgrounds of our members, this was no easy task. Virtually the only things that we had in common were that we were part of the worshiping community and our desire to live monastic life at New Skete.
At the time of its founding, four of its members were at home full time; the others still held outside jobs, which were required to support the community.As each member was able to retire, they did: the last retired in 1998. As our goal was to be able to develop work which could be done on the premises, over the course of years, we worked at a variety of projects including: sewing, weaving, knitting, calligraphy and cards, confections, and making preserves.
In addition, we assisted the monks in many ways including dog training, raising and socializing puppies for the breeding program, keeping and whelping bitches, working in the butcher shop and making deliveries, transporting guests and dogs to and from the airport, railroad and bus stations, and on various building projects. Assistance was also given to the nuns’ community in their bakery and in making dried floral wreaths for sale in their shop. One of our members began painting icons in 1985, and this activity proved beneficial to New Skete, as many of her icons were installed the Temple of Holy Wisdom and the monks’ refectory. In addition, this provided a steady income from commissions for her work, which was highly prized. In 1986, we started making dog beds, and in 1994, dog biscuits.
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