In the serene setting of Convent Station, New Jersey, the historic Motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth stands as a profound embodiment of John Ruskin’s Lamp of Sacrifice. This principle emphasizes architecture as an offering of devotion and selflessness, transcending mere utility to become a testament to enduring faith and commitment. Established in 1859 under the guidance of Mother Mary Xavier Mehegan, the Sisters of Charity have long been dedicated to education, healthcare, and social services.
For over 150 years, The Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth have been busy on the front lines of social justice, partnering with individuals and communities to bring about real change. So much so, that this building remained mostly unchanged during those 150 years.
SITE
Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth
Convent Station, NJ
DATES
1999 - Design Completion
2000- Construction Completion
ARCHITECTURE
Dan Chong, Project Architect (VITETTA)
Sisters of Charity, Client
The symbolism of the mother pelican feeding her little baby pelicans is rooted in an ancient legend that preceded Christianity. The legend was that in time of famine, the mother pelican wounded herself, striking her breast with the beak to feed her young with her blood to prevent starvation. Another version of the legend was that the mother fed her dying young with her blood to revive them from death, but in turn, lost her own life. Given this tradition, one can easily see why the early Christians adopted it to symbolize our Lord, Jesus Christ. The pelican symbolizes Jesus our Redeemer who gave His life for our redemption and the atonement He made through His passion and death.
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DESCRIPTION OF COMPLEX
This complex is, a central hub for these missions, underwent a significant restoration to preserve its historical integrity while enhancing its functionality for contemporary needs. One notable aspect of this restoration was the replacement of 430 original windows dating back to the 1860s. The project aimed to maintain the building’s Second Empire Baroque style, ensuring that the new windows matched the original aesthetic and quality.
Beyond aesthetics, the design prioritized functionality, by providing much needed larger meeting spaces. This thoughtful approach not only preserved the building’s historical character but also improved energy efficiency, resulting in significant annual savings on heating and cooling costs. Further enhancements included the construction of a six-story addition featuring modern amenities such as elevators, conference rooms, and residential units with kitchenettes and private bathrooms. This expansion was part of a broader master plan to upgrade the facilities, ensuring that the Sisters could continue their mission in a space that honors their legacy while meeting contemporary standards
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The restoration of the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse exemplifies the Lamp of Sacrifice by demonstrating a deep respect for history, a commitment to community, and a willingness to invest in the future. Through meticulous preservation and thoughtful modernization, the project stands as a beacon of enduring faith and dedication, reflecting the Sisters’ unwavering service to others.. Below are a couple 'before' and 'after' photos of the rebirth of this convent.
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