Swampscott Estate Could Become Monastic Community

SWAMPSCOTT, MA – Father Andrew Bushell said people tend to hear "brewery" louder than "monastic community." Few people take issue with the community – it's hard to argue with having neighbors that quietly pray – but the brewery aspect draws attention.

"A monk always has two jobs," said Bushell, Executive Chairman of St. Paul's Foundation. The foundation is looking at the Marian Court property on Littles Point Road as the home for it's monastic community (to call it a monastery would be to imply it's larger). It would sustain itself with the 1,500-year-old tradition of monastic brewing.

Bushell went before the Board of Selectmen on Wednesday to present St. Paul's Foundation's plans for the property, and to answer questions. With about 120 people in the room, Bushell said the reaction was mixed.

"On the whole I was encouraged by the people, but discouraged by the officials," he said.

Swampscott Director of Community Development Peter Kane said the town doesn't have any definitions or ordinances regarding breweries in its bylaws, which under normal circumstances would mean it's not allowed. But Bushell said they have the exemption under the Dover Amendment – a Massachusetts law which exempts religious, agricultural, and educational corporations from some zoning restrictions.

Bushell will apply for permits through the building department, which will determine whether the use of the building of a monastic community sustained by a brewery is allowed by rights. The brewery would go inside what is currently the Mercy Center, and would be paired with a warehouse in Lynn or Revere for storage and larger deliveries. Bushell said they would cultivate strains of yeast native to Swampscott and Nahant to provide a high-quality, hyperlocal beer.

"It’s like a family business with monks. It’s a very different kind of brewery," said Bushell. "Our brewing is informed by a tradition that’s over 1,300 years old."

Marian Court, previously a Catholic college shuttered in 2015, once housed President Calvin Coolidge one summer while the White House was under construction, said Kane. The property has no historic designation, but is one of Swampscott's last estates.

Bushell said the brewery endeavor is needed to produce enough capital to restore the property and to embark on their mission to help Roman Orthodox Christians in the Middle East. Profits from the brewery would also help support the community.

He said the best Orthodox brotherhoods could be characterized as a small endeavor, powered by big hearts. Bushell said the next steps are to pray. And to get the permit to fix the roof.

Images via Zelloe Rice Design and Construction