Photo Credit: Br. Paul
Click on the image to see a larger view.
The Chapter Room is one of the central areas of the monastery. There the monks
gather each week to hear the abbot speak on some area of monastic life and
spirituality. Sometimes these talks expound a section or chapter of the
Rule of St. Benedict, hence the name of the room.
The Chapter Room is also the place where community discussions take place,
and where the community hears guest speakers. It is there that novices are
received and simple profession is made. And it is the place where the community
votes on important matters, such as when a new superior is elected, or a new
member is accepted for vows.
Gethsemani's Chapter Room was constructed so that the community could be seated
facing each other, as in the choir, but the benches were overly austere even
for Cistercians. The lower level of benches lacked backs and so were very
uncomfortable. For most of its history, then, the Chapter room had chairs
for the monks to sit in.
But now the benches have been
modified to serve their original purpose. Backs were attached to the lower level
at an ergonomically appropriate angle and the community may now sit, as was
intended, facing each other instead of facing the front.
Thanks to Joe Ritchie and his crew for their care and expertise in planning
and carrying out this renovation.
