16 Hull Street | Hingham, Massachusetts 02043 | (781)749-2155
Historical Timeline
Sept. 14, 1954: Foundation of Glastonbury Monastery
August 25, 1962: Monastery becomes independent priory
January 8, 1973: Monastery becomes an abbey
January 25, 1973:
Election of Abbot Edward
September 14, 1986: Election of Abbot Nicholas
January 25, 2001: Opening of Abbey Center
September 14, 2004: 50th anniversary of monastery
April 1, 2006: Dedication of renovated church
Glastonbury Abbey was founded in 1954 by Benet Lake Abbey, Wisconsin. Both of these monasteries belong to the family of the Swiss-American Benedictine Congregation which is part of the world-wide Benedictine Confederation. Benedictine monasticism takes its roots in the life of Saint Benedict (480-540 A.D.), patriarch of western monasticism and has flourished in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas. The life of a monastery centers on prayer and contemplation but also practices hospitality to its many guests.
In its early years, Glastonbury conducted a Latin School for seminarians. In 1975 a retreat ministry was begun. Lincoln School apartments for the Elderly in the town of Hingham opened in November, 1980. The Abbey Center, opened in 2001, allowed the monks to offer more social, educational, and cultural events to the people of the South Shore of Boston. The renovation and enlargement of the abbey church in 2006 gave greater emphasis to worship and allowed the monks to welcome more worshippers. The beautifull grounds are an inviting space to those seeking serenity. People are always welcomed to join the monks at prayer five times a day.
Father Edward Campbell who grew up in Philadlephia joined Benet Lake Abbey and was assigned to Glastonbury in 1955. He was elected the first Abbot of Glastonbury in 1973 and served until he resigned in 1986. Father Nicholas Morcone of Milford, Massachusetts was elected the second Abbot of Glastonbury in September 1986.