- The longrange masterplan adopted by the Martin County Convent Foundation Inc. is about to be fully realized. MCCF applied for a grant in September of this year by invitation from the FMH Foundation.
The FMH Foundation was established in 2011 by Florence Marie Hall to continue her legacy of giving back to her beloved West Texas. The level of commitment this foundation has for Martin County has once again been demonstrated with the approval of a $3.5 million grant to the MCCF.
The FMH Foundation was created to “foster collaboration, innovation, creativity, excellence, synergy, and development” with the focus on health, performing and visual arts, and community and cultural endeavors. The award of this grant came in November 2022.
These funds will be used to build the east building of 1884 Plaza in Stanton to be named Marienfield Hall. This structure will recreate the original quadrangle at 1884 Plaza. It will have a historical appearance on the exterior while providing modern amenities on the inside. It will house MCCF Inc. offices, restrooms, catering kitchen, large banquet hall, meeting rooms, archive/library room, and a beautiful bridal room.
The grant will also fund the construction of St. Joseph’s Chapel adjacent to the restored Monastery. The chapel will be used for community events (weddings, funerals, special observances, etc.) and complete the facilities needed for a destination wedding and event center.
It has been the community’s and local area’s dream to see this treasured historical property beautified and restored in such an exemplary manner. The interior of the Monastery is now complete, and the MCCF furnishing and display team are busy gathering up and cleaning artifacts, purchasing time period pieces and installing informational kiosks that will tell the stories of this important historical site as visitors are guided through the building.
The west side of the property features a hand carved statue of Sister Mary Kast welcoming visitors to a new garden area with a cobblestone path, 50 ft. long arbor, raised planters, indigenous plant garden, windmill, cistern, trough water feature, courtyard and stage that is all nearing completion. The name of the garden will be“Sisters of Mercy Garden”.
Future plans include additional restoration work in the Monastery basement (kitchen and stock room). Life has once again been restored to this property.
The MCCF Inc. board of directors hope to educate visitors about the history of the site and the many successful people who resided here, as well as the many students that were educated here. The property will not only provide financial support for maintenance and preservation of the site, but also offer a beautiful venue for local and area events.
In 1987 Martin County Convent Foundation, Inc. board of directors was formed with a view toward full restoration and stabilization of the Convent/Historical Carmelite Monastery