(2) New Monastery

Though I had lived in the Phoenix area when attending Taliesin

West, I had not visited other parts of Arizona.  So Flagstaff proved

a revelation for me.  Northern Arizona was totally different, not

at all a desert but rather mountainous and covered with Ponderosa

Pine.  Consequently, when we entered the "Millennial Monastery

Arizona" (as it was called), I  found the whole place built in the

style of Pioneer Timber.

As the Rector explained to me, it was the intent that in each State--as

they continue to build new monasteries--to reflect the State's history

architecturally.  He said that the early buildings in Flagstaff itself

were Pioneer Timber, as they put it.  With this thought in mind, the

Rector asked me what ideas I might have in mind when it came to

reflecting California's architectural history.

Well, I certainly didn't have to pause over this.  Early California was

all about the "Mission Era" and the "Rancho Era," the one following

the other over a short period.  Many of the old Franciscan Missions

had been renovated and still serve as churches, though most visitors

view them now more as museums.  And the early ranch houses were

oft made of adobe, had tile roofs.  Also, the bigger ranches consisted

of many buildings in this style.  And gorgeous landscaping, replete

with verandas, proved highly popular.

The Rector smacked his knee in approval of my approach and said

"that's exactly what we were thinking, too!"  Relieved, we talked

generally into the fine details of such a project--like how many

inhabitants (who were both male and female monks), what kind of

activities required what kind of buildings, and the proximity of buildings

to one another.  In other words, the layout of the monastery.  The 

monks, who evidently were the project committee, then provided 

me a list of their considerations.  At least I had something to go on.

Finally we had to get down to brass tacks, so to speak--the

"financing" of this project.  "Not to worry," exclaimed the Rector.

I did wonder, but I waited until we were outside and talked to

Brother Philip about the money to pay for this new monastery in

California.  Again astounded when Philip explained that a multi-

billionaire had "willed" the Millennial Monasteries organization 

his wealth.  They had money to burn.

Naturally I was more than curious about this, as to why ever a 

financial tycoon would leave his money to a bunch of monks.  It

was at this point that Philip slowly started to explain that "this"

monastic group was really rather different from traditional

monasteries.

Back in San Diego Philip and I had some long talks about the

Millennial Monasteries.  This was necessary, understanding not 

only the functions of a given place--but also the philosophy that 

stands behind the architecture.  It should not only be about the 

property, but also about the people who live there.  

What Philip told me over the course of a few days was nearly

revelatory for me.  I kept saying "wow" to myself, as he proceeded.

First he provided a background scenario, in that since before the

beginning of the millennium some 30 years back there has

been simultaneously both decline in traditional religious groups

along with the emergence of new non-traditional groups in both

Religion and Spirituality.  Pluralism was thick in the air, but over

time it was either thinning out or, in some cases, becoming more

concrete.

Nonetheless, the Millennial Monasteries was pragmatic.  They 

had the good sense to build on structures that seemed to work 

over the centuries.  They were definitely not Utopian.  Over time they

decided on two pillars that they maintain right up to the present

time: the monastic Rule of St. Benedict and the Anglican Book of 

Common Prayer.  Albeit, it must be said that these two pillars have 

definitely been interpreted in very creative ways, especially when it 

comes to meeting those "issues and insights" of our owntime.

However, I wasn't too surprised about the dual nature of the

Millennial Monastery.  Women had come to the forefront of 

religious and spiritual circles decades back, corresponding with 

the influence they have held in the professional ranks.  Separation 

along gender lines was no longer tolerated, so I could only nod 

my head in agreement as Philip talked of the dual character of 

his monastery.

And as he talked I slowly came around to realize that once the

Millennial Monastery California--as they already called it--was

up-and-running, that Brother Philip had been selected to be

their Rector. They preferred this title to "Master" or "Abbot" or "

Abbess."  In Latin the word "Rector" meant governor or leader or 

steersman (a tutor).

More detail spilled out, in that there were no priests or reverends

amongst the Templars.  They went simply by the title of "Sister" or

"Brother."  As for ceremonial functions, they borrowed heavily 

from the Anglican rituals, always employing the Book of Common

Prayer.  As for individual spiritual development, they leaned on

the major elements within the Benedictine Tradition.  And to Whom

were they dedicated?  To God, to the Holy Spirit.

I wondered aloud, are these monks "Christian"?  Philip replied 

that all the monks were devotees of the Christ, as they have

and will come to know Such.  For many of the monks, Christ for 

them is the "Cosmic Christ" or in more ancient terms, the 

"Pantocrator," the Light of the World, Universal Ruler of the 

Cosmic Realm, the Lord of All Existence.  And what about Jesus, 

where was he in this?  Philip quietly replied that each monk must 

find his or  her own understanding when it comes to the mystery 

of Jesus.

Need I say that I was profoundly fascinated by this monastic

group and their approach when it came to "Seeking God."  They

were different, deep, and (as I was to come to learn over the 

months shared with them--as we slowly designed and built the

monastery)  "passionate."