St. Benedict

Built: 1915-1924 thedome.org

802 East 10thStreet
Ferdinand, Indiana

Article by Lauren Peay

Ancient Greeks built their architecture as focal points on the highest ground of the city, representing both the physical and spiritual journey to the top, to achieve enlightenment. This ancient concept is similar to St. Benedict's elevated position, overlooking the picturesque rolling hills and abundant forest area surrounding the town of Ferdinand, Indiana. This is why Ferdinand calls their beloved Sister's of St. Benedict “the castle on the hill”.

The exterior shares Romanesque features such as:

• Round arches
• Heavy decorations
• Round headed windows
• Towers and lower wings
• Thick walls

The ground plan of St. Benedict is a basilica plan similar to the Romanesque church of St. Sernin in Toulouse, France. Like St. Sernin, St. Benedict has small apsidal chapels reflecting the curve of the main apse while providing visual strength through the massing of simple, geometric forms.

The rounded facade of St. Benedict's is relatively plain, with distinct bricks projecting outwards in various horizontal, vertical or cross like patterns to add dimension. The Romanesque is also evident in the coarsely textured brick foundation with deep set doorways, expressing a heavy, long lasting permanence.

The interior avoids the massive Romanesque feel. Instead there is a sense of divine intervention as the sixteen stained glass angels appear to be lifting up the dome. In reality, this juxtaposition of different geometric forms requires pendentives to aesthetically create a continuously curved surface. The dome crowning St. Benedict rises 87 ft. from the floor and is 32 and 1/2 ft. in diameter. Contrasting to the massively plain and heavy ornamentation of the exterior is the light, miraculous, ethereal beauty of the interior, lifting the ambience of the solid structure.

Additional striking features are:

• Shimmering rose glass windows
• Sparkling mosaics
• Intricately carved gold leaf capitals
• Marble floors

St. Benedict (built 1915-1924) has been designated an Official Project of Save America's Treasures. The Sisters warmly welcome everyone to come and experience the awe inspiring monastery!