Cambridge monastery offers unexpected sanctuary

To a walker along Memorial Drive, the Cambridge monastery of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist appears insular, closed off behind tall fences. But open a small side gate and the place surprises at every turn and every entryway.

Each year, approximately 1,000 guests stay at the monastery in Cambridge, while another 500 go on retreats at Emery House in West Newbury.

After evening prayers, overnight guests eat dinner with the monks in the monastery refectory. Since the monks rise early and go to bed early, dinner is light — typically soup, salad, and homemade whole wheat bread — and often vegetarian.

Perched on prime Charles River real estate, the monastery offers unexpected sanctuary. Thick, stone walls muffle traffic noise and create an architecturally-inspiring place.

The guesthouse has 13 single rooms for overnight visitors, including a handicapped-accessible room on the first floor. Named after saints and apostles, the rooms are small and minimalist, including a bed, bureau, chair, desk, closet, sink, and window overlooking the river.

Guests come from all around the world and all walks of life: men and women, students and lawyers, teachers and bankers, social workers and real estate agents. They are not all Episcopalian, nor all Christian.

For many visitors, the most memorable moments come during services when the brothers join in traditional chants, their voices perfectly complementing each other’s in a way that is mesmerizing.

The blend of Italianate and Romanesque design, the arches everywhere, evoke an older time and place.

Nearly a century ago when the Society settled by the Charles, the location was a surprisingly undesirable, industrial spot abutting an MBTA elevated car depot and Harvard University Press buildings.

While the monastery’s location is curious for a religious community that values quiet contemplation, it was intentionally built near a world-famous university. The Society recognizes college students are at a “critical stage of life formation’’ and believes it can provide guidance.

While some visitors are ordained, most are not members of any clergy. Still, as Brother Jonathan Maury said, “The one thing that kind of unites everyone is that they’re seeking God in some way or other.’’

Visitors are free to follow their own schedule and go wherever they want outside the monastery, though many structure their stay around daily services and meals with the brothers.

As organ music fills the main chapel and worshipers enter a grand space with stone arches, marble floors, intricate stained glass windows, and iron gates, it is easy to step back and reflect. The monastery holds four prayer services throughout the day where guests can join the brothers.