Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B.

In writing his Rule, Saint Benedict anticipated that the monastic community would develop within itself skilled artisans and handcrafters: woodworkers, painters, stonemasons, scribes, and illuminators.  In chapter 57, he urges that these skills be practiced with all humility, that prices be fair, and that the proceeds go to the community.  Benedict closes the chapter with words of spiritual synthesis: in omnibus glorificetur Deus (that in all things God may be glorified [1 Peter 4:11]). 

It seems that some professions or crafts are almost perfectly aligned with the practice of monastic life, with its accumulated learning, and its spirituality of dailiness.  Woodworking is one of these.  Over the past century and a half, our community has been blessed with a succession of amazing monastic and lay woodworkers who have dedicated themselves to making all manner of things for the whole of Saint John’s: tables, chairs, desks, beds, lockers, cabinets, bookcases, doors, and even the display case for The Saint John’s Bible. 

Senior confreres remember Brother Hubert Schneider (1902—1995) as the leader of abbey woodworking for many years.  An introvert’s introvert, he labored in the shop for most of his monastic life, working side by side with other skilled workers, and teaching generations of students who were assigned there for work-study.  One Johnnie alumnus noted: “It is amazing how much one can learn from a man who doesn’t say very much.”  

There are some basic rules for woodworkers—a wisdom tradition!

• Measure twice.  Cut once.

• Wood moves. 

• If you buy quality tools, regardless of price, you only cry once.

• Never allow yourself to become impatient to finish a project.

• Anything worth killing a tree for is worth doing right.

There is a dailiness to the craft—no “all-nighters,” just everyday hard work.  With much repetition, there is a sequence to making furniture.  It requires thinking things through, having a plan.  To make something that will last, one must understand how something will be used, where the stress points are, and how to get the wood to cooperate.  Gradually, woodworkers develop an aesthetic sense.

Years ago, as Brother Linus Ascheman was nearing the end of his time as headmaster of the prep school, Abbot Jerome Theisen asked him to come in and discuss his future.  After some opening conversation, Abbot Jerome suggested: “Perhaps you would like to go to school for a degree in administration or management.”  Brother Linus was thinking in another direction: “Abbot Jerome, I would just like to work in the woodworking shop.”  Abbot Jerome was ready for this resistance: “Linus, we all want to work in the woodworking shop!”

[This article is reprinted with permission from the Spring 2020 Abbey Banner (volume 20, number 1), published by the monks of Saint John’s Abbey.  Copyright © 2020 by Order of Saint Benedict, Collegeville, Minnesota.]

Below you will find photos revealing that Spring has arrived in Collegeville: lake ice retreating, crocus blooming, Adirondack chairs ready for relaxing in.