We had a member in one of my congregations who was a gregarious fun-loving guy who knew next to nothing about being part of a church but was there for his family and was enthusiastic about learning about his faith. He was a representative for a major Canadian brewery and regularly brought me his products to try out, which made me happy. He joked at one point that we could address all our congregation's financial concerns by starting a craft brewery of our own. He was aware that there was a long tradition of brewing in monastic communities and that some European monasteries still made a fine product respected around the world.
Well, since our Methodist forbears would have spun in their graves, not to mention some of the present day teetotallers, so we didn't get beyond that casual conversation. Yes, there is a former United Church which is now a brewery, but that's a little different.
Still, here is a story about some Benedictine's in Oregon who are venturing into the craft brewing market. God bless them!
Tyrant Cascadian Dark Ale and the less-forebodingly dubbed St. Benedict Farmhouse Ale will be among the beers crafted not at the trendiest Portland brewery but on the peaceful, prayer-suffused land of Mount Angel Abbey.
The abbey’s
Benedictine monks began making beer about four years ago - honing
recipes at a small brewery at the monastery but primarily working out of
Seven Brides Brewing in Silverton. This September,
Benedictine Brewery will complete its own on-site brewery and taproom,
located on the west side of the abbey hilltop and seating about 50
people. It is one of just three monastic breweries in the United States,
according to Father Martin Grassel, abbey procurator and lead brewer.
“Procurator” is much like a chief financial officer.
Benedictines are committed to hospitality, so why not include beer? Perhaps some United Church congregations need to prayerfully consider this avenue in our changing times?
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