Mepkin Abbey, Trappist monastery in Berkeley County, United States
Mepkin Abbey is a Trappist monastery situated on 3,000 acres along a river, where monks work in gardens and fields. The grounds include woodland areas and agricultural spaces where they cultivate mushrooms and tend to other crops.
The land began as a colonial grant in 1681 and was later developed into a plantation. The monastic community established itself here in 1949, transforming the property into its current spiritual purpose.
The monks here follow a tradition that weaves prayer and work together throughout their day. You can observe this rhythm as they move between chapel times and their work in the gardens and fields.
Visitors can join guided tours, workshops, and the annual nativity festival that features scenes created by national artists. The grounds also offer options for personal retreats and quiet visits for reflection.
The monastery switched from egg production to growing mushrooms in 2007, finding a new way to support itself. This shift shows how the community adapts its traditional way of life to meet contemporary needs.
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