Mt. St. Macrinca Garden Revitalization

The luxurious home of Uniontown coal-baron J.V. Thompson, Oak Hill once hosted a lavish lifestyle, complete with exotic furnishings and over 1,000 acres of gardens, stables, and rolling hills. The home was occupied by Thompson during the height of his wealth from 1903 until his bankrupt death in 1933. Extreme opulence is often short-lived.

During Thompson's final illness, sale of the southeastern corner of the property was negotiated with the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great. Through the generosity of benefactors, the Order was able to renovate the property to include various accommodations for the monastery over the following years.

After formal dedication as a Byzantine Monestary in 1934, Mount St. Macrina became a gathering for thousands during the Labor Day Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the largest and oldest event of its kind in the United States.

During this festival, an iconic meditation area and meeting place was established at the Lady of Victory Pond. Like many areas of historical significance, the passing of time (and the legal system) took its toll.

I became involved in the pond's revitalization efforts in the summer of 2008. Through the generosity of my Great Uncle George Kushner and with the blessing of the Order (represented by Sister Barbara Jean), planning began.


One of my sketches that was presented to the Order representing the expansion of the meditation garden. The scheme introduces a new fence, woody and perennial material, and a meandering path. The plant material consists of both historically accurate selections and complimentary natives for a unique interpretation.

In June 2009, through the efforts of my immediate family and closest friends, the vision for the prayer garden was realized. I wouldn't have made it this far, in design and in life, without their support!

The completed memorial prayer garden immediately after install...I'm looking forward to showcasing the garden's growth throughout the changing seasons. Please check back for updates!

For additional information on the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great and the Oak Hill property please click here. Again, I would like to thank the Sisters for the opportunity to express my vision for this iconic site!