'The Lighthouse' Provides an Oasis for Solitude and Rest
A small white house with the words "The Lighthouse" hanging over its front door can be found just up Main Street heading east in Clarence. This Lighthouse is used by those seeking time apart to rest awhile.
In 1965 the Sisters of St. Joseph purchased the property at 10324 Main Street from Carl Metzger. Several buildings that had once served as the Metzger family residences sat on this property. The buildings included a main house, a small ranch house, a garage apartment and the small white house now known as "The Lighthouse."
The origins of this particular building however ran a little deeper. It began as a chicken house. Metzger later renovated the building into a residence for him and his wife to use once their children had flown the coop. No pun intended.
The sisters initially purchased the property to build a retirement home for their community. The little white house along with the other buildings on the property were renovated and used as classrooms. The little white house itself became a grade school. In 1983 the school began to serve as a youth center. The building later stood vacant for a few years until Sister Dorothy Feltz, SSJ, got her hands on it.
Sister Dorothy primed, painted, and patched cracks. New flooring and carpet was also installed. "I painted the entire place myself," said Sister Dorothy.
Sister Dorothy continues to serve as the manager and caretaker of the house. She takes care of all the scheduling, maintenance, cleaning, and most of the landscaping around the house herself.
The name "The Lighthouse" was acquired back when it was a youth center.
It had a lighthouse theme when it was a youth center and the name just stuck with it. However the nautical decor has been eliminated over the years and replaced by a butterfly theme.
Though the look has changed somewhat, the goal of the house has not. The Lighthouse is a house that's available for people who want to come to renew themselves or to relax. It is especially inviting for individuals who want to relax in a quiet environment. Some people are falling apart at the seams and they can come and just be quiet for awhile, have solitude and rest.
The facilities are also capable of accommodating groups of up to about 15 people for meetings.
Other groups who have used the facility include parish councils, parish staff, prayer groups and students from a clinical pastoral educational program. Use of the house is not limited to any religious denomination.
Overnight accommodations are available for up to four or five people. Amenities include central heat, a hot shower, full kitchen, telephone access, new private sleeping quarters and a new oratory for prayer.
Surrounded by beautiful scenery and available year round, guests can walk and relax through the ample grounds or take a stroll to historic Clarence Hollow, Clarence Park, restaurants and antique shops.
Daily Liturgy is available at the Sisters' Residence located just behind the facility or at nearby parishes.
