The Convent and the Land Trust of BP Maine

The Land Trust of Biddeford Pool, Maine, plays a vital role in preserving the natural beauty and historical heritage of the area. Established to safeguard the region’s scenic landscapes, salt marshes, and coastal areas, the land trust works in collaboration with local residents, government agencies, and conservation organizations to ensure that Biddeford Pool remains a pristine and sustainable community.

The Role of the Land Trust

The Land Trust of Biddeford Pool focuses on acquiring and protecting environmentally sensitive lands through conservation easements and land acquisitions. Their initiatives aim to maintain the area's natural habitats for wildlife, provide public access to beaches and trails, and promote educational activities related to conservation and local ecology. Over the years, the land trust has successfully protected numerous parcels of land, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the area's unspoiled landscapes.

The Convent and Its Historical Significance

A noteworthy site within Biddeford Pool was the historic convent, which held cultural and spiritual significance for the community. The convent operated for many decades as a religious and communal residence, serving as a spiritual center and a symbol of the area's heritage. However, in recent years, the convent closed due to dwindling use and changes within the community.

The Land Transaction and Future Plans

The closing of the convent sparked discussions about its future. The property, situated on valuable and ecologically sensitive land, attracted interest from both preservationists and developers. Recognizing the importance of maintaining the area's natural and historical integrity, local officials and the land trust engaged in a land transaction to acquire the property.

The goal of this transaction was to preserve the land from development, safeguard its ecological value, and explore potential uses that align with community interests. Currently, the land trust and local stakeholders are working together to determine the best future use for the site—ranging from transforming it into a public park, nature reserve, or educational facility—to benefit residents and visitors while respecting its historical significance.

Conclusion

The efforts of the Land Trust of Biddeford Pool, particularly regarding the convent property, exemplify the community’s commitment to conservation and heritage preservation. By protecting key lands and thoughtfully planning their future use, Biddeford Pool continues to honor its natural beauty and historical roots, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for residents and visitors alike.

The background of the building.

Marie Joseph Spiritual Center

Marie Joseph Spiritual Center

The, formerly a convent and boarding school, was the most notable convent property in Biddeford Pool in recent history.

Location:10 Evans Road, Biddeford, ME.

History: The Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary purchased the former Ocean View Hotel in 1948 and converted it into a boarding school for young women. In 1978, it was transformed into the Marie Joseph Spiritual Center, an interdenominational retreat center.

Closure: The center closed permanently on June 30, 2023. The reason was a combination of challenges, including high maintenance costs for the 120-year-old building, a lack of staff, and difficulty hiring contractors for major repairs.

Significance: For over four decades, it served as a destination for spiritual retreats, days of recollection, and religious programs for people from all over the country.

Please make all future gifts to the Biddeford Pool Land Trust.

Checks should be made out to the Biddeford Pool Land Trust and be mailed to:

Biddeford Pool Land Trust

Post Office Box 306

Biddeford Pool, ME  04006

For donations of securities, please contact BPLT President, Lucie Fontein at lucie.fontein@gmail.com or cell: (513) 609-1676.