2002-2003 Expansion
An expansion to an additional house was needed, so a new house was purchased on Johnson Street in Haverhill, but needed significant renovations and required jumping through a few hoops before occupancy could be allowed. The move took place on November 8 2003 and its given name was Gandhi House. This was another great time for celebration as a community, another opportunity to experience God’s grace.
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1998-2001 Transitions
In 1998, we bought a 3-decker home on 9th Avenue in Haverhill, which was ultimately named Peace House, after the original in Ipswich (which was no longer a residence). It was also necessary to find office space and two apartments were located in a building on Washington Street, Haverhill. One became the office and the other became the Pastoral Minister’s home with a time-away place for assistants. In 2001, we welcomed Peg Neuman as our Director. On our anniversary, Peg made her commitment to help us live our mandate for the next three years.
Read More1996 A Time of Change
In 1996, after five years as Director, Barbara McEndarfer, who loved Irenicon, left the community. Up until now our community had been part of Canada’s Eastern Region, and for logical reasons, our zone affiliation was changed and we became part of L’Arche USA’s Eastern Region.
Read More1992-1996 Stable Time
L’Arche continued to flourish. The (now) 3 homes continued with their mission to create home where the gifts of people with developmental disabilities are revealed through mutually transforming relationships.
Read More1988-1992 Growing Pains
In 1988, the community had begun to outgrow its living space. Because taxes in Ipswich were high, the Irenicon Board decided to look elsewhere. They located and purchased a house on Lamoille Avenue in the Bradford section of Haverhill – this house would later become Nazorean House. This transition was difficult for the community. The homes were half an hour apart and it became hard to foster good communication between the two. The house in Ipswich remained stable, but Bradford was experiencing growing pains. Community members and board members worked diligently to support the people in Bradford.
Read More1983-1984 Creating Community
During this 2 year span 16 applicants had met with the admissions committee and the home in Ipswich was filled with Core members, assistants, part time assistants…as well as the sentiments of love, friendship and family.
Read More1980 Murmurings of L’Arche
In 1980 in Quincy, Massachusetts, a community south of Boston, three families and Sr. Pat Murphy gathered as a group of Faith and Light (see faithandlight.org). Their history states: “Faith and Light was born of a desire to help people with an intellectual disability and their families find their place within the Church and society.”
Read More1982 Incorporated & Finding a Location
In 1982 Sister Pat continues “we received incorporation. No turning back. At this point we named the community Irenicon, which means ‘a message of peace and hope.’ There has always been hope in this community, even in our darkest moments.” The LaSalette Shrine in Ipswich offered them the house with 5 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, 2 baths, a dining room and a large kitchen for a rent of $150.00 per month, completely furnished. No doubt at all according to Sr. Pat, that God lead them to the North Shore.
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