What if these walls could talk? This is the Marist Annex at Catholic University. It stands as a silent witness to over a century of history. The Marist Annex’s story is intertwined with that of Marist Hall. Marist Hall was established in 1900. It housed the Fathers of the Society of Mary. These Marist Fathers were a religious order. They originated in Lyons, France, in 1816.
The Marists played a key role. They were like Saint Joseph in the Holy Family. They served Mary. They helped in schools, seminaries, and parishes. Some volunteered in foreign missions. Political turmoil in France caused many Marist fathers to leave. They created offshoot groups in America. One group moved to Maryland and then Washington, D.C. They established Marist College next to Catholic University of America.
In 1891, the Marists purchased Brooks Mansion. It was across the street from current CUA property. But the building was too small. They bought a 10-acre plot in Brookland for $28,255. The establishment they built was Marist Hall. It trained young men in theology, philosophy, and canonical law. It prepared them for ordination. It also prepared them for missionary work. The college officially opened in 1892. The school was self-contained. It held dorms, classrooms, dining rooms, and laundry. It never had more than 175 students at once.
Marist College needed more space. They built the Marist Annex in 1931. The brothers were known for their missionary work in Oceania. In 1935, they sponsored an exhibition. It showcased their missionary work. Marist College asked its alumni to send artifacts. Their artist booth held its own. They displayed valuable objects. These objects illustrated the customs of Polynesian and Melanesian tribes. This collection formed an interesting mission-museum. Many visitors found it attractive.
In the mid-1970s, the building transferred to CUA. There was an agreement. The statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary would be returned to the Marists. The contents of the cornerstone would also be returned. This would happen if CUA ever demolished the building.
Marist was vandalized in 2004. A computer was stolen from the media studies classroom. In August 2011, an earthquake hit the East Coast. It caused structural damage to Marist. Classes continued until cracks were found. Repairs were made. The building reopened in 2013. But in 2016, the cracks became visible again. The building was closed permanently in 2017.
The offices that were moved were Anthropology, English, Politics, and Media Studies. Also Library/Information sciences, and University Development departments were relocated. Marist remains abandoned today. Its status on the National Registry of Historic Places affects any demolition plans.
Today, the Marist Annex houses University Facilities Management. It also houses the Office of Ethics and Compliance. The Department of English and Department of History are here, too. The Marist Annex stands as a testament to history. It shows the enduring legacy of faith and education.