On Friday, May 31, 2019, Stephenson’s Auctioneers will conduct an onsite and online sale of contents of the former Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. In 2016, the revered order of nuns founded by St. Katharine Drexel sold the idyllic 44-acre parcel of real estate in Bensalem Township on which the motherhouse was built.
“Now that the nuns are retiring and the order’s historical archives are in the good hands of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, it’s time for the building’s furniture, art, and architectural antiques to be auctioned for the sisters’ benefit,” said Cindy Stephenson, owner of Stephenson’s Auctions.
Known as “The Holy Heiress,” St. Katharine Drexel (1858-1955) was beloved and admired by Philadelphia’s Catholic community for her selfless philanthropy and the establishment of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. The second-born child of a fabulously wealthy investment banker, Francis A. Drexel, Katharine gave up her life of privilege and used her inheritance – the equivalent of $133 million in today’s money – to fund schools and churches for Native American and African-American children in the western and southwestern United States. In 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized Mother Katharine Drexel, making her the second American-born person ever to achieve sainthood.
“The order was founded in 1891, and many of the furnishings and artworks in the motherhouse date back to that time period,” Stephenson said. There are numerous antique bookcases, standard and corner cabinets; dining, library and other tables; pedestals, umbrella, plant and bookstands; and chairs of all types. All are solid, high quality pieces that were made to last. Some have ornate carving. A Steinway & Sons Model B grand piano with bench, which is already attracting bidder enquiries, is expected to make $6,000-12,000.
Religious art includes a Continental school oil on canvas painting of The Madonna and Child. Its framed size is 45 by 31 inches, and it is estimated at $200-400. A remarkable sand painting depicting a Southwestern landscape with figures and animals was created by E. George de Ville. Signed at lower right and measuring 23 by 27 inches (framed), it is modestly estimated at $60-150.
A beautiful pair of circa 1900 stained glass windows will be offered as a pair with a presale estimate of $300-600. Each measure 34 by 18 inches. Antique metalwork includes three fire hose reels and wrought iron gates. Additionally, there are seven painted-iron and wood park benches, each estimated at $100-200.
A reflection of the nuns’ mission work with Native peoples, the motherhouse also contained many pieces of Native American and tribal art, including pottery, carvings, basketry, wall hangings, Indian dolls, photographs, South Dakota beadwork, and other objects. There are also several very attractive Navajo rugs, with estimates starting at $50.
The Friday, May 31, onsite auction will begin at 11 AM ET. Bidding will also be available absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.com. The property is located at 1663 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020. The presale inspection is from 9 AM to 11 AM on auction day. Following the cataloged portion of the sale, Stephenson’s will auction an additional 100 plus items, including school desks, stacking chairs, and other furniture, some of it from the early 20th century.
For additional information, Cindy Stephenson can be reached at (215) 322-6182 or by emailing info@stephensonsauction.com. Visit Stephenson’s Auctioneers online at stephensonsauction.com.
