FR. BENJAMIN CLARK o.c.s.o. - RIP

Fr. Benjamin Clark, Cistercian-Trappist monk and priest of Mepkin Abbey, Moncks Corner, S.C., passed over to the Lord on Wednesday evening, September 4, while his monastic community was praying Vespers. Born Charles Richard Clark on October 31, 1922, at Detroit, Michigan, of the late James F. Clark and Pauline Eaker Clark, he is survived by his brother, Frank S. Clark of Capitola, California, and his brother’s children.

Fr. Benjamin attended the Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit, from 1936 to 1942. In July, 1942, he entered the famed Trappist Abbey, Our Lady of Gethsemani, near Bardstown, Kentucky. Solemn monastic vows followed on August 15, 1947. Gifted with the necessary skills and training, on November 14, 1949, he accompanied a small group of founders to establish Our Lady of the Immaculate Heart Monastery near Moncks Corner, S.C., in the Diocese of Charleston. Today it is the flourishing Mepkin Abbey.

Fr. Benjamin was ordained at Mepkin, in the “temporary” chapel on June 3,1950. During the summers between 1968 and 1971, he attended the University of Notre Dame, and received the M.A. in Theology, with a specialization in Liturgy.  During his long monastic life he held nearly every office in the community, and was Prior and Novice Master during various periods.  He was familiarly known as “Chuck” (Charles) or “Dutch” (his mother’s family from Holland). His quiet and gentle manner sometimes suggested that he was an “easy mark.” But when it came to “drawing the line” at just the right spot, he was on hand to see things done properly, without undue consideration for too-tender sensitivities of those who might see things askance.  He never communicated anything like annoyance, and “griping” was not part of his nature. A genuinely profound religious conviction was at the root of all his ideas, words and actions.

His sense of humor was real, and Chuck chuckled often, especially at his own puns.

His ready smile easily put his brethren and others at their ease, and when asked to do some special job or favor, “here am I” was his response, verbally and by action. A very handy man, he was one who knew “to make do.” Maintaining the electrical systems was his forte, and on one occasion he had a fall from a pole that might have proved fatal. He got right up. He was a pioneer in the field of amateur radio; had his own rig which he built, and as a “Ham” he was widely known. He even received official commendation for radio work he did for the military.

He rarely or never missed the community’s common prayers and exercises, albeit tired from working late or not feeling “up to par.” He never coddled himself or offered unwarranted excuses for any slips he may have made — “I’ll do it right OK next time.” And he would. There were several rather unusual accomplishments at which he excelled, math among them. It was said the he could read Einstein’s equations and understand them, and he was adept at physical measurements.  He never published a book, but he did write a r large number of scientific fiction pieces, without expecting to win a Pulitzer prize for them. He was a contemporary of Thomas Merton, and typed many of that famous author’s manuscripts. He was priest and monk - first, last and always.

The Mass of Resurrection was held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, September 6, at the Abby church. Burial followed immediately in the Mepkin Abbey cemetery.