Marylake Carmelite Monastery

Founded in 1952 and located 13 miles south of Little Rock in the small community of East End, Marylake Monastery is a residence for Discalced Carmelite friars of the Province of St. Therese, which includes Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. This historic landmark was built in 1926 by the Shriners as a country club and 18 hole golf course for members in Little Rock. Following the stock market crash of 1929, the Shriners defaulted on a $99,000 loan, and the bank in turn sold the property to the notorious Dr. John R. Brinkley. Dr. Brinkley continued to operate the golf course, which was the second largest in the state. The property passed hands several times until 1952, when Father Evarist V. Foix was looking for a secluded place to found a monastery to train young men in prayer and spirituality. The "Castle by the Lake" was purchased for $60,000 and was formally dedicated for service on July 25, 1952, with Bishop Albert Fletcher presiding.