Attention stone - St. John's Institution

Sint-Johannesgesticht (1879-1971)

The first parish priest of Besoijen, J. van Kessel, received a sum of money from his parishioners on his 25th anniversary of priesthood in July 1876 to establish a "House of Charity for Sisters." In 1878, a residential house next to the R.C. Water State Church, was remodeled and furnished as a convent. Three schoolrooms were added. In 1879, the convent was occupied by the Sisters of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (JMJ). The sisters' activities included preschool and primary education for girls and counseling girls outside of school. In 1900, the convent was enlarged and improved. In 1950, the sisters left Besoijen. The convent was converted into housing. In 1970 the last residents left the house, a year later it was demolished.