The Ursulines of Brown County have decided to sell buildings and land owned by the Sisters to Chatfield College.
In a written statement to the Brown County Press, Congregational Minister Sister Phyllis Kemper wrote: “Recently the Sisters made the unanimous decision to sell the non-farm property to Chatfield College, which the Ursulines founded in 1971, effective July 1, 2017, and to sell/auction the farmland in the near future.”
Kemper said in a telephone interview that Chatfield already owned 30 acres on the property and would now own 60 acres.  She said that the farmland consisted of three plots that totaled 83.6 acres.
Buildings on the Chatfield property that were owned by the Ursulines were included in the agreement.
Kemper declined to disclose the dollar amount of the sale.
The statement continued, stating, “Because the Sisters are older and we are well aware of the challenges and the costs when a person ages, the proceeds from these sales will be used for retirement needs of the Sisters.  Both the Sisters’ residence known as
Brescia and the Ursuline administration building known as Springer will continue to be utilized by them.”
The statement also addresses the future of the members of the Ursulines.
“Currently we have 23 members from 61- 95 years of age. Like many religious congregations, we realize that we are nearing completion as a religious community.  However, we are counting on our sponsored ministries, Chatfield College in St. Martin/Cincinnati and Ursuline Academy in Cincinnati, as well as the many other people we have ministered to and with, to carry on our mission to further the Gospel of Jesus, value each individual person, and educate future generations.”
A written statement on June 21 from Chatfield College President John Tafaro confirms that the college will continue to operate with the ideals of the Sisters in mind.
“The Ursulines of Brown County have an incredible history of service and educational ministry for more than 172 years, having played a major role in the academic and spiritual formation of children and adults, not just on its own land and campus, but throughout the region’s public and private schools.
The Sisters founded Chatfield College in 1971 to meet the needs of the community then, and have continued to support us, and our students, as they do still today.
This incredible gift of land and buildings is yet another example of their love and generosity that has been visible, continually, for all 46 years of our existence.
Now, as an independent entity, our Catholic College remains and will continue as an Ursuline School, true to the core values the Sisters have instilled in us.  We are proud to be part of their vast legacy, and honored to continue the educational tradition they began so long ago.”
Kemper said that the decision to sell the property did not come lightly.
“The process toward making the decision took several years of prayer, discernment and consultation with professionals in the areas of real estate, finance, law and township and county government.  The realities of aging helped us to understand that we wish to spend our last years ministering to people rather than caring for buildings and property. Through Chatfield College and future farmers, the legacy begun by our foundress Julia Chatfield will continue into the future.”