The Order plans to relocate to a much suitable facility
Harlem Order of Black Nuns Selling W. 124th Street Headquarters
By Dartunorro Clark
HARLEM — One of the oldest orders of black nuns in the country is selling its century-old building on West 124th Street as its membership shifts and other operations expand.
The Franciscan Handmaids of the Most Pure Heart of Mary, one of three orders of mostly black nuns in the country, put the building — dubbed The Motherhouse, at 15 W. 124th St. — on the market for an undisclosed amount Friday.
The move comes after the order considered folding completely in 2010 due to dwindling membership, representatives said.
“The sale of the Motherhouse will allow us to relocate to a smaller facility that is more suited to our current congregation size and planned expansion initiatives,” said Sister Gertrude Lilly Ihenacho, who leads the order.
