Building Extension - Our Earnest Appeal

Project Highlights

In the past 80 years of its existence, the growing activities of the Vedanta Society of Providence are now really in need of a larger and suitably designed temple-chapel. This new building at 221 Angell St. Providence will adjoin the existing chapel building at 227 Angell St. Providence. A new spacious chapel having capacity over 110 seats Overnight facilities for guests and devotees A large book-sale room, library and children’s room. A greater space available for retreat and music programs. The proposed structure will be more energy-efficient and will enhance the beauty of the neighborhood. Please scroll down for Schematic Drawings.

 

Vedanta is the philosophical basis of Hinduism that deals with eternal truths. The Vedanta Societies spread the universal message of intrinsic divinity of every being and harmony of religions illustrated by the lives and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda. Swami Vivekananda arrived in Chicago in l893 to represent Hinduism at the World’s Parliament of Religions and was hailed as the most popular and influential speaker at The Parliament. He inspired many ardent devotees and through their efforts, Vedanta Centers were established in America at various places.

 

Vedanta Society of Providence (a branch of Ramakrishna Math & Mission, India) was founded by Swami Akhilananda on September 09, l928. He, and later Swami Sarvagatananda (who recently passed away in May ’09), nurtured it, attracting sincere aspirants belonging to various faiths and communities from all walks of life. Providence is a special place to devotees of Sri Ramakrishna because Swami Saradananda, one of his direct disciples, spoke here at Brown University in 1896.

For seventy years the Society was at 224 Angell Street. In 1995 the property at 221 Angell St was acquired for use as a women’s guest house. In 2000 the Society moved to its present location at 227 Angell St. Since then, the Society’s morning/evening meditations, various weekly classes, retreats, interfaith gatherings and music programs have grown to such an extent that it has become difficult to accommodate devotees and friends in attendance. Therefore, we are planning a new building in place of the old house at 221 which will adjoin the existing chapel building. It will have a spacious chapel with 120 comfortable seats, living quarters for guests and devotees, a large book sale room, library and children’s room. There will be greater space available for cooking, dining and retreat programs. Also, the new structure will enhance the beauty of the neighborhood. We intend to make the proposed structure more energy-efficient also.

 

(Schematic Drawings only)

 

The estimated cost of this project is 2.5 million. The schematic drawings have been prepared and detailed drawings are getting ready. With the contribution/co-operation from devotees and well-wishers, we plan to begin the construction in spring 2010.

We are appealing to the generosity of the public to donate liberally to achieve this goal which benefits all faiths. Checks payable to “Vedanta Society of Providence” (memo line: “New Construction”) or pledges, payable in convenient installments, may be sent to: 227 Angell Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02906. The donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE under 501 (c) of IRS.

 

Thanking you,

Yours in the Lord,

Swami Yogatmananda, Minister

Vedanta Society of Providence

227 Angell St, Providence, RI 02906 Ph.401-421-3960 email: vedantaprov@hotmail.com; www.vedantaprov.org