Br. Christopher Fair, OSB joined Saint John’s Abbey in 2000. As a novice, he started making toys in the Abbey Woodworking shop as a hobby. He continued to work in the shop part time after making simple profession while also working as a book repair technician in Alcuin Library on the Saint John’s University campus. After professing final vows in 2004, Br. Gregory Eibensteiner, OSB then Director of Saint John’s Abbey Woodworking, suggested that Br. Christopher be sent away for further schooling in the tradition of furniture making. Br. Christopher completed an intensive course at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine ( www.woodschool.org ). Upon his return to the Abbey, Abbot John Klassen appointed Br. Christopher Shop Supervisor of Saint John’s Abbey Woodworking.

Michael Roske is a third generation Saint John’s employee and alumnus of Saint John’s Preparatory School and University. Michael began his furniture making career at Turner Windfield Design in Madison, Wisconson, and several local cabinet making shops. He joined the staff of Saint John’s Abbey Woodworking in 1983. Along with Br. Hubert Schneider, OSB, Mr. Larry Notch (retired,) and Br. Gregory Eibensteiner, OSB, Michael helped to craft and has seen thousands of furniture items, flooring, doors, mill work and other items pass through the doors of Abbey Woodworking. Michael enjoys creating solid wood furniture with integrity. He appreciates the full spectrum of the processes at Abbey Woodworking; from the harvesting of the trees to the drying of the lumber through concept to design and finished product. Some of Michael's handiwork can be see in the SJU President's office, The Great Hall and the Saint John's Bible Cabinet.

Anyone who comes to the woodworking shop is likely to be greeted by Michael who some say epitomizes Benedictine hospitality. Michael took over as Lead Craftsman at Abbey Woodworking in 2006.

Robert Lillard joined Abbey Woodworking in 2006. Shortly after graduation from college in Oregon, Robert came to Minnesota for graduate school. "It was during thiis period that I came to the ralization that what really interested me was working with my hands." Building furniture became a passion.   That was 28 years ago.

Since then Robert has worked as a wood craftsman at several wood shops in the Minneapolis area, including 15 years as the owner/operator of a small shop specializing in custom exhibits for the trade show industry.

"It is a pleasure to be part of a shop that still works almost exclusively in solid wood."

Br. Gregory Eibensteiner, OSB joined Saint John’s Abbey in 1952. He became the Director of Saint John’s Abbey Woodworking in 1975. Br. Gregory stepped down as acting director in June of 2005. During his time as Director, he supervised the crafting of furniture, molding, trim work, doors and other items for various renovations and new construction projects.

  K.C. Marrin is a mechanical action pipe organ builder by trade and operates a small shop in Cold Spring, MN. Throughout the past 35 years, he has designed, built and restored instruments throughout Minnesota and the surrounding area. KC assists Abbey Woodworking in areas of product design, manufacturing processes and CAD documentation.

KC's interest in woodworking began in college when he met Br. Hubert Schneider, OSB during a January Term project in the Abbey Woodworking shop. "Those of us who were fortunate enough to approach his workbench seeking the most elementary advice met not only a monk, craftsman and mentor, but a man whose gentle manner and care for people spoke to the essence of what craft is about. He showed us through a Benedictine reverence for tools and materials and by his daily acts of kindness, that within the discipline of handwork is the potential to transform even the most ordinary task into an extra-ordinary moment of inspiration and service to others."

Abbey Woodworking also provides several CSB/SJU students with meaningful, craft oriented work. We are proud to hire qualified student workers who need the financial support for their schooling. As a side benefit, it gives students a unique opportunity to interact with monastic and lay craftspeople and learn skills that can develop into a future hobby or business opportunity.