Abbey Press celebrates its golden anniversary in 2014. The anniversary theme, “50 years of faith, family & friendship,” speaks to the company’s origins.

As a successful commercial printing company, Abbey Press took small steps into the catalog business in the early 1960s. Brother Maurus Zoeller, OSB, who served as printing manager at the time, was looking for a new way to share the Word of God with friends and family. He discovered it in the form of holy cards and note cards, which he sold through a small brochure he developed and distributed. In 1964, the first “dealer wholesale” catalog was mailed, featuring the cards, as well as a collection of scrolls, prints and plaques.

Initially focused on selling to the Catholic market, Abbey reached a turning point in 1968 when attending the Christian Booksellers Association show, now the International Christian Retail Show. One of only two Catholic exhibitors at that year’s show, the company was introduced to a new market and experienced impressive sales.

The exposure led to a demand for new types of products and the need for a product development department, which Zoeller established in 1968. Building on the success of cards, prints and other paper products, the company turned its attention to dimensional items.

To ensure the new items met the same standards as the company’s original offering, the product development team instituted a policy known as the “Brother Maurus Test.”

“If I couldn’t use the product or couldn’t think of anyone I would want to give the product to, then I felt it wasn’t worth developing,” Zoeller said.

Abbey Press began offering sculpture pieces—figurines, wall hangings and décor items—in the early ’70s. The company’s in-house Sculpture Shop built original molds from artist-supplied designs and cast and finished each piece by hand. This process continued until 1995, when production outgrew the shop’s limited space and was outsourced to larger manufacturers.

Though production methods have changed, the company’s original vision—to help consumers recognize and celebrate seasons and everyday occasions in a special, spiritual way—is still evident in its products. Today, the catalog offers a wide variety of cards, publications, gifts and décor.

“Any company that’s done business for five decades knows change is inevitable,” said Sue Kloeck, director of trade marketing. “However, we’ve been fortunate that our core concept of providing gifts that enhance faith and share inspiration is still the focus of our ministry today.”

Anniversary celebrations will occur throughout 2014 and will include special offers at January gift shows, a six-day open house in April at Saint Meinrad Archabbey, which owns and operates the press, and the introduction of 11 new products inspired by best-selling Abbey products from the past.

• Prev
• Next