The early decades in Morristown were shaped by labor, simplicity, and a pioneering spirit. Benedictine sisters from Ridgley, Maryland, arrived in the late 1920s to care for the monks’ meals and laundry, modeling the spirit of Ora et Labora. The estate became a vibrant training ground for monastic and pastoral life. Bro. Isadore Stumpf, a legendary figure among younger monks, ran the farm and harvest operations with horses and traditional methods, leaving a lasting impression on generations of novices and clerics.
Fr. Vincent "PV" Amberg, OSBIn 1931, Fr. Vincent Amberg, known universally as “PV,” succeeded Fr. Henry as prior. A Newark native and former director of St. Benedict’s Prep, PV had helped lead St. Anselm’s to independence and now brought decades of experience to Morristown. He spearheaded the construction of a dam that created Lake Vincent and began the building of a new monastery, which now bears his name. PV also nurtured the vision for Delbarton School, which would emerge from the community’s educational mission.

Fr. Vincent’s stern demeanor masked a compassionate heart. Though known for his thrift—demanding exact change for even minor purchases—he was revered as a confessor and spiritual guide. He taught theology well into the 1950s and helped launch the new St. Mary’s School of Theology at Delbarton. Alongside him, scholars such as Frs. Bede Babo, Benedict Bradley, and Hugh Duffy formed a capable faculty. The curriculum centered on Latin theological manuals and was deeply rooted in monastic tradition.

Through Abbot Ernest’s leadership and the stewardship of men like PV, St. Mary’s Abbey extended its legacy westward to Morristown, establishing a vibrant monastic and educational community at Delbarton. The early sacrifices and dedication of these monks laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most respected Benedictine schools and monastic houses in the United States.