In 1859, Father Bartholemew Anderson was appointed superior, being elected abbot in 1863, and he led the community for thirty years - the longest tenure of any monk, as head of the community. Three of his brothers were also monks of Mount St Bernard. Abbot Anderson oversaw a number of additions made to the monastery buildings, including the Clock Tower and the octagonal Chapter House. He had a particular interest in ecumenicalism and was involved with the Association for the Promotion of the Unity of Christendom. The extension of such courtesy to non-Catholics was unusual at that time and among the guests welcomed by the abbot was the prime minister, William Gladstone, who paid a visit in 1873. Two members of the community at this time were well-known: Brother Anselm Baker, a noted heraldic artist, and Father Austin Collins, a writer of books and hymns.