Complex sentence: The House was occupied by members of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist from 1896-1906, despite the ministers fears they were seeking proselytes they seem to have been more interested in avoiding the roof leaking and finding space for contemplation.
Split into simpler sentences: The House was occupied by members of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist from 1896-1906. Despite the minister's fears they were seeking proselytes, they seem to have been more interested in avoiding the roof leaking and finding space for contemplation.