The Plain People of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania This program takes you to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in photos taken between 1969 and 1983 involving the Amish culture. "The Plain People (Amish and Mennonites) trace their origin back to the Protestant Reformation in Europe, where there was an emphasis on returning to the purity of the New Testament church. One group of reformers rejected the popular concept of infant baptism and became known as Anabaptists. The Anabaptists believed that only adults who had confessed their faith should be baptized, and that they should remain separate from the larger society. In 1536, a young Catholic priest from Holland named Menno Simons joined the Anabaptist movement. His writings and leadership united many of the Anabaptist groups, who later became known as 'Mennonites.' One of the teachings of the Amish faith is called the ban or shunning. This is based on the New Testament command not to associate with a church member who does not repent of his sinful conduct. The purpose of this discipline is to help the member realize the error of his ways and to encourage his repentance, after which he would be restored to church fellowship. This excommunication was at first only applied at the communion table. However, the followers of Jacob Amman felt the unrepentant individual should be completely shunned or avoided by all church members. The Amish movement was founded in Europe by Jacob Amman (~1644 to ~1720 CE), from whom their name is derived. In many ways, it started as a reform group within the Mennonite movement ‐‐ an attempt to restore some of the early practices of the Mennonites. The beliefs and practices of the Amish were based on the writings of the founder of the Mennonite faith, Menno Simons (1496‐1561), and on the 1632 Mennonite Dordrecht Confession of Faith. The Amish who split from Mennonites generally lived in Switzerland and in the southern Rhine river region. During the late 17th century, they separated because of what they perceived as a lack of discipline among the Mennonites. There is no consensus on exactly where the Amish fit within Christianity: Some consider them conservative Protestants. Most Amish would probably consider themselves to be Anabaptists. J. Gordon Melton, head of the Institute for the Study of American Region, classifies them as part of the European Free‐Church Family along with Mennonites, Brethren, Quakers and other denominations. The Amish and Mennonite churches still share the same beliefs concerning baptism, non‐resistance, and basic Bible doctrines. They differ in matters of dress, technology, language, form of worship, and interpretation of the Bible. The Mennonites hold many of the same beliefs as the Amish, although they tend to be less conservative than their Amish neighbors. Worship services are held weekly in their meeting houses. Most Mennonites have relaxed dress codes and have gotten away from farm‐related occupations. While Old Order Mennonites still drive their all‐black carriages, most Mennonite groups do permit the use of cars and electricity. However, some groups do require that car bodies and trim be painted black." Anabaptists were persecuted throughout Europe by Catholics and Protestants. Switzerland's mountains and southern Germany became the most frequent sites where Amish fled to avoid persecution and even death to the so‐called heretics. William Penn's religious freedom offered Amish and Mennonites an opportunity to experience Penn's "holy experiment" in the new world in Pennsylvania. During the 1720s and 1730s a large group of Amish settled in Lancaster County. Today Amish people can be found in 23 states and in Canada. Lancaster County still has one of the larges groupings of Amish in America. The Amish native language was German. Pennsylvania Dutch has evolved into their commonly spoken language, which is quite like the German language. Children spend their early life at home and speak Pennsylvania Dutch. After the age of five, their schools converse in English. Since the 18th century, the Amish have experienced much change including electricity, the automobile, farm machinery and other modern appliances in both the home and on the farm. Amish, however, prefer not to be dependent on others, but to work together as a community. "A simple family time is critical to maintaining the Amish faith and traditions. Family stories, Amish history, Bible reading, and older siblings spending time with younger brothers and sister all contribute to their strong sense of family." There are several orders or groups within the Amish faith: "The largest, and what we most typically think of as Amish, is the group known as Old Order Amish. This is one of the more conservative groups, who use horses and buggies for personal transportation and choose not to use electricity in their homes. Schwartzentruber Amish, primarily found in large communities in Ohio, are in some ways more conservative than the Old Order Amish. Because they do not use many 'modern' conveniences, they need to live close together in large groups to provide for all their needs. There are also New Order Amish and Beachy Amish who tend to be less conservative in their lifestyles, somewhere between traditional Amish and Mennonites." "The Amish life is a wonderful story to tell because it is so complex yet simple. It begins with their history which you can read below. The Amish are not locked in the past; they value their history, but they make a personal choice to limit their exposure to the world and divisive things within the world. This choice to live in the world, but separate is based on gelassenheit – submission to God, to others, and to the church (Romans 12:2, Titus 2:11‐14). This means they strive to live out the words of Jesus in everyday life – forgiveness, kindness, slow to anger, quick to listen. They have their community for support and encouragement. With this as their base, they choose to accept or reject what modern society has to offer. While they do live separate from society as a whole, they are very friendly with neighbors and visitors. Close friendships with non‐Amish neighbors or co‐workers is common."

Planting Crops and Drying Tobacco Windmill Power

Waterpower and an Amish schoolhouse

Carriages in the barn Sources: http://www.religioustolerance.org/amish.htm, https://lancasterpa.com/amish/amish‐history/, https://www.amishworkshops.com/about‐the‐ amish/, http://www.discoverlancaster.com/towns‐and‐heritage/amish‐country/amish‐history‐and‐beliefs.asp, https://amishamerica.com/where‐do‐the‐ amish‐come‐from/ and https://www.history101.com/amish‐facts/. acuri.net John R. Vincenti Amish in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania