By the Shaker Community...

background: The Shakers, formally known as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, were a Christian sect founded in 18th-century England and brought to America in 1774 by their leader, Ann Lee, who was revered as “Mother Ann.” The movement emphasized celibacy, communal living, pacifism, and equality of the sexes, with members sharing labor and property in self-sufficient villages. Shaker worship was highly expressive, featuring singing, dancing, and ecstatic movements that gave the sect its popular name, while their daily life focused on simplicity, hard work, and spiritual devotion. They became widely known for their innovations in craftsmanship, particularly furniture and tools, characterized by functional, minimalist design. Despite their early growth, Shaker communities declined sharply due to celibacy rules and a reliance on conversion and adoption for new members, leaving only a few adherents today, who primarily preserve their historical villages and artisanal legacy.