A New Amish Beginning: Glen Rock’s Flourishing Community
In the gently rolling hills of Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, a quiet revolution has unfolded. Over the past decade, a new Amish community has blossomed—unique not only for its roots, but for the intentional planning behind its creation. This distinct settlement is breathing fresh life into the traditions and culture that have long defined Pennsylvania’s Amish heartland.
Structured Migration for a New Era
The Glen Rock community, just half an hour west of York County’s older Amish churches, began through a “program of well-planned and possibly community-supported migration” to help ease population pressure and land scarcity faced in overcrowded Lancaster County. Instead of families individually and informally migrating, leaders took active roles: scouting affordable land, connecting interested households, and planting the seeds of a vibrant new chapter for Amish life. amishamerica+2
As of 2024, Glen Rock’s Amish number over a dozen households, with more than 70 residents. The community is now self-sufficient enough to hold its own church services, a marker of genuine settlement and long-term viability. amishamerica+1
“What’s needed is a program consciously designed to reduce risk,” one community leader explained, noting that tangible support from church leadership marks a key break with tradition. amishamerica
Building Tradition: From Schoolhouses to Farms
Among the first testaments of community spirit stands the Lilac Glen Amish school, painstakingly constructed by local families just outside town. The simple, one-room schoolhouse—with cinderblock outhouses and a baseball backstop for recess—echoes the values of discipline and fellowship central to Amish life. shscourier
Art teacher Wesley Myers, a neighbor, expressed admiration for the growing bonds between Amish and non-Amish residents:
“As much as we’re different, we’re kind of all the same… we have some of the similar struggles and frustrations—marital stresses, trying to get your kids to behave, and trying to pay bills and work hard. The more we’ve sat and just chatted, the more we find out we’re not that much different.” shscourier
The English Perspective
Change is rarely seamless. Increased traffic from horse-drawn buggies and small buses bringing children to school has prompted some adjustment. Yet, those who live alongside the Amish routinely remark on their courtesy and respect.
Driver’s Ed teacher Joseph Krodel, familiar with Amish ways since his Lancaster days, recalled:
“Typically, I’ve seen the Amish community drive very cautiously and respectfully on the roadway. They’re usually very good with pulling over to the side as necessary to let traffic flow through smoothly. They don’t typically cause any congestion issues.” shscourier
Residents like Myers find that day-to-day interactions—sharing food, aiding with transportation, and learning mutual rhythms—have deepened understanding rather than strain.
Local Amish Businesses: Preserving Heritage & Economy
Glen Rock is home to several thriving Amish-run businesses, blending old-fashioned craftsmanship with regional commerce:
Glick’s Produce Stand at the Markets at Shrewsbury, operated by Sara Glick and family, is a focal point for both locals and travelers. “It’s been a good challenge moving here. We’re closer to work, which means more time for the children,” Glick reports. npr
Amish Sheds & Furniture: Nearby, skilled builders handcraft sheds and home furnishings, demonstrating the renowned practicality of “An ounce of work is worth a ton of wishing”. redpowermagazine+2
Bakery and Bulk Foods: Markets host stalls featuring homemade breads, pies, pretzels, and candies—echoes of the “harvest” tradition that feeds body and soul. padutchmarket+2
Farm Goods & Auctions: Livestock and produce auctions, long a staple of Amish commerce, are becoming community events where “The more we’ve sat and just chatted, the more… not that much different [we are],” as Myers puts it. shscourier
Quotes from Amish Community Members
While direct interviews are rare, proverbs and personal reflections offer deep insight:
As documented from a member: “I’m perfectly content to ride this out until people understand that we have to move.” npr
From Sara Glick: “It’s been a good challenge…closer to work means more time for the children.” npr
Non-Amish Community Reactions
Neighbors, farmers, and township leaders express appreciation for the values the Amish bring:
C. Michael Weaver, township supervisor: “I have seen a cultural clash between the Amish community and the English. … But we have found with the new ordinance, many of the Amish have asked for variances… I have great sympathy and empathy for that position.” npr
Local residents note improved preservation of farmland: “For the first time in York County history, an Amish family have officially preserved their land with the nonprofit. The King’s farm in Glen Rock was the first.” yorkblog
The Road Ahead: Blueprint for the Future
Community leader Chet Lapp hopes Glen Rock’s intentional model will guide future settlements:
“It’s far enough away from Lancaster to be affordable, while being close enough that those who move can still see family back home regularly… I believe many Amish would move if they had that structure and remained close to supportive family members.” npr
This approach may become a roadmap for Amish communities grappling with the modern pressures of expensive farmland, urban encroachment, and changing family structures. amishamerica+1
Amish values remain strong—discipline, humility, faith, and simplicity. Yet as families move out of historic homelands for new opportunities, there’s renewed optimism. Glen Rock’s settlers believe they can preserve the best parts of tradition, while remaining open to respectful change.
By Elizabeth Montgomery, Food Editor
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