Faith, Family, and Farming: Inside Pennsylvania’s Newest Amish Community
In a picturesque valley nestled among the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania, a new Amish community is quietly establishing itself, bringing with it a unique blend of traditional values and progressive ideals. This settlement, comprised of New Order Amish families, has been steadily growing over the past year, attracting attention from both locals and curious outsiders.
The New Order Amish, a subgroup that split from the Old Order Amish in the 1960s, are known for their slightly more progressive stance on technology and spirituality[4][7]. While still maintaining many traditional Amish practices, they allow for some modern conveniences and place a stronger emphasis on personal faith and evangelism.
John Stoltzfus, one of the first settlers to arrive in the area, explained the group’s decision to establish a new community. “We felt called to start fresh, to create a place where we could practice our faith and way of life while also embracing some aspects of the modern world that we believe can be beneficial,” he said.
The settlement, located in a remote part of Centre County, has grown to include about 15 families, with more expected to join in the coming months. The Amish have purchased several farms in the area, revitalizing land that had been left fallow for years.
Local resident Sarah Thompson, who owns a small grocery store in the nearby town, has noticed the impact of the new arrivals. “It’s been wonderful to see these old farms come back to life,” she said. “The Amish are hardworking folks, and they’ve already become valued customers and neighbors.”
Unlike their Old Order counterparts, the New Order Amish in this settlement allow for some modern conveniences, such as telephones in their homes and the use of electricity for certain farm equipment[7]. However, they still maintain a distinct separation from the “English” world, as they refer to non-Amish society.
Community Integration and Local Reaction
The arrival of the New Order Amish has not been without its challenges. Some local residents have expressed concerns about increased horse-and-buggy traffic on rural roads, while others worry about the potential impact on local schools and services.
County Commissioner Mark Reilly addressed these concerns at a recent town hall meeting. “We’re working closely with the Amish community to ensure a smooth integration,” he said. “Their presence brings both opportunities and challenges, and we’re committed to finding solutions that work for everyone.”
Despite some initial apprehension, many locals have welcomed the new settlers. Tom Anderson, a retired farmer whose property borders one of the new Amish farms, shared his perspective: “They’re good neighbors. Quiet, respectful, and always willing to lend a hand. It’s been interesting learning about their ways.”
Economic Impact and Cultural Exchange
The influx of New Order Amish families has already begun to have an economic impact on the region. Several small businesses have sprung up, including a bakery, a furniture workshop, and a quilt-making cooperative.
Local business owner Maria Rodriguez has noticed an uptick in tourism. “People are curious about the Amish,” she explained. “We’ve seen more visitors coming through town, stopping at our shops and restaurants. It’s been good for business.”
The New Order Amish, while still maintaining their distinct culture, have shown a willingness to engage with the wider community. They’ve participated in local farmers’ markets and craft fairs, offering their handmade goods and fresh produce.
Education and Faith
One of the most significant differences between the New Order and Old Order Amish is their approach to education and spirituality. The New Order place a strong emphasis on Bible study and personal faith[7][9].
Eli Yoder, a minister in the new settlement, explained their perspective: “We believe in the importance of understanding God’s Word for ourselves. Our Sunday schools and youth meetings are central to our community life.”
The settlement has established its own one-room schoolhouse, where children are taught up to the eighth grade. Unlike some Old Order communities, however, the New Order Amish here are open to their young people pursuing further education in certain fields, particularly those related to agriculture or trades.
Looking to the Future
As the settlement continues to grow, both the Amish and their “English” neighbors are looking to the future with a mix of optimism and caution. Local officials are working on zoning and infrastructure plans to accommodate the unique needs of the Amish community while preserving the rural character of the area.
Samuel Lapp, another early settler, reflected on their goals: “We want to build a community that honors our traditions and faith while also being good stewards of the land and good neighbors to those around us. It’s a balance, but we believe it’s possible.”
As the sun sets over the valley, casting long shadows across newly plowed fields and freshly built barns, it’s clear that this New Order Amish settlement is more than just a curiosity. It represents a living experiment in balancing tradition and progress, faith and community, in an ever-changing world.
Citations:
[1] https://amishamerica.com/whats-the-difference-between-new-order-and-old-order-amish/
[2] https://amishamerica.com/pennsylvania-amish/
[3] https://downeast.com/features/thesettlers/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Order_Amish
[5] https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1732735-d274343-Reviews-Amish_Country-Lancaster_County_Pennsylvania.html
[6] https://www.bedlamfarm.com/2021/06/14/the-amish-and-their-long-struggle-with-the-modern-world/
[7] https://amishcountryinsider.com/blog/amish-basics-new-order-amish/
[8] https://marine.copernicus.eu/marine-paragraph/iframe-render/https:%7C%7Cforumbzk.ru%7Cwjgveftsazfe85m
[9] https://amishamerica.com/new-order-amish-in-lancaster-county/
[10] https://amish-heritage.org/new-order-amish-new-order-vs-old-order-amish/
[11] https://www.discoverlancaster.com/amish/history-beliefs/