The Sisters' House at Ephrata Cloister

by Priscilla Burgers

Title

The Sisters' House at Ephrata Cloister

Artist

Priscilla Burgers

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

One of America's earliest religious communities, the Ephrata Cloister, was founded in 1732 by German settlers seeking spiritual goals rather than earthly rewards. Gathered in unique European style buildings, the community consisted of celibate Brothers and Sisters and a married congregation of families. At the zenith of the community in the 1740's and 1750's, about 300 members worked and worshiped at the Cloister. The community became known for its self-composed a cappella music, Germanic calligraphy known as Frakturschriften, and the complete publishing center which included a paper mill, printing office, and book bindery. During the period from 1735 to 1746 the community constructed no fewer than eight major structures, dormitories or meetinghouses, in addition to a number of smaller dwellings, workshops, and mills. By 1813 the last of the celibate members died, and the following year the remaining members of the married congregation formed the German Seventh Day Baptist Church. Restoration on the nine surviving original buildings began in 1934. Today the National Historic Landmark is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Saron, the Sisters' House, was constructed in 1743 for Householder couples who left their homes to live as celibate Brothers and Sisters. It was a brief experiment and when the husbands and wives returned to their farms, the building was remodeled to accommodate the Sisterhood who called themselves the Roses of Sharon. Each of the building's three main floors contains a kitchen, a room for eating, two common workrooms, and about 12 sleeping chambers, one chamber for each sister. For nearly 15 years Mother Maria Eicher directed the Sisters' daily duties and maintained their independence from the Brotherhood. After the death of the last Sister in 1813, the building was divided into apartments and rented to church members.

This image is also available in color.


FAA Featured Photo:
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-Your Favorite Images Group-03/13/2014
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-1-2-3-4-5 Group-03/21/2014
-A Tree or Trees in Black and White Group - 213/2024

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March 11th, 2014

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