The Anabaptists held meetings in their own homes and during that time many were put to death because of their religious beliefs. In the 1600’s a man called Jacob Ammon formed a group we now call the Amish. By the late 1800’s they had all migrated to the U.S.

They then agreed to keep their old ways to remind them of the persecution they had escaped.  Today the Plain People wish to set themselves apart from the world and live a simple life, 1) to display a Christian life before the world, and 2) to keep the temptations of sin from in front of them and their children.

The Amish & Mennonite Church is a religious denomination and a lifestyle. They deeply cherish their heritage and will go to great lengths to protect & keep what was handed down to them by their forefathers.

Transportation by the Amish is plain and simple.  The most precious time is spent not getting in a hurry to get somewhere.  But riding in a buggy listening to the clippety-clop of horses hoofs on the pavement while enjoying the beauties that God has so richly blessed us with.  Many Amish use retired race horses to pull their buggies and wagons.  For race horses are very healthy and very well disciplined.

It is very common to see folks walking to visit or to church or to town.  Amazing how the rest of the world can't get somewhere quick enough and miss so many wonderful moments along the way.

The Mennonite and Plain communities have automobiles for transportation.  In some locations, an automobile is a must due to the fact that doctors, stores etc. are too far for a horse and buggy or to walk.

Plain Homes ...

Plain Folks farms are simply breathtaking.  The gardens are laid out with great detail.  You usually can't find a single weed growing amidst the gorgeous vegetables that will be harvested and preserved to feed the family through the winter.  And you will be awed at the vast beauty of the flowers along the gardens and yards.  You will see clothes lines with lots of clothes swaying in the breeze.

The windows will be plain and simple ... some districts of the Old Order Amish require simple green shades while other districts will allow simple curtains adorning the windows.

Many times there will be several additions on to a home where grandparents and great grandparents live while the younger family farms the land and raises offspring.

The gentle breezes and hush that comes over you while gazing at an Amish home brings you to where God intended for us to be ... at home ... raising our families ... growing our own foods ... and helping our friends and neighbors.

Church Services ...

The Amish church is organized into church districts.  Each congregation is comprised of 25 to 35 families or more living in a specific geographical area within a settlement.  Each church district has a bishop who is the head of the district along with several ministers and deacons.  The ministers and deacons assist the bishop in monitoring and interpreting church doctrine and in solving disputes.  Church districts are split when the communities grow larger than 30 to 35 families.  Preaching services are held every other Sunday in the home of a family within the church district and followed usually by a common meal and visiting.  Sundays with church service are greatly anticipated and are cause for a flurry of preparation and celebration.  Sundays without local church service are observed by resting at home, attending a neighboring church, and visiting friends or relatives.  Only the necessary chores are performed.

The bench buggy is at this home
consisting of benches, songbooks,
and dishes for Sunday Services.

Membership in the Amish church is attained when a young adult (16 to 24) receives instruction and baptized.  Joining the church means total commitment to the Amish church community and its doctrine and practices.  No one can be married in the Amish faith without first being baptized into the faith.  Amish members can be "shunned" for leaving the church or for not following church practices.  The threat of shunning helps keep the Amish church members from straying too far from church doctrine and keeps the community together.

Mennonite and other Plain groups meet at a Meeting House (a church building) for worship.  God's House is to be respected and reverenced.  You won't find contemporary music and pool tables in their buildings or services.  For we believe in attending the House of Worship to thank God for his blessings upon us and learn from His Word.

Amish clothing is very plain and simple.  They do not believe in drawing attention to one's body.  Mostly, the women and girls wear dresses of beautiful jewel tone colors.  In some areas, pastels and fabrics with small prints are allowed. Some districts allow snaps as closures for dresses, however many still fasten their clothes with straight pins.  The men and boys wear homemade pants and shirts as well.  Broad fall pants and suspenders are very common among the People.  Straw hats to keep the sun off the head in the summer and black felt hats for winter are worn.  Clothes are made at home on treadle sewing machines.  Even though they do not have electricity, the Amish are spectacular seamstresses. 

Since Plain People believe in living off the land, gardening and farming is what is desired of the church to support the family.  However, as families expand and the economy of today's society puts such a demand on prime farming land, many have to look for other means to help pay for their homes and basic needs for their family.  

Many women bake goods and make quilts to sell at their home shops or tourist locations.

The men and boys are avid craftsman and usually turn to wood working, creating the most beautiful furniture and outbuildings you could imagine.  A strong work ethic and precision work makes the outside world go to any lengths to purchase an Amish handmade item.

For this reason, this website has been created to help bring in an income for my family and to help my friends and neighbors bring in an income to support theirs.

Just as the last frost has made it's last show for the year, gardens are started and summer and fall days are filled with picking, snapping, shelling, pickling, chopping and canning fruits, vegetables and meets for the winter's rest.

How could we share so much with you and leave out what everyone loves so much ... Amish & Mennonite Cooking.

Many today enjoy good old fashioned home cooking.  And that's what we do on a daily basis!  So for those of you who love to cook, we would like to share a few recipes with you on the left.  Enjoy!