The Shakers were a small, celibate Protestant sect officially called the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing. They originated in mid-18th-century England, led by Mother Ann Lee, and later established communities across the United States. Their distinctive worship involved ecstatic singing, hand movements, and what observers described as shaking, which gave rise to the popular name “Shakers” (sometimes nicknamed the Shaking Quakers). They emphasized simplicity, communal living, egalitarian gender roles in leadership, pacifism, and vigorous worship as a preparation for the Kingdom of God. Key points about who they were and what they believed:
- Origins: Emerged in England around the 1740s–1750s as a dissenting offshoot of the Quakers, adopting a distinct form of worship that included dancing, singing, and tremors during meetings. This led to the name Shakers. Ann Lee, believed by followers to be the “Mother” or spiritual leader, became a central figure after receiving visions and revelations.
- Migration and expansion: Ann Lee and a small group emigrated to North America in 1774, establishing the first Shaker communities in New York near Watervliet and later expanding across New England, New York, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and beyond. By the 19th century, there were numerous self-sustaining Shaker settlements across the Northeast and Midwest.
- Beliefs and practices: Central to Shaker faith were the second coming of Christ and the establishment of a heavenly kingdom on earth. Their theology stressed celibacy, communal ownership of property, gender equality in leadership (with both men and women serving as leaders and teachers), pacifism, and deliberate, disciplined living. Worship featured extended singing, dancing, and ecstatic movements—practices that were meant to cultivate spiritual purity and communal harmony.
- Social contributions and decline: Shakers became known for their craftsmanship, innovation, and distinctive architecture and furniture. However, strict celibacy and high adherence to communal life limited internal growth, and by the late 19th to early 20th centuries, most communities dwindled due to declining membership. Today, only a few isolated Shaker communities remain, with Sabbathday Lake in Maine being one of the last surviving groups.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to a particular aspect (history, beliefs, daily life, notable communities, or cultural impact) or provide concise timelines and notable figures.
