Centre Hall reporter. [volume] (Centre Hall, Pa.) 1868-1871, 1871-09-29

A correspondent who has been among
the Lebanon Shakers, says The Shaker
settlement, foundedln lT90, is a remark
able picture Of neatness, aud at the same
time. romance The tall, clean, symetrical
houses dot along under .he hills, and
great flower and seed garlens show
patches OF brilliant color that contrasts
with all the delieacy of natures artistic
handiwork against the dark green's OF
the pines and spruces. Down the viii
lage streets may he seen squads Of men
and women vending their way To the
meeting house, while now aud then q
load Of believers roll in from Canaan,
Brick Yard and New Lebanon families
There is no sound OF church. bell, but,
borne along on the breeze, one may
hear the tinkle Of those at the Springs
The Shakers are not believers Of noise
Of any description. In their houses
they walk on up-toe, are firm believers
in Benjamin Franklin's motto, that 8
door should never be slammed, and
speak in subdued whispers. The meet
ing house is q long and imposing build
ing, some $50 feet in length by rs or
100 feet in height. Along the side wall
are arranged ascending benches for the
accommodation of visitors, the males
being seated on one end. the females ON
another The door fairly shines from
serubbing, and is waxed. as that of n
ballroom. The male and female men,
bers Of the community are separated af-
ter the same fashion rs the guests, aud
present very picturesque appearance.
The women are dressed ia a light gray
stuff. spotless white kerchiefs around
their throats, and the dantiest and most
immaculate caps upon their heads Here
aud there may be caught a glimpse OF
a fresh, young and beautiful girliSh face,
but as rule, the women are elderly, and
present a comfortable. happy appear
ance that savors but little of the ascetic
save in the peculiarly waIy pallor OF
their faces. which arises more from
the absence Of meat from their daily
diet than from any other cause. This
pallor, though, does not extend 30 the
men. They are sinewy sons OF toll. and
their hands and faces are bronEed and
hardened from laboring in the fields.
Lake the women, they, too, are uniform
ly clad in suite Of homespun, and wear
their hair IN apeculiar fashion. the front
being cut short, like that OF the beau
ties in Charles the Seconds merry days,
while, behind, ii is allowed 10 grow long
and flowing.
Seated opposite each other, for some
time, the men and women maintain a
perfect silence. Their hands folded.
and on the face of each a calm look of
reflection. Then one of the elder men
arises and speaks 20 his companions.
thanking Heaven that they have been
allowed 10 meet together for another
Sabbath that they have become so
perfect that they are nj peace with all
men that SO much peace has been ae-
corded % them. and that prosperity has
been given 10 the labor Of their hands.
One continued prayer, in fact, Of thanks
10 the God whom we all. Christian, and
lnfidel alike. worship aud recognize. As
the speaker arose his companions have
arisen with him, and when he has ceased,
one OF the number has started the frs,
notes Of hymn, md soon il is taken
up by all the number until il swells into
one great monotonous chorus. accompa-
MED by q shuttle Of the dancing feet Of
the worshippcrs. The dance consists Of
one. two, three shuttle. and now and
then, tho dancers will stop, while one
of riem again returns thanks 70 God
that so much grace has been granted TO
them. The faces Of the spectators are
q curious study during this performance.
On some turks a covert sneer, and on
others an almost irrepresaible smile
but, for the most part, they are marked
by an interest, and, in some cases, rev.
erence, that is very noteworthy. The
thought is plainly visible that these
casual spectators have been taught that,
although the form Of worship Of the
people before them may be eccentric
and peculiar TO their eyes, still il is earn
est, honest, and evidently the offspring
OF firm conviction. The founders Of
the sect, No runs the Shaker tradition,
were moved by the spirit in Just this
manner, and so their descendants follow
out the doings of their ancestors.
The singing and dancing concluded, |
benches are quietly brought. the broth
ers and sisters sit, and he who has been /
selected 20 deliver the discourse steps !
quietly forward on tip-toe, and begins
to speak. The discourse is delivered /
towards the visiting spectators, and is
almost invariably defence Of the Shaker !
doctrine.