S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The Shakers, formally the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, are a Christian cult that combines elements of Quakerism and Charismatic worship practices. Their beliefs can be ...

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July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Who are the Shakers?

The Shakers, or United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, are a communal, celibate Christian sect founded in 18th-century England and established in America in 1774 by Mother Ann Lee. Known for their ecstatic worship, gender equality, and simple, functional furniture, they flourished in the 19th century as a Utopian, pacifist group, with a small community remaining in Maine today. 

Beliefs:

Ann Lee (1736–1784), or "Mother Ann," believed herself to be the female embodiment of Christ and the leader of the second coming.

They emphasised equality of the sexes, pacifism, racial equality, and communal ownership of property.

They are renowned for their simple, durable, and functional furniture, architecture, and inventions (such as the circular saw and clothespin), as mentioned in the YouTube video by The Shakers Explained. 

History:

Seeking refuge from persecution in England, Mother Ann and eight followers emigrated to America in 1774, settling near Albany, New York.

During the early-to-mid 19th century, the movement reached its peak with roughly 4,000–5,000 members and 19 major communities from New England to Kentucky.

Due to their strict celibacy and the changing social landscape, the movement declined rapidly in the late 19th and 20th centuries.

As of the 21st century, a single, active community remains at Sabbathday Lake, Maine. 

They are credited with inventing or perfecting the circular saw, the clothespin, the flat broom, and the first packaged garden seeds.

As of early 2026, there is only one active Shaker community remaining at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Maine, with three members.

Members did not marry or have children, believing sexual relations were the root of all sin.

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