Contributed by United Society of Shakers
Description
This is the only known picture of a 19th century Shaker worship service taken while in progress. Given the importance of the Poland Spring Hotel and the Rickers to the Sabbathday Lake Shakers, the Shakers deemed it advisable to grant this rare privilege. Later the picture was used in The Aletheia, written by Sister Aurelia Mace.
The picture, with its emphasis on rows of worshippers and the strong lines of the ceiling beams, provides a visual equivalent for lives which were governed by order. Note that the girls and Sisters are seated on the opposite side of the Meeting Room from the boys and Brothers. Separation of the sexes was in keeping with the belief in celibacy.
During meeting, members sat facing the Elders and Eldresses who led the worship service. Seated behind the Shakers are visitors who were welcome to attend public meeting. Again, it was the Poland Spring Hotel that brought most visitors to the area.
Although the term "Shaker" derived from their religious dances, by this time the meeting consisted solely of testimonies and songs. The official name of the sect is the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing.
The photo was taken by the Poland Spring Hotel staff photographer.
About This Item
- Title: Shaker Meeting, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, 1885
- Creator: United Society of Shakers
- Creation Date: 1885-09-20
- Subject Date: 1885-09-20
- Location: Sabbathday Lake, New Gloucester, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Slide from a glass negative
- Local Code: ITE 45
- Object Type: Text and Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Christian communities
- Devotional exercises
- Shakers--History
- Shakers--Missions--Maine--Sabbathday Lake
- Shakers--Social life and customs
- United Society of Shakers--Maine
- Worship
Other Keywords
- Agriculture
- Alfred
- Boys
- Buildings
- Delmer Charles Wilson
- Farm
- Girls
- Men
- New Gloucester
- New Hampshire
- People
- Photography
- Poland Spring
- Portland
- Portraits
- Religion
- Religion & philosophy
- Religious community
- Shaker
- Women
For more information about this item, contact:
United Society of Shakers707 Shaker Road, New Gloucester, ME 04260
(207) 926-4597
Website
Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.
Please post your comment below to share with others. If you'd like to privately share a comment or correction with MMN staff, please send us a message with this link.
