PAAuthor's Reviews

Lower your head in Ephrata

Lower your head as you enter Saron, one of the large "houses" on the grounds of The Ephrata Cloister in Ephrata PA. The ceilings inside are only a few inches higher than 6 feet, and the doorways between rooms are several inches lower. Just why is one of the intriguing mysteries of this historic but now abandoned experimental religious community in rural Lancaster County.

Docents explain that historians once thought The Cloister's mid-1700s residents were significantly shorter than Americans today. But archeologists who unearthed skeletons of the same time period from the battlefields of Valley Forge, only 60 miles away, note humans then weren't THAT much smaller. So prevailing theories about the lack of ceiling height now tend toward piety: short doorways, it's believed, encouraged residents to bow their heads in honor to their Creator.

It is among several curiosities of, and hardships willingly endured during, life in The Cloister. It operated between 1732 and 1813 and was led by Conrad Beissel, a disaffected member of the German Anabaptist group known as The Brethren. Beissel and his approximately 300 followers preached hermitage, the value of celibacy, and worshiped on Saturdays rather than Sundays. They promoted creative expression, and were proficient in music, calligraphy and printing.

The Cloister's history, its cultural and religious impacts within Pennsylvania, and its industrious self-sufficiency all are displayed at a 28-acre portion of the original complex on the outskirts of the city. The site is a National Historic Landmark with many restored buildings, guided and self-guided tours, an introductory movie, a museum store, and special events scheduled throughout the year. Volunteers in period garb are occasionally available to re-create the experience of life there. A capella choral concerts are sometimes held in the Saal, a meetinghouse.

In March 2007, admission prices ranged from $7 for adults to free for children age 6 and younger. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more with advance reservations. Guides are knowledgeable and cheerful. Viewing the movie before touring the grounds is suggested; it gives important context to the visit. Plan 60 to 90 minutes for a visit; more if you are interested in early American or religious history, period architecture, primitive decor, herbal gardening or weaving.

Museum store sales provide financial support for The Cloister, but its inventory is limited. There are no food or refreshment sales on the grounds, but many restaurants within a mile or less. Parking is free.

Reviewed on: March 13, 2007