The Mennonites In Lebanon Valley

On Monday, May 16, the Lebanon Valley Historical Society will present a program on the Mennonites in the Lebanon Valley at 7 pm at the Church of Our Saviour, Friendship Hall in Lebanon Springs.
Crist Byler, pastor of the Hudson Valley Mennonite Church in Ghent, NY, and proprietor of the Canaan General Store, will discuss the history of the Mennonites, the planned migration of seven families to this area in 2006, and how they came to select the Lebanon Valley.
The Mennonites began as an Anabaptist sect in the 16th century, taking their name from early leader Menno Simmons.  In the 17th century, Bishop Jacob Amman led the formation of the Amish derivative sect.  Like the Shakers, the Mennonites and Amish fled 18th century persecution in Europe and settled in the New World.  They prospered and remain vigorous in the 21st century.  Mennonite values distinguish their communities from the American norm, hence mysterious yet fascinating to normal people.
Light refreshments will be available.