Elmendorf Christian Community, Hutterite colony in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, US.
Elmendorf Christian Community is an independent Anabaptist settlement in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, where approximately 155 members live together in a communal arrangement. The community shares resources and makes decisions collectively based on traditional principles.
The settlement was founded in 1994 as a branch of the Upland Hutterite Colony from Letcher, South Dakota. In 2003, the community separated from its original Schmiedeleut affiliation to operate independently.
Members wear traditional plain dress with women keeping their hair long and covered, while both genders maintain uniform clothing styles. These visible practices shape daily life and reflect the community's shared values.
Visitors are welcome for initial visits, though longer stays require advance arrangements with the community administration. It is best to contact them beforehand to arrange a suitable time for your visit.
The community has expanded internationally by establishing branches in Tasmania, Australia in 2006 and in Missouri, United States in 2013. These expansions show how the communal way of life has spread across different continents.
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