Amish culture comes to Dexter

Tuesday, July 22, 2008
By NOREEN HYSLOP Managing Editor

Noreen Hyslop photo Dr. Steven Reschly presented a history of the Amish in Missouri to a sizable crowd last night at Keller Public Library.

Dr. Steven Reschly, a professor from Truman State University in Kirksville and chair of the History Department there, was on hand before a packed house Monday night at Keller Public Library to address the throngs on a subject in which he is well-versed. Reschly is Amish and presented a history of the Amish in the state of Missouri, explaining not only their migration process, but the unique aspects of their communities that continually serve as a source of myth and mystery.

Reschly, whose presentation was sponsored by Friends of the Library and the State Historical Society, is an expert on the subject of Amish history and culture. His expertise became quickly evident during Monday evening's presentation as he provided an overview of the Amish culture, touching upon various aspects of life within an Amish community, and touching upon views of life outside an Amish community, looking in. Especially poignant in his presentation was a series of slides depicting the funerals of the five young Amish girls slain at Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania nearly two years ago.

"The nation's heart went out to the Amish community of Nickel Mines and to the families of the girls lost, and the outside was amazed when the families offered forgiveness to the man guilty of the killings and to his family," Reschly recalled for the audience. He then explained to the crowd how forgiveness, patience and humility come into play in the Amish culture.

Reschly fielded questions from the overflowing crowd after his presentation, dispelling some myths with regard to the Amish and Mennonite's rearing of children to the role of Elders within their society and biblical interpretations. Reschly has presented his history of the Amish globally and appeared Monday night at the invitation of both the local Friends of the Library and the Missouri Historical Society.

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Sounds interesting! When we lived in Eldon in '91 &'92, we were priviledged to meet an Old Order Mennonite elder and his wife. We'd give them rides into Versailes often. Had some profitable fellowship with them. We used to get the Family Life, a periodical of Amish/Old Order Mennonites. Good people whom we respect and admire.

-- Posted by swift on Tue, Jul 22, 2008, at 2:47 PM

I think the recent influx of the Mennonite community into this area is a wonderful development, too. I have several Mennonite neighbors, and I find them the embodiment of what Christianity should be. They LIVE the Bible.

Their children are adorable!

-- Posted by goat lady on Tue, Jul 22, 2008, at 5:53 PM

I remember seeing him with ZZ Top...freaking awesome!!

-- Posted by Jim Morrison on Tue, Jul 22, 2008, at 11:45 PM

There is a mistake in the article which I didn't notice until I read the news print edition. The quote is, "Reschly is Amish...".

Old Order Amish, Amish Mennonites, Old Order Mennonites, Reformed Mennonites, Conservative Mennonites, Holdeman (Church of God in Christ)Mennonites, Old Order Brethren, and some other smaller groups do not wear neckties, wrist watches, belts (suspenders instead), shirts of the style and color Reschly wore, and mustaches if they wear beards. Reschly is not Amish. He may have been brought up Amish or Mennonite but he doesnot belong to any Amish group. The plain churches I listed donot allow higher education among their members.

The one thing I agree with them on is their ban on television and movies and their modest separation of the sexes dress standards. Another thing is non-resistance which i agree with them on nearly all the way.

-- Posted by swift on Wed, Jul 23, 2008, at 3:07 PM

we have 2 familie's living here in Aquilla, i really respect them, they are good familie's & very welcome

-- Posted by aquilla on Sat, Jul 26, 2008, at 6:47 AM

I grew up with many Amish and Mennonite children where I am from. I went to school (yes, a public school) with some Mennonite children when their sect moved up to our town from Lancaster, PA (it was while their school was being built). I'm sorry I had to miss this presentation.

My father had a construction business and employed a Mennonite man. In later years, he used to transport Mennonites - to town, doctor's appts., visits, etc.

-- Posted by my2kids on Tue, Jul 29, 2008, at 1:12 AM

My father had a construction business and employed a Mennonite man. In later years, he used to transport Mennonites - to town, doctor's appts., visits, etc.

-- Posted by my2kids on Tue, Jul 29, 2008, at 1:12 AM

The Amish-Mennonite group out here has it's "headquarters" in Kentucky. They have a devotional book that is published quarterly. My wife gets it in the mail and uses it in her devotions. You know... I really agree with them on a whole lot of things. I wish Troyer's salvage goods store was still open up on OO Hwy in Advance. I used to browse the books and tract rack while my wife shopped.

-- Posted by swift on Tue, Jul 29, 2008, at 2:49 PM