2018.040.012 [Constitution]

The Community of True Inspiration drafted this constitution for their Ebenezer Colonies, which they founded in New York. The constitution outlined the society's structure and the rights and responsibilities of the society's leaders and members. When the Community of True Inspiration moved to Iowa, they continued to use many of the features of this constitution. The Community of True Inspiration came to the United States in the 1840s and founded a community known as the Ebenezer Colonies in New York. In the 1850s, the group created a new set of communal villages in Iowa known as the Amana Colonies. The settlers of the Amana Colonies maintained an independent and religious lifestyle until 1932. The community then split into two organizations: the non-profit Amana Church Society and the for-profit Amana Society. Photographs of the original German constitution and an English translation are attached. Content can be used with the following standards: 3rd grade SS 3.27 Immigration and Migration and SS-Gov. 9-12.27 Unique Iowa Systems in a lesson on religious communities in Iowa and the structure of their society. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions.