Pentecost and Hutterite History

 Hutterites are observing Pentecost right now - May 19, 20, 21. If you wish to read more on that you can go to my Pentecost post from last year.



I'm reminded today, how almost ten years ago on a trip to Europe I had the chance to visit an historical site for Hutterites - Das Goldene Dachl (the Golden Roof) in Innsbruck. It was here, on February the 25th, 1536, Jaacb Hutter, was burned at the stake because of his faith .

 He was the leader of the Anabaptist group who placed all their belongings on a cloak, thus starting community of goods, modelled after the teachings in Acts chapter 2. After this they were known as Hutterites; a name they did not choose themselves, but which has somehow stuck to this day.



Some years ago this plaque was placed on the building. While standing under that plaque a feeling of deep gratitude came over me. Our forefathers had to endure tremendous persecution and yet they remained steadfast to the end, never losing sight who they were doing this for. Many gave their lives for their faith - a faith we strife to uphold to this day.

Thus, it is with this same gratitude we observe these very important Pentecost days, reminding ourselves why we live communally and what our forefathers so staunchly fought for - no doubt comforted, encouraged and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, promised to all followers of Christ.

Be Thou My Vision - Prairie Praise Hutterite Choir

Pentecost

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Acts 2, 42-47

Thus, Hutterites observe Pentecost over three days, which this year falls on May 27, 28 and 29. These are very important days, as it's a reminder where community of goods first started and why we adhere to it. These three days are treated as Sundays with a church service in the morning and another in the evening. The scripture readings for all three days will be out of Acts chapter 2.

A fellow Huterite's thoughts on  Why Hutterites live communally. Thanks Louie! Well said!

I'll leave you with this beautiful Pentecost hymn, written by Christopher Wordsworth in 1862

Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost,
Taught by Thee we covet most
Of Thy gifts of Pentecost
Holy, heavenly Love.

Faith, that mountains could remove,
Tongues of earth or heaven above,
Knowledge—all things—empty prove,
Without heavenly Love.

Though I as a martyr bleed,
Give my goods the poor to feed,
All is vain—if Love I need;
Therefore, give us Love.

Love is kind, and suffers long
Love is meek, and thinks no wrong,
Love than death itself more strong;
Therefore, give us Love.

Prophecy will fade away,
Melting in the light of day,
Love will ever with us stay;
Therefore, give us Love.

Faith will vanish into sight;
Hope be emptied in delight;
Love in heaven will shine more bright;
Therefore, give us Love.

Faith and Hope and Love we see
Joining hand in hand agree;
But the greatest of the three,
And the best, is Love.

From the overshadowing
Of Thy gold and silver wing
Shed on us, who to Thee sing,
Holy, heavenly Love.

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