Barbara Heinemann Landmann facts for kids

Barbara Heinemann Landmann (born January 11, 1795 – died May 21, 1883) was a special person called a Werkzeug (which means "Instrument") for a group known as the Community of True Inspiration. This group believed that a Werkzeug, guided by God's "Inspiration," could share messages from the Lord with other believers. Barbara first served as a Werkzeug in Germany and Alsace. She started this role around Christmas in 1818 and continued until she married George Landmann in 1823.

Later, Barbara and her husband moved with the Community from Germany to the Ebenezer Colonies in New York State, USA. Then they moved again to the Amana Colonies in Iowa. While living in the Ebenezer Colonies, Barbara became a Werkzeug once more. In both the Ebenezer and Amana Colonies, she shared this important job with Christian Metz. After Christian Metz passed away in 1872, Barbara became the only Werkzeug until her own death at age 88. Even today, her messages are still read aloud during the Community's church services.

A Visitor to the Amana Colonies in 1874

In 1874, a writer named Charles Nordhoff visited the Amana Colonies in Iowa. He was gathering information for his book about groups that lived together, called The Communistic Societies of the United States.

Nordhoff wrote that the Community had 1,450 members and owned about 25,000 acres of land. They lived in seven small towns, focusing on farming and making various goods. They were very successful! All the members were German, and their way of life was based on their religion. They were a type of religious group called "Pietists," and they believed their religious leader spoke directly from God. That's why they called themselves "Inspirationists."

The religious leader Nordhoff met was Barbara Heinemann Landmann, who was 80 years old at the time. Each of the seven towns Nordhoff mentioned had its own group of Inspirationists. The only people who weren't Inspirationists in these towns were the hired workers, who sometimes lived there too. The seven towns were close enough that Barbara could visit them all easily.

Life hadn't always been so easy for the Inspirationists. In Europe, their groups were sometimes far apart, leading to disagreements. Also, they were often a small, unpopular group in their villages. Because of these arguments and being treated badly by outsiders, Barbara's early years with the Inspirationists were quite difficult, unlike the peaceful life they found in America.

Barbara Joins the Inspirationists

The year before Nordhoff's visit, Barbara told her life story to Gottlieb Scheuner, a Community historian. She shared her experiences from birth until she finished her first time as a Werkzeug at age 28. Scheuner noted that Barbara didn't write it herself because she was old and not skilled at writing.

Barbara's story began with her birth: "I was born to a poor family in Leitersweiler in Southern Alsace on January 11, 1795. My father was Peter Heinemann. When I was young, I really wanted to learn to read and write. But my parents thought I should focus on working instead. So, I did. From age nine until I was 18 (in 1813), I mostly spun wool. Then a war started, and the factory closed. I found work as a maid. Later, I worked at a big inn in Sulz, about 15 minutes from my hometown. I earned good money and learned a lot there. My employers liked me because I was always cheerful, hardworking, and loyal. I earned a lot, including tips, but I always gave it all to my father."

Barbara was the second daughter of Peter and Anna Heinemann. She didn't mention her older sister in her story. She only said her mother agreed with her father that she shouldn't go to school. Barbara said she was born in Leiterswiller, but later mentioned her father's home was in Hermerswiller. These two villages are only a mile apart.

When she was 22 and working at the inn, Barbara suddenly felt very sad. She said, "Many nights, while others slept, I would sit alone in the inn for hours because I had to wait for the mail coach. One night, as I sat alone, expecting to feel happy as usual, my joy suddenly left me, and a deep sadness took over my whole being."

She felt too focused on temporary pleasures and didn't know God. She left the inn and went back to her father's house in Hermersweiler to think about her "inner feelings" without distractions. She went to church but didn't take communion, feeling she wasn't worthy. She believed a big change had to happen before someone could take communion.

Hoping older people could help her, she visited some grandmothers. Finally, one told her, "You seem to be a Pietist." Barbara had never heard of Pietists and wanted to meet them. The woman told her about a Pietist woman in Sulz. Barbara visited her and asked to join her prayer group. The woman said Barbara wasn't "awakened" yet, so she couldn't join.

Barbara went home feeling down. About a week later, she had a dream. She heard a strong voice that filled her completely. She felt a warm feeling and knew it was God's voice, answering her prayers. This comforted her. Then, she saw three bright suns, one appearing from another, and the voice came from them. The voice lovingly told her: "Oh, mortal, always remember you will die; live as you would wish to have lived when you die."

This message deeply moved her. She promised to serve, love, and honor God. In her dream, the suns showed great joy and approval. She woke up reluctantly. She returned to the woman in Sulz and told her about the dream. The woman said Barbara was now "awakened" and could join the prayer meeting of the Community of True Inspiration.

Werkzeuge Share God's Word

The Community of True Inspiration was started in 1714 by Eberhard Ludwig Gruber, a Lutheran minister, and Johann Friedrich Rock, also a minister's son. They had studied the writings of German mystics and Pietists from earlier centuries. They were especially interested in a group of Pietists from the late 1600s who were said to "prophesy like the prophets of old."

Gruber and Rock believed that God still spoke to people directly. In the Community they founded, God's guidance was thought to come through individuals given the special gift of Inspiration. These people were called Werkzeuge (Instruments). What a Werkzeug said was often written down by a Scribe. These written messages were considered almost as important as the Bible.

Gruber and Rock, along with other early members, traveled through Europe, sharing their beliefs. Some villages welcomed them, and they started small groups of Inspirationists. Other villages, like Zurich, turned them away. In 1717, two early members were even arrested in Zurich for preaching. They were put in a public pillory and whipped, but they continued to believe.

Special Movements During Messages

Early Inspirationists would often deliver their messages during a trance or shaking spell called Bewegung. A Scribe named Mackinet, who traveled with Gruber, wrote that these movements changed with the message. When Werkzeuge spoke about God's judgment, their movements were strong, and their voices were loud like thunder. But when they spoke of God's love, their movements were gentle and graceful.

Mackinet explained more about Bewegungen: "The Werkzeug first feels a calm, good feeling that grows and spreads through their whole body. This leads to heavy breathing, trembling, and strong body movements, sometimes including kicking, hand clapping, and head shaking. These movements prepare the Werkzeug to bravely speak God's Word as it comes to them. Sometimes it's spoken slowly, syllable by syllable, or word by word; other times, very quickly. The Werkzeug simply allows themselves to be a tool in God's hand."

Mackinet and Gruber once asked two rabbis if ancient prophets also had such movements. The rabbis replied that these movements were not strange to them. They were a clear sign among old prophets, and anyone who spoke without them was not considered a true prophet. That's why, in honor of the old prophets, they always sway back and forth when singing their Psalms.

These special movements continued to be a sign of the Werkzeuge's messages until Nordhoff's visit. Nordhoff noted that Christian Metz, a Werkzeug who died seven years before his visit, once shook for an hour before speaking a message.

Dealing with False Werkzeuge

The Community believed that not everyone who claimed to be a Werkzeug truly was. Gruber and Rock knew that false "Inspiration" could exist. Gruber wrote in 1715 about a 14-year-old boy who claimed to be moved by the Spirit but showed "false convulsions and false utterances." Another early member, Johanna Melchior, bravely spoke out against this false spirit.

Gruber himself described an encounter with a false spirit, saying he experienced "an extraordinary shaking of the head and shivering of the mouth." He believed this was a true warning. False Werkzeuge continued to be a challenge for the Community. Many years later, Christian Metz wrote: "Many members in our Communities are always wanting something. One wants to be an Elder, and another even a Werkzeug; and the reason is self-love and a false desire."

From the very beginning, the Community had a committee to check on those who claimed to speak by Inspiration. Often, this committee found that a person claiming to be a Werkzeug was false and wouldn't let them share messages.

Community Struggles and Reawakens

After Gruber died in 1728 and Rock in 1749, the special gift of Inspiration seemed to stop. Without a Werkzeug, the Community read the old writings and messages from past Werkzeuge like Gruber and Rock. From 1714 to 1749 (35 years), the Community recognized 18 Werkzeuge. But during the "Decline," the 67 years after Rock's death until 1817, they recognized none, and the Community grew weaker.

However, with the "Reawakening" in 1817 and 1818, Inspiration returned! Within two years, three new Werkzeuge appeared: Michael Krausert, Christian Metz, and Barbara Heinemann.

Michael Krausert Receives the Gift

The first new Werkzeug was Michael Krausert, a tailor from Strasbourg. He joined the Inspirationists through a former minister named Klein. Krausert married one of two sisters who were also converts. These sisters often traveled with Krausert when he visited different Inspirationist groups.

Most of the groups visited by the new Werkzeuge were in west-central Germany. Journeys within a region took a day or two by foot or horse. Longer journeys between regions took several days, sometimes by boat on the Rhine or Main rivers. Ronneburg was a central place in the northern region, where the castle owners offered a safe place for groups like the Inspirationists.

It was at Ronneburg, on September 11, 1817, that Krausert gave his first message. It was a call for people to renew their faith. Some Inspirationists didn't like Krausert's messages, saying they had heard enough. But others welcomed him.

Barbara Meets Krausert

During this "Reawakening," Barbara Heinemann was welcomed into the prayer meetings of the Community of True Inspiration. She met other women who attended the meetings. They often hired her to work for a day, and they would talk about their faith.

The women told her about a new prophet in the Community: Michael Krausert. They promised to let her know when he was nearby. She finally met him in Sulz, in a room with many other people. She talked to him about her worries. His answers comforted her and convinced her that he was a man of God. After a while, he sat down to write. His writing was an Einsprache, an inspired written message, where God said He would give Barbara the same gift He gave Krausert.

Krausert then convinced Barbara to travel with him and his group, including his wife and her sister, to Bergzabern. On this journey, Barbara had another vision. She saw the heavens open and a large white bird, like an eagle, floating with wide wings. Two burning rays came from its mouth. She saw Krausert in one ray, and the other ray clearly burned on her head. She felt an inner message that if she truly changed, the ray of light would surround her just as it had Krausert. After this, she felt her body shaking and trembling so strongly that others noticed and were surprised. Krausert said this was the first step toward what was coming.

They stayed briefly in Bergzabern, then went to Anweiler, where they attended a Sunday service. During this service, Krausert gave an Aussprache, an inspired spoken message, which Barbara felt was meant for her. It seemed like a conversation between her heart and God.

Barbara Receives the Gift of Inspiration

After this service, Krausert sent Barbara back to her father's house in Hermersweiler. Soon after she returned, she felt a strong spiritual urge to go to Sulz. She went to the home of a trusted Sister for whom she had done laundry. The Sister was happy to see her, as she had been praying for Barbara to come so they could discuss their faith.

During this visit, Barbara felt a strong urge inside her. It became a clear command: "Write!" She told another Sister who was visiting that she didn't know how to write. The Sister told her to try, saying maybe she could write what was needed. Barbara tried, writing single letters and syllables as best she could.

Unfortunately, no one could read what Barbara had written. The visiting Sister then wrote down the words Barbara remembered. Now they could understand it. It was an Einsprache about a tree with many branches, leaves, blossoms, and fruit, which Barbara didn't yet understand. Barbara felt God's will had been done. The Sister said, "I can believe you were distressed, for now I know the reason."

Barbara took the paper home. There, she felt a spiritual urge to take the paper to Bergzabern. When she arrived, she found she had just missed Krausert, who had gone to Anweiler. The next day, she caught up with him and showed him the paper. He sent her to a Brother's house while he read the paper to the people gathered with him. These people didn't want to consider anything she had written. They saw Barbara as a simple, uneducated country girl. They ignored Krausert, who told them the writing was God's word. Because of their opposition, Krausert sent Barbara back to her father's house.

When she returned, her father sent her on an errand to Bischweiler. She was happy to go and stayed there for some time. On her return to Hermersweiler, a messenger arrived at night, asking her to come quickly to Bergzabern. The messenger said the people were very upset because they had been rude to her. She left in the morning. When she arrived, the people who had rejected her now welcomed her joyfully. They asked her to stay. During her stay, she was moved to deliver several Einsprache.

Barbara had agreed to start working as a maid for a Sister in Bischweiler after Christmas 1818. As Christmas neared, she told Krausert she had to leave. Krausert told her to stay, saying another way for her to earn a living would be found. On Christmas Day, Krausert gave an Aussprache in a prayer meeting. As he spoke, Barbara felt a powerful urge. She felt she could have spoken the very words Krausert was saying, but she resisted and said nothing. Krausert realized what was happening to her.

On the second day of Christmas, Krausert said he was too ill to attend the prayer meeting and went to the next room. Now Barbara felt a force so powerful she couldn't resist it anymore; she delivered her first Aussprache. When Krausert heard her speaking, he entered the room, immediately felt inspired, and confirmed her message. He also declared that Barbara was released from her work as a maid because God was calling her to His service.

Now a Werkzeug, Barbara decided to learn to read. The Bible became her textbook. She was happy when she could finally understand the Holy Scriptures. They deeply impressed her, and much of the language in her own messages came from the Bible, especially the Old Testament.

Barbara's First Arrest

While still in Bergzabern with Krausert, Barbara was arrested for the first time. The town's pastor urged the authorities to act against the Inspirationists. The authorities sent spies to a prayer meeting. Before the meeting, at supper with an Inspirationist family, Barbara became inspired and said there would be spies at the meeting that night. Barbara herself didn't go to the meeting. Afterward, several attendees asked why she hadn't come. They said two important-looking gentlemen had been there. Barbara explained they were spies and showed them the message she had given earlier that evening. They were amazed.

Barbara sensed that the Inspirationists' houses were about to be searched. She had everyone put their books and messages in a sack, which they hid under a tub in the basement. Just as they finished, soldiers, police, and townspeople surrounded the house. They searched the house, turning over the tub several times, but they left the sack untouched.

Even though the search found nothing, many Inspirationists, including Barbara, were arrested and taken to the town hall. All of Krausert's luggage was taken. Christian Metz came to visit them in the town hall. This was the third Werkzeug of the Reawakening, and it was Barbara's first time meeting him.

Unlike Barbara, Metz was born into the Community of True Inspiration. One of his grandfathers, Jacob Metz, was an important member of one of the groups started by Gruber and Rock. Christian Metz was a carpenter in Ronneburg when he heard Krausert's first message, "Oh, Ronneburg. . . ." After hearing this call, Christian Metz felt a strong spiritual change, and soon after, he received the gift of Inspiration.

From Bergzabern, Barbara and the others arrested were taken to Landau for imprisonment. The women were put in a special women's jail. To the other women already in prison, the Community members said they were imprisoned for good deeds, not bad ones. Among those arrested were Krausert's wife and her sister, who were very upset. That night, Barbara had a vision that the two women would be released the next day. Indeed, they were released the next day, as was Krausert himself. Krausert and his group returned to Ronneburg. Barbara, however, had to stay under arrest for eight more days. Luckily, the town councilman felt sorry for her and let her serve the rest of her sentence as a guest in his own house.

When the eight days were over, she demanded a hearing to find out why she had been held. Several doctors came to examine her about her Bewegungen. In front of them, she experienced strong bodily trembling and spoke a message. Everyone was surprised. Her message included a strong criticism of the pastor in Bergzabern who had caused the actions against the Community. She returned to Bergzabern, where the Inspirationists rejoiced. All this happened in January 1819, just one month after Barbara's first Aussprache.

Krausert Shows Off Barbara

Before Krausert left Landau with his wife and her sister, while Barbara was still under arrest, he asked to see her. While waiting, he argued with another man in the room. The man claimed Inspiration was a sickness from weak nerves. As Barbara approached, Krausert pointed at her and asked if she looked like a nervous person. The man became silent when he saw her.

God Shows His Favor

From Bergzabern, Barbara traveled to Bischweiler. There, during a Sunday morning service, she fell into a trance that lasted all day, from 9 AM to 10 PM. During this trance, her entire message was in rhyme. Anyone who came and offered her a hand in friendship received a word of encouragement and blessing. A doubter who came forward instantly knew the truth. He stayed with the Community until his death.

Krausert sent Christian Metz and another Brother to Bischweiler to bring Barbara to Ronneburg. Part of their journey was by river. Their ship was full of musicians and party-goers who wouldn't let them sleep. Barbara experienced a Bewegung. Her companions got ready to write down her message, but she wrote nothing. In the villages around Ronneburg, Barbara and Krausert gave many messages, sometimes two or three a day.

Jacob Mörschel Learns a Lesson

Barbara and Krausert sometimes faced opposition. Jacob Mörschel came to Ronneburg and spoke against Krausert. When Barbara returned to Ronneburg from a nearby village, Jacob questioned her closely about her spiritual awakening. He regretted his doubts that evening, however, when Barbara gave an Aussprache, speaking quickly and in rhyme, directed at Jacob.

One day, Jacob left Ronneburg for Liebloos, a nearby village, with a visiting Brother. Barbara felt she had to join them. Seeing that Jacob wanted to talk privately with the visiting Brother, Barbara walked ahead. When Jacob whistled for them to come together, Barbara waited under a tree. When they joined her, she became inspired and gave an Aussprache. It was a reply to everything they had been discussing. They started writing it down, but they had little paper. Just as they were about to run out, another Brother quickly came across the field with more paper. The Aussprache ended with a promise of blessed rain that would make everything fruitful. Immediately, it started to rain, wetting the paper.

Peter Hammerschmidt's Humbling

Opposition didn't end with Jacob Mörschel's change of heart. The Elders in Birstein, about 50 km northeast of Ronneburg, refused to accept Krausert. Peter Hammerschmidt, from Birstein, suggested to Krausert that the new Werkzeuge could make peace with the Birstein Elders if they all got to know each other better. Hammerschmidt asked Krausert if he could bring Barbara to Liebloos, between Ronneburg and Birstein, to meet some Elders. Krausert agreed. In Liebloos, the Elders tried to convince Barbara to oppose Krausert. Because she was new to this, she didn't know what to do. Sensing the problem, the Brethren at Ronneburg sent her a message telling her to return immediately, without Hammerschmidt. However, she asked him to come with her, as she needed him as a witness to what she had seen and heard.

Back in Ronneburg, Christian Metz came to her room and told her to have nothing more to do with Hammerschmidt. Then Hammerschmidt came and urged her to oppose Metz. Metz returned. He took Barbara to where he was living and gave her some of his books to read. She read eagerly, and they talked about what she was reading. She became inspired and gave a promise to Metz.

She suddenly felt she had to go to Krausert, who was just then speaking a warning against Hammerschmidt. As soon as she entered the room, she also became inspired and spoke, taking turns with Krausert. Hammerschmidt asked for forgiveness.

Krausert's Shyness

Krausert then traveled to Birstein, with Barbara. The Prince of Birstein was sick. Barbara felt she had to write a message for the Prince, promising him good health and God's blessing if he supported and openly accepted the truth. She asked Krausert to give this message to the Prince. Krausert had a perfect chance because the Prince asked him to his bedside and talked with him for a long time. However, Krausert failed to deliver Barbara's message. Barbara thought he was too shy.

While in Birstein, Barbara had problems with three members of Krausert's group: his wife, her sister, and J. G. Ciriaci. These three were in charge of copying messages. They complained because Barbara couldn't help them. Barbara replied that everyone must follow their own calling. The three became very angry. Suddenly, it seemed as if an invisible hand struck the table where they were sitting. Then Krausert entered the room. He walked back and forth, repeating: "This is another power of the enemy!" Then he took Barbara into the room where the Brethren were gathered. Krausert became inspired and spoke about the enemy's actions. Barbara then became inspired and spoke as well. While they spoke, taking turns, Christian Metz became inspired and wrote a message on the same topic. The Brethren wondered at all this, and the three members of Krausert's group admitted that the messages were directed at them because they had treated Barbara wrongly.

Despite their apologies, Krausert decided Barbara should be separated from them. He sent her to a farm about 45 minutes from Birstein and told her to stay there until she was called. After a few days, Barbara saw Krausert and others from his group hurrying toward her. They said a persecution was starting in Birstein. Barbara felt she knew this wasn't true and said so. Krausert became unsure and sent Hammerschmidt back to Birstein to check. In Birstein, Hammerschmidt found no sign of persecution. The Prince had issued a command to his people, but it had nothing to do with the Inspirationists. Hammerschmidt returned to the farm and reported what he found. Barbara now had reason to suspect that Krausert could make mistakes.

Krausert returned to Birstein the next day, with Barbara. When they arrived, they found that the congregation no longer wanted anything to do with Krausert because of his shyness. Barbara suggested they hold a prayer meeting, but the congregation wasn't interested. However, the congregation held a formal worship service soon after, which Barbara attended but Krausert did not. At this service, she delivered an Aussprache, telling the congregation about the fate awaiting those who continued to make mistakes. She told them they would now get a preview of the torments of hell that awaited those who didn't change. Immediately, Peter Hammerschmidt had a seizure. His face turned green and blue, and he began to foam at the mouth. He shook terribly for a while and groaned while flailing about. When his seizure was over, Barbara continued her Aussprache. The congregation was moved, and the service continued peacefully. In the months to come, however, the congregation went back to their old ways, and they faced the fate Barbara had foretold.

The Elders of Neuwied Reject Barbara

Jacob Mörschel still believed in the spiritual "Reawakening," but he wanted to return home to Neuwied, about 150 km west of Ronneburg. He asked Barbara to join his group. She agreed. The last part of the journey was by sailboat on the Rhine River. Jacob thought they would arrive in Neuwied at nightfall. Barbara believed that Jacob wanted to arrive at night so he wouldn't be seen with her and other believers in the Reawakening. Barbara had a spiritual insight: they would not arrive that evening, but at noon the next day. A strong, unfavorable wind then blew the ship aground, where it stayed overnight. The next day, they arrived in Neuwied at noon, just as she had known. Jacob admitted the delay happened because of his pride.

Jacob Mörschel had reason to fear arriving in daylight; the Neuwied Inspirationists were doubtful about the Reawakening. Soon after Barbara and the others arrived, the Neuwied Elders met privately to discuss whether to let Barbara attend their worship service. During their meeting, Barbara, in another house, fell into a trance and had a vision. In this vision, she saw the Elders deciding to reject her. When she came out of her trance, she told Jacob Mörschel and the others in the room what she had seen. Early the next day, a messenger brought Jacob a letter from the Elders. The man started to give Jacob a long explanation, but Jacob stopped him, saying he already knew what was in the letter. The messenger was amazed when Jacob told him how he knew. The messenger felt kindly toward the visitors and warned them to leave before the Elders asked the local government to act against them. They left two days later.

Jacob Mörschel went with them for a while. When he was about to leave them, Barbara gave a message of encouragement. With her remaining companions, Barbara traveled to other congregations, who welcomed them. There, Barbara gave more messages. They made their way back to Bergzabern, where Barbara had given her first Aussprache. From Bergzabern, Barbara went to Anweiler to rest.

Michael Krausert Sends Barbara Away

But rest was hard to find. She received a spiritual command to go directly to Bischweiler. There she found Christian Metz very happy to see her. He immediately told her there was a problem with Krausert and that he, Metz, had given a message against him. Barbara told Metz to say no more until she could speak to Krausert herself. Later that day, she gave a message saying that she and Metz should listen to Krausert, as long as his instructions didn't go against their beliefs, since they had been placed in his service.

Krausert arrived in Bischweiler that same evening. He told Barbara that he and Metz had misunderstood each other during their recent journey. The next morning, he sent her and Metz to separate rooms. When they were gone, Krausert told those remaining that Inspiration had stopped. There would be no more messages.

Word of this reached Metz. He came to Barbara's room and told her what had happened. He said he would obey Krausert's command and advised Barbara to do the same. She, however, was not ready to do so. She felt that God was still working strongly in her.

Through Metz, Barbara asked Krausert if she could have a drink of water. Krausert was shocked when he learned she was still in her room. He immediately called for her. When she came, he tried to convince her to give up her Inspiration, but she would not. The next day, Krausert and his group got ready to return to Ronneburg. He said Barbara could come with them if she gave in, but she didn't. They left without her.

Not long after, a member of Krausert's group returned with a message from Krausert. Krausert had received a message saying Barbara was pregnant. She was to be sent away from the Community and return to her father's house. So, she returned once again to Hermersweiler. Her banishment happened in the summer of 1819, less than a year after her first Aussprache in Bergzabern.

Barbara Challenges Michael Krausert

Her banishment didn't last long. She found supporters. One day, as she was making lunch at her father's house, she felt that guests would be coming and that she should prepare more food. Soon, two Brothers arrived. They had heard what Krausert said about her, but they didn't believe it; they wanted to find out the truth. When they finished eating, they all went outside. Barbara left everything as it was to walk a short way with them. She expected to be back in half an hour, but she didn't return for another year.

While walking with them, she received a spiritual command to go to Bergzabern with them. While she was in Bergzabern, a letter for the congregation arrived from Krausert. He said they should decide whether to believe him or Barbara. His letter included a message with harsh words about Barbara.

While still in Bergzabern, she received a spiritual call to go to Anweiler. The Bergzabern congregation didn't want her to go because the Anweiler congregation had rejected her. She went anyway. In Anweiler, the Elder Abraham Noé asked why she had come. She said she wanted to read the letter he had received from Krausert that day. Noé said he had received no such letter. Then Barbara told him what the letter contained. Amazed, he brought her the letter. He was now convinced of Krausert's dishonesty, and he sided with Barbara.

The next day, through a message, Barbara received instructions to go to Ronneburg. Noé went with her. As they neared Ronneburg, they met a man who advised them not to come, as everyone there was on Krausert's side. When they arrived at Ronneburg, everyone was afraid to greet them. Still, Barbara found refuge in the home of one of the Elders.

Now the struggle began. Krausert entered the home, "as friendly as an angel," and said it was right that she had come. He said he had wanted to write to her to invite her. He tried to make peace, but she asked him why he wanted to make peace with the kind of woman he had described in his letters.

Several more Brethren gathered. They began to see Krausert's unfairness. They asked Barbara for a message about him. She said she would not judge him. She said they should instead read what Gruber had written to learn how to deal with such a matter. Gruber had written that a Werkzeug could lose the gift of Inspiration if they tried to control it themselves. Such messages could only be understood by those with "simplicity and good judgment."

The people in the room made a decision. Krausert was to leave the Community for a time and go to a place of his choosing. After a quiet time of thinking and following rules, he could be allowed back into the Community. His wife and her sister could stay in Ronneburg. However, the women refused this offer and left with Krausert. They went to Bischweiler, where they were accepted for a time. Then they moved about 20 km south to a home near Strasbourg. There, Krausert's wife and her sister soon died.

Barbara regretted Krausert's departure. He had been her guide. During their visits to various communities, God had given many blessings through both of them. Now their connection had been "broken by the tempter's power."

Abraham Noé Turns Her Away

After Krausert lost his standing, many Inspirationists became confused and left. However, God found others to do His work. A message given through Barbara stated that Philip Mörschel was to oversee the groups in the northern region, around Ronneburg, and Abraham Noé was to oversee the groups in the southern region, around Bergzabern.

Philip Mörschel and Barbara traveled from Ronneburg to meet with Noé in Anweiler. Noé complained that he no longer wanted to pay for such visits. He offered Barbara a job as a maid in his house. He said that when she felt inspired, she could come to his room and tell him about it. Philip and Barbara left Anweiler and returned to Ronneburg. Later, Noé left the Community completely.

Philip Mörschel and Barbara made one more journey, to Schwarzenau, about 50 km southeast of Ronneburg. This visit was difficult for both of them. After this, Philip made no more journeys; he stayed in Ronneburg.

Philip Mörschel Burns Her Messages

Back in Ronneburg, resting from their journeys, Philip Mörschel and Barbara often sat quietly together. In the room where they met, there was a large chest full of books. Mörschel himself had not read most of these books; many had been put there by his ancestors. Looking through the books, Mörschel and Barbara found many writings by Petersen, some with errors. For example, Barbara opened one book and saw: "Whoever does not receive a baptism by water, cannot attain salvation." Some other books in the chest had been written against the Community of True Inspiration back in Rock's time.

Philip Mörschel and Barbara didn't know what to do with the books. One night Barbara had a dream: Petersen's ghost said the books should be burned. The ghost said that gold and silver would not burn. In her dream, Barbara saw Petersen's books on fire, and gold and silver flowed from them. As she woke up, Mörschel came to her room and told her to get up; he had received instructions to burn all the books in the chest, which they did.

Then Mörschel went even further. He said Krausert's messages had been mixed with Krausert's own ideas; therefore, Mörschel thought it best to burn all of Krausert's messages, including those given through both Krausert and Barbara. Barbara protested, but Mörschel said that God, who had given these messages, could also give new ones, so burning the old ones would do no harm. This they did.

Now Barbara tried to stop any urge to write or speak a message. However, after trying to stop for half a day, she decided to write a message but keep it to herself. Mörschel, however, noticed what she had done and told her to give him the message. She asked if it too would be burned, but he replied: "No, this will be Number One. From this moment on, a new era has begun."

Philip Mörschel Sends Barbara Away Again

As Abraham Noé began to leave the Community, Peter Mook took charge of the groups in Bergzabern and Edenkoben. Edenkoben is about 20 km northeast of Bergzabern. Barbara now spent her time with these two groups.

Unfortunately, the local government of Edenkoben began treating the Inspirationists badly. Ordinary citizens started to insult them. Barbara was taken into custody several times and finally sent away from the area. She returned to Ronneburg.

When Barbara returned to Ronneburg, she found that Philip Mörschel did not welcome her. Without telling her, he left Ronneburg and went to Liebloos. From there he sent her a message telling her to go to Bischweiler. Without knowing why, she went. At the same time, he asked other Elders in the Community to come to Ronneburg for a meeting. At this meeting, he said Barbara had been sent away to Bischweiler because of unspecified sins. He said she would stay there.

Barbara was in Bischweiler for some time before she learned what Philip had done. When she found out, she felt she had to return to Ronneburg. In Ronneburg, however, she discovered she was no longer accepted. Considered a wrongdoer, she was forced to leave immediately, alone and on foot. She set out on a journey back to Bischweiler.

Barbara Receives a Marriage Proposal

Near the end of the first day of her journey, she arrived at a town she had visited before. She hoped to spend the night there with people she knew. Walking down the street toward their house, she saw a man who seemed to be waiting for her. He asked her where she was going. She said Worms, which she hoped to reach the next day. He said she could get there that night if she rode with him in one of his wagons. He was traveling with two wagons: a cargo wagon with wine and a passenger wagon with people. She said she didn't know Worms and didn't want to arrive late at night. He said he would make sure she found good lodging and food. So she was convinced and went with him.

On the way to Worms, he told her he wanted to marry her. He said he was a widower looking for a good wife. She asked him how he could propose to someone he didn't know. He said that as soon as he saw her, he knew she was the right person for him. He told her she could ask anyone in the passenger wagon about his reputation.

They arrived in Worms late at night. The man stopped at a very good inn, called the innkeeper, introduced Barbara, and told the innkeeper to give her the best room and anything she wanted. He said he would pay for it all in the morning. The innkeeper then treated Barbara with great kindness. When Barbara was alone with the innkeeper, she told him she only wanted a drink of water and a room for the night. She asked him for the bill right away so she could continue her journey first thing in the morning. At dawn, she got up and left the city. Afraid of being caught, she hurried along the road to Bergzabern.

Peter Mook Turns Her Away

After walking for 15 hours, she arrived in Bergzabern, at the home of Peter Mook's sisters. They gave her water for her feet and broth to regain her strength. They put her to bed. Then they went next door to Peter Mook's house and told him Barbara had arrived. He, however, had strict orders from Philip Mörschel not to welcome Barbara. Very upset, the sisters came to Barbara's bedroom and told her they were not allowed to keep her. They suggested she ask for a room at an inn. Barbara was on the streets again. Since it was midnight, all the inns were closed. She walked out of town and spent the night in a meadow, sitting under a willow tree.

She finally reached Bischweiler, riding in the wagon of a man she recognized. He took her to his house, where his wife greeted her joyfully. Barbara warned them that she had been sent away and could only work as a maid for one of the Sisters. The wife took Barbara by the hand and said she didn't want Barbara to be a maid. The wife then showed Barbara to a room in their house. Barbara stayed with them for a time.

Barbara Challenges Philip Mörschel Again

In the fall of 1820, some Inspirationists began to turn against Philip Mörschel. Peter Mook, who was in charge of the groups at Bergzabern and Edenkoben, received a letter from Philip Mörschel telling him to accept Philip's authority over all the groups. Mook refused. He now told his sisters to welcome Barbara if she came their way again.

In early 1821, Barbara felt she had to go with Peter Mook to Ronneburg. Philip Mörschel responded by saying that no one who accepted Barbara's messages could enter Ronneburg. She stayed instead with allies in a nearby village. Philip sent her a message saying she shouldn't dare to set foot in his house.

In July 1821, Barbara created a message that called Mörschel the "black stone of Ronneburg." A few days later, she was told to deliver this message to Philip herself. With several Brethren, she went to see Philip in Liebloos. On the way, they saw Philip coming out of the forest onto the road. She and the Brethren saw this meeting as a sign of God's guidance. One of the Brethren handed the message to Philip. He read it at once and said he knew this was God's Word to him, but he wanted nothing more to do with it.

Some time later, Barbara felt she had to write another message for Philip, which she was to deliver herself. She found him in his garden. When he saw her, he began to tremble. She gave him the message. He said it was God's Word as surely as there was a God, but he would not accept it. This was the last time she spoke to him. He retired to Liebloos and never returned to Ronneburg.

Barbara Declines Peter Mook's Offer

After Mörschel lost his position, Peter Mook became the First Elder, taking responsibility for all the congregations. Barbara continued to travel to various congregations, sometimes with Peter Mook and sometimes with other Brethren, including Christian Metz. Peter Mook offered her a room in his house where she could stay when she wasn't traveling. She accepted gratefully. However, she soon found that the offer was mostly for his own benefit. This led her into temptation, so later, after returning from another journey, she rented a room in Bischweiler.

Before long, Peter Mook came to Bischweiler and told her it was God's will that she return to him. He promised that everything would be better. She returned with him, but she found that everything was the same.

Barbara Marries George Landmann and Loses Her Gift

Barbara told Scheuner: "So I fell deeper into temptation, and this finally led to my marriage to George Landmann in 1823. With that, we were sent away from the Community." Marriage didn't always mean banishment. Krausert was married. Christian Metz had a daughter. Even E. L. Gruber had a son.

However, marriage could lead to banishment if the Elders opposed it. Christian Metz wrote that the enemy tempted Barbara to marry George Landmann, but God showed both her and the Brethren that this was against His will. Despite what God showed them, Barbara and George married a year later. The result was banishment. Barbara's first time as a Werkzeug lasted less than five years, from her first message in late 1818 to her marriage in 1823.

Barbara and George Stay True to the Community

Even though they were sent away, Barbara and George held firmly to the Inspirationists' beliefs. Barbara told Scheuner that she and George went to Strasbourg to appear before a court hearing a complaint against the Bischweiler congregation. Witnesses were asked to swear an oath to tell the truth. Barbara and George refused, following the Inspirationists' rule against oath-taking. When challenged, Barbara quoted Jesus' teachings from the Bible: "Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all..." (Matthew 5:33-37).

Strasbourg had a law that anyone who refused to take an oath would be fined heavily and imprisoned for three months. After Barbara quoted Scripture, the judges left the room. When they returned, they read from a paper that the punishment would not apply to witnesses who refused to swear an oath because of Jesus' teachings. Instead, their simple "yes" or "no" would be accepted in place of an oath.

Barbara was very happy about this victory. She told Scheuner that God punished a Community member who had urged her to take the oath. He became ill after leaving the courtroom and died in Strasbourg. After showing such strong faith, Barbara and George were allowed back into the Community of True Inspiration. This is where Barbara's "Short Narration" of her early years ends.

Barbara's Quiet Years

Barbara lost the gift of Inspiration when she was 28. She didn't receive it again until she was 54. For 26 years, she lived a relatively quiet life. Since she was no longer a Werkzeug, Scribes didn't record what she said or did.

When Barbara told her story to Scheuner, she seemed to have mixed feelings about her marriage, calling it the result of falling "deeper into temptation." She and George likely didn't have children. We don't know how George earned a living during this time. Before their marriage, he was a schoolmaster, but the Inspirationists often removed schoolmasters from their jobs if they married. Barbara and George stayed together for the rest of their lives. Even though Inspirationists generally didn't encourage marriage, they believed that once married, the bond was permanent. Barbara and George traveled together to the Ebenezer Colonies in New York and then to the Amana Colonies in Iowa, where they lived until their deaths in their 80s.

The Inspirationists Gather in Hesse

After both Michael Krausert and Barbara Heinemann Landmann lost the gift of Inspiration, Christian Metz became the only Werkzeug for the Community. He led the Inspirationists in both spiritual and daily matters for the next 44 years, from Barbara's marriage in 1823 until his own death in 1867.

Christian Metz was described as a powerful and respected leader. His messages were said to be beautiful and on a higher level than Barbara Heinemann's. Christian Metz's main goal at the start of his leadership was to move the Inspirationists from danger to safety.

They faced persecution because they refused military service, refused to take oaths, and refused to send their children to state schools. Authorities arrested and fined them. Mobs threw stones at their meeting houses, and people on the street verbally and physically attacked them. In 1825, a court ordered the Inspirationists in Schwarzenau to pay taxes for state churches and schools. They couldn't have their own teachers, and their children had to attend state schools and religious classes. Their children would even be baptized by force if needed. The next year, the court gave them a choice: return to the main church or leave town within six months. The Inspirationists looked toward Hesse, a more tolerant state.

In Hesse, Christian Metz looked for a large estate where the Inspirationists could live and work together. They leased part of a former monastery at Marienborn, near Ronneburg. The group from Schwarzenau moved there. This began the fulfillment of Christian Metz's prophecy: "The Lord would soon collect and gather in His faithful servants."

The next group to be gathered was the long-suffering group from Edenkoben. For them, the Inspirationists leased a nearby estate called Herrnhaag. Next, the group at Ronneburg had to move because the government there turned against them. Through Christian Metz's efforts, the Inspirationists leased a monastery at Arnsburg. They worried they had leased too much land, but soon Arnsburg was filled with Inspirationists arriving from other countries, especially Switzerland. They needed even more land, so they leased another convent and estate called Engelthal.

The four estates—Marienborn, Herrnhaag, Arnsburg, and Engelthal—were close to each other. Although physically separate, they had one shared management. The Inspirationists began to live a communal lifestyle. Rich and poor, educated and uneducated, professionals, merchants, craftspeople, farmers, and laborers all lived together. The rich shared their money, merchants shared their business skills, and craftspeople and farmers shared their labor. Within a few years, the Community became very successful, promising the peaceful life they had hoped for.

Unfortunately, peace didn't last. Revolutions were happening in Europe, and rulers felt threatened by groups that didn't conform. Rulers began to take away the Inspirationists' freedoms, one by one. Parents had to pay fines for keeping their children out of public schools, and these fines became too much, especially for families with many children. Rents kept rising, and land became too expensive to buy. Even the weather turned against them, with too much heat and drought, leaving them with nothing to harvest.

Moving to New York State

Christian Metz and the Elders became convinced they needed to move again. Finally, Christian Metz delivered a message from God: "Your goal and your way shall lead toward the west to the land which still is open to you and your faith. I am with you and shall lead you over the sea. . . . Four may then prepare themselves."

The Elders chose a committee of four, including Christian Metz, to travel to America. The committee was given full power to act for all members and buy land where they thought best. They faced many difficulties during their journey, which lasted almost 40 days. They reached New York harbor in late October 1842. Their hardships didn't end on land; for three months, they suffered winter cold while looking at land in New York State. Finally, they bought a former Seneca Indian Reservation, about 50,000 acres near Buffalo, New York.

The following year, the Inspirationists began their move from Germany. Within the first four months of 1843, they planned and settled the first village. They called it Eben-ezer—"Hitherto has the Lord helped us"—based on a message from Christian Metz. In less than a year, two more villages were planned: Upper Ebenezer and Lower Ebenezer; the first village became Middle Ebenezer. Later, another village, New Ebenezer, was planned. When a group of Pennsylvania Dutch in Canada joined the Community, two villages were added in Canada: Canada Ebenezer and Kenneberg.

Each village had its own store, school, and church. In various villages, there were sawmills, woolen mills, flour mills, and other industries, giving jobs to everyone according to their skills. The profits from all these businesses went to the Community as a whole. In their constitution, the Inspirationists agreed that all land and improvements, except clothing and household goods, should be owned in common. This decision was supported by the Bible: "And all that believed were together, and had all things in common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men as every man had need." (Acts 2:44-45). Their decision was also supported by messages from Christian Metz. This way, the Inspirationists could pay for the journeys of members who couldn't afford to come to America otherwise.

Moving to Iowa

The original 50,000 acres grew to 80,000 acres as the Community expanded, but then land became hard to get. The fast growth of Buffalo, which was only five miles away, made real estate so expensive that buying more land was impossible.

Besides the lack of available land, a more serious problem faced the Community. The busy city of Buffalo, with its worldly influences, was too easy for young people to access. The Elders were worried. In 1854, Christian Metz delivered a message: the Inspirationists should look to the West to find a new home. The Elders hesitated. Christian Metz gave more messages: many chances had already been lost, and four representatives should now be chosen to search for a new home in the West.

The Elders chose a committee of four, including Christian Metz, to make the search. The committee traveled to the Territory of Kansas, which had recently opened for settlement. They spent a month there, looking at land recommended by agents, but they couldn't make a decision. They returned to Ebenezer, very discouraged.

After more discussions, the Elders chose a committee of two to go to the new State of Iowa and look at the large government-owned lands there. When they reached the current location of the Community in Iowa, the committee sent back such positive descriptions that the Elders sent a third committee of four, who were allowed to buy land. This committee bought nearly 18,000 acres. Where needed, they bought scattered farms—even at a high price—to create one continuous area.

The first village in Iowa was planned in the summer of 1855, on a hillside north of the Iowa River. The Inspirationists called it "Amana," which means "believe faithfully." That same year, God approved this name in a song given through Christian Metz. Within another seven years, five more villages were planned, within a 10 km radius of what became known as Main Amana: West Amana, South Amana, High Amana, East Amana, and Middle Amana.

The Inspirationists sold their land in the Ebenezer Colonies piece by piece, which took much time and patience. It is noted that they were able to sell their land and all its improvements without losing any money. They finished their move to Iowa in 1864, nine years after they founded their first village there.

Barbara Receives the Gift Again

While the Inspirationists were still living in the Ebenezer Colonies, Barbara Heinemann received the gift of Inspiration once again. During a footwashing ceremony in 1849, six years after the Ebenezer Colonies were founded, Barbara Heinemann spoke messages that convinced Christian Metz that God was working through her. He declared that she was once again a Werkzeug.

During the move to Iowa, Christian Metz hoped Barbara would be the Werkzeug for the Ebenezer Colonies while he was the Werkzeug for the Amana Colonies. This plan didn't work out. There was trouble between Barbara and the Head Elder in Ebenezer. Christian Metz offered to move her to the Amana Colonies. Barbara accepted the move. She and George moved to Iowa.

Adding Homestead to the Amana Colonies

Barbara became involved with the purchase of Homestead, Iowa, the final village in the Amana Colonies. In the early years, the closest train station was in Iowa City, 20 km southeast of Main Amana. But in 1861, the railroad was completed to the village of Homestead, only two miles south of Main Amana. Homestead would now be the place where the Community received goods and shipped what they produced. The Elders felt they needed to add Homestead to the Amana Colonies. However, they were afraid because of the influence of outsiders living in the village. During their discussions, they asked Barbara for her opinion. She became inspired and said: "How can I establish my dwelling at that place [Homestead] when you own it only in part. Better order must be established, for there are indeed still dwelling at that place those who rob earthly treasures as well as treasures of the soul, and therefore I cannot enter."

The Elders bought the whole village. They bought out the outsiders and had them move away.

Werkzeuge Lead the Amana Colonies

Now that the two Werkzeuge were living in the Amana Colonies, they shared the duties of leading the six congregations. Both Werkzeuge handled spiritual matters, but Christian Metz also continued to manage daily business matters.

Life for the Werkzeuge was no longer as stressful as it had been in Europe. They no longer had to make long journeys between congregations; the villages in the Amana Colonies were only a few hours apart. They no longer faced rejection from some groups; everyone in the Amana Colonies accepted them and looked to them for guidance. Inspirationists no longer faced persecution from outsiders. They were now allowed to teach their children in their own schools. They were allowed to pay for exemptions from military service. Since they weren't dragged to court over schooling and military service, their refusal to take oaths became less of an issue.

The duties of the Werkzeuge, though now relatively peaceful, remained many and important to the Inspirationists. A Werkzeug shared God's judgment on important everyday matters, like buying the village of Homestead. A Werkzeug also shared God's judgment on applications for membership. The Community had become successful, and membership guaranteed security for life. Some applicants just wanted to trade their right to earnings for protection for themselves and their families. Applicants in Europe sometimes needed money to come to America. Their expenses would be paid if God found them worthy. Accepted applicants were put on probation, which was sometimes shortened by God's direct word.

A Werkzeug sometimes shared God's word at the Community's religious services. These services happened at least once a day. Every evening, neighborhood groups met for prayer in special rooms. On Wednesday and Sunday mornings, everyone in a village met in assembly rooms for separate services for each of the three orders. The Elders were in the highest order; children and newlyweds were in the lowest. God decided promotions or demotions between orders. On Saturday mornings, all members in a village met in the church for a single service. At any of these services, a Werkzeug might fall into a trance and deliver God's word. This word might be a warning to a specific person or a message to the whole group. A Werkzeug might stop meetings because of things like indifference in young women or laziness in old women. Meetings would not start again until the group showed a spirit of regret and change.

A Werkzeug took part in the Untersuchung, the yearly check-up of every member in the Community. This check-up was done within each of the three orders in each of the six congregations. Members were expected to admit their faults. Members believed that if anything was hidden, the Werkzeug would reveal it. A member who didn't change their ways was expelled. The check-up might be postponed if members seemed uninterested. Young people, especially, were likely to seem uninterested.

A Werkzeug shared God's judgment on couples who wanted to marry. Inspirationists followed the Bible's advice against marriage: "He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord; But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife." (1 Corinthians 7:32-33). Although Inspirationists allowed marriage, they saw it as a "fall." Upon marriage, newlyweds, no matter how spiritual, were moved to the lowest of the three orders and had to work their way back up through deeper faith. With the birth of each child, parents faced the same spiritual demotion. A marriage without God's approval was seen as a "godless marriage"; it was enough reason for banishment, as seen in Barbara's own case.

Christian Metz Dies

Barbara's messages sometimes seemed harsher than Christian Metz's. It is said that her later rules were a great challenge for Christian Metz, who often had to "smooth things over."

Christian Metz died in 1867, at age 72. Barbara, who was the same age, was now the Community's only Werkzeug. She continued in this role for another 16 years, until her own death in 1883, at age 88. Her messages were no longer softened by Christian Metz.

Barbara openly spoke out against "godless marriages"—marriages made without the Werkzeug's approval. This caused many people to leave the Community in her later years. Barbara also spoke against photographs, basing her view on a commandment given to Moses: "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth." (Exodus 20:4). The Elders agreed with this. In November 1873, they ordered all photographs to be destroyed or given up. They also ordered a meeting in each village to read a message condemning idol worship.

Barbara spoke out against Christmas presents. The Elders agreed. In December 1873, at a Sunday meeting in each village, the Elders read a message from 1849 about the "disrespect of the Christmas feast through too many useless and worldly gifts."

Barbara did not like general reading. She believed that reading newspapers was the main reason young people were "falling behind." She condemned reading for fun as "soul wasting" and as "turning the mind away from heaven and God's things." She also strongly spoke against reading for knowledge, saying the Bible teaches that "knowledge puffeth up" (1 Corinthians 8:1) and that "in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow." (Ecclesiastes 1:18).

Her dislike of reading fit with her disregard for intellectual achievements. She believed that God would reveal everything a person needed to know. In 1878, while inspired, she told an Elder who liked science: "It is not necessary that you should possess so great knowledge gained through thinking about God's wonders and secrets." In 1880, she spoke out against planting decorative trees: "See ye to it then that all trees not bearing fruit be removed from the house, for they belong to the pleasure of the eye. You indeed have the opportunity to plant a fruit-tree instead, in which the Lord and all sensible people take pleasure."

Barbara Heinemann Landmann Dies

Barbara died on May 21, 1883, nine years after Nordhoff's visit. She was 88 years old. Scheuner wrote that she "passed away peacefully and quietly in the Lord." She was buried in the cemetery at Main Amana. In the cemetery, there are no family plots or large monuments. Members of each village are buried side by side in the order of their death. The graves are marked by a low stone or white painted headboard with only the name and date of death.

After Barbara's death, many of the rules she had set were relaxed. Members were now allowed to keep photographs. Almost every living room in the seven villages had a photo album. The pictures included not only friends and relatives outside the Community but also many Community members who had photos taken (usually in "worldly clothes" for the occasion) during trips to the city.

Members were now allowed to exchange simple Christmas gifts. Children in the Community could now enjoy some of the toys displayed in shop windows during the holidays. Members were also allowed to buy books, newspapers, and magazines as they wished. Sometimes, unwanted books and papers might reach young people, but if the Elders found out, such items were named in a public meeting, and further reading was forbidden. Each village school had a carefully chosen library of "good literature" from which children could borrow books at the end of the week. These were usually read by all family members. There was also a township library, and since the entire Amana Township was owned by the Community, this library was also chosen and overseen by the proper authorities to ensure it didn't lead young readers astray. The Community continued to subscribe to technical and trade journals useful for members working in the Community's various businesses.

Although some of Barbara's rules changed over time, she continued to be honored: her messages, along with Christian Metz's, were read aloud during Sunday morning services. No Werkzeug has appeared since Barbara's death. Nordhoff, during his 1874 visit, asked about a successor for Barbara. He was told, "No, no one had yet appeared; but they had no doubt God would call someone to the necessary office. They were willing to trust him, and gave themselves no trouble about it." When Shambaugh wrote in 1908, God had not called anyone to the office. All leadership duties, both spiritual and everyday, had fallen to the Elders.