Granum Hutterian Brethren Cemetery (MD of Willow Creek)

The Hutterites trace their origins back to the early 16th century in Europe, during the Protestant Reformation. Named after their leader, Jakob Hutter, they faced severe persecution for their beliefs, which included adult baptism, communal living, and pacifism. To escape persecution, they migrated across Europe, eventually finding refuge in North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Hutterian Brethren of Granum, founded in 1930, form a tight-knit agricultural community comprising individuals from the minority religious denomination, the Hutterian Brethren Church. Embracing principles of self-reliance, the Granum Colony prioritizes legacy generational planning and sustainability within their community fabric. Presently, the Granum Colony manages an extensive agricultural domain spanning 30,000 acres. Their diversified operations encompass 2000 head of cattle, various mixed crops, and an innovative 180 MW solar facility. This solar plant ingeniously utilizes sheep grazing to cultivate lamb while simultaneously controlling weed growth, epitomizing their commitment to efficiency and ecological balance.

The Hutterian Brethren of Granum are part of a larger Anabaptist group known as the Hutterites. This community, like other Hutterite colonies, is characterized by its communal lifestyle, strong religious faith, and self-sufficient agricultural practices. All property is owned collectively, and the community works together to meet its needs. The colony is primarily agricultural, with members engaging in farming, livestock raising, and various forms of food production. This self-sufficiency is a cornerstone of Hutterite life, allowing them to maintain a degree of separation from the broader society.

Religion is central to the life of the Hutterian Brethren. They hold daily worship services and adhere strictly to the teachings of the Bible. Their faith emphasizes simplicity, humility, and community. The Hutterites also practice adult baptism, believing that baptism should be a conscious decision made by an individual who understands the commitment they are making. Education within the Granum Colony is tailored to meet the needs of the community. Children attend colony schools where they learn basic academic subjects alongside practical skills necessary for their communal lifestyle. While Hutterites traditionally shun modern technology, they have adopted certain technologies that aid in their agricultural work, such as advanced farming equipment. However, they remain cautious about technologies that could disrupt their communal way of life. Despite their insular lifestyle, the Hutterian Brethren of Granum engage with the broader community in various ways. They often sell their agricultural products at local markets and may participate in community events. This interaction helps to foster understanding and respect between the Hutterites and their non-Hutterite neighbors.

The Hutterian Brethren of Granum, like other Hutterite colonies, face various challenges. One significant issue is the balance between maintaining their traditional lifestyle and adapting to the modern world. For instance, legal and regulatory changes, such as those related to driver’s licenses, have sometimes conflicted with their religious beliefs. Additionally, economic pressures and the need for technological advancements in farming require careful consideration to ensure they do not compromise their values.