LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the found-
ing of Woodcrest in Rifton, New York, the first Bruderhof community in
the United States

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the qual-
ity and character of life in the communities across New York State that
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the commu-
nity and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 60th Anniversary of the founding of Woodcrest in Rifton, New
York, the first Bruderhof community in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1920, in Sannerz, Germany, by Eberhard Arnold, the
Bruderhof is a Christian organization known for its exemplary contrib-
utions in education, care for the needy, excellence in business, and
interfaith cooperation; and
WHEREAS, Expelled from Germany by the Nazi regime in 1937, Bruderhof
members initially found refuge in England and South America before
settling in Rifton, New York, in 1954; and
WHEREAS, In 1954, the Woodcrest Bruderhof in the United States in
Rifton, New York, was started in response to a dramatic increase in the
number of American guests; hundreds of new followers joined, many from
other communal groups across the country; and
WHEREAS, Today the Woodcrest congregations boast a continuously
expanding membership with 320 people residing in Woodcrest and over
1,500 individuals living in communities throughout the Hudson Valley;
and
WHEREAS, Following the Anabaptist tradition, members of the Bruderhof
lead a life devoted to the core values of their faith and practice;
unconditional forgiveness, the renouncement of violence, faithful life-
long marriages, and humble servitude to God and neighbors; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to an existence of selflessness and service the
Bruderhof members have volunteered and partnered with several regional
organizations who offer crucial services to those in the community
including the Boys and Girls Club of Ulster County, Rural Ulster Preser-
vation Company, and United Way; and
WHEREAS, In collaboration with other groups and through their own
efforts, the Bruderhof has engaged in community outreach activities such
as feeding local emergency workers at disaster scenes, urban renewal
projects, post storm clean-up and providing meeting space for local
workshops; and
WHEREAS, The Bruderhof sponsors their own educational programs includ-
ing "Breaking the Cycle of Violence," which promotes peace, forgiveness,
non-violent conflict resolution and strengthens communications between
law enforcement and at-risk populations; and
WHEREAS, The Bruderhof congregations make immense contributions to the
area's economy through their business endeavors; Community Playthings, a
school furniture and playground equipment manufacturer, Rifton Equip-
ment, which produces tools and therapy products for those with disabili-
ties and Danthonia Designs, which fabricates custom made signage; and
WHEREAS, Promoting excellence in the education of our youth, the Wood-
crest Bruderhof acquired the former Mount St. Alphonsus Seminary and
Retreat Complex in Esopus, New York, in 2012, and now operates a four-
year non-public high school on the premises which currently educates
over 200 students; and

WHEREAS, Extending their reach beyond their own neighborhoods, the
Bruderhof leads by example and support efforts which promote greater
academic opportunities for all children and reduce poverty, suffering,
war and injustice on a national and global scale; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence, certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the founding of Woodcrest in Rifton,
New York, the first Bruderhof community founded in the United States;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Woodcrest in Rifton, New York.