. Because of that reaction, Morgan came to Waco to talk to people on both sides. After a while they start making the Friday night meetings more similar to how they really are. When Fanny F Moon was born on 10 April 1889, in Ohiopyle, Fayette, Pennsylvania, United States, her father, George William Moon, was 39 and her mother, Amanda R. Bailey, was 37. When my dad said he was leaving they started coming over to our house for hours a day for over a week, calling threats of hell and generally scaring the shit out of me. The children are all home-schooled. He is driven by a difference of opinion over doctrine, they say. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Read Our Story Watch Video Read Our Blog Frequently Asked Questions r/AMA 6 yr. ago. That doesnt mean every time someone sins theyre in danger of going to hell. Others dont want to admit they freely made a decision to join a group they later ended up disagreeing with, he says. She's really thinking "this worldly woman is wearing pants instead of a dress, she is going to hell.". The religious group even wrote a book entitled What We Believe in response to Olsons request for information. Crow maintains that Adams had leather furniture the last time he was in his house, suggesting that it may have since been replaced. Thats the abbreviation for a group called the Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network, which says its purpose is to promote independent investigation and public debate and dialog on cult and mind-control issues.. Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2023. He described the food served in the caf as heavenly., I was given a copy of a letter sent to Christianity Today in response to Olsons piece by ex- member Bob Beechner, Katherines husband, of which the magazine chose to publish a very small extract. Thank you for doing this! I'm a former member of Homestead Heritage, a cult located in Waco, TX. When he answered, a sinister voice with a foreign accent started speaking, he says. Church policy, according to internal documents, states that religious matters within the community are not the proper province, of the corporate State and its investigative, police and judicial services. In fact, our investigation has exposed a litany of tragedy: families broken apart, child abuse and allegations of mind control, cover-ups and secrecy. Ask me anything! There is not a lording over their lives, Wheeler says. While generally true, the statement is deceptive because it falsely implies meetings are closed to hide secrets, the group says. They were seperationists who exerted a high level of control over their members. One day, the church member found a CD in his room and asked where Alexander got it. But its possible, even probable, such a church exists, members stress. If parents arent spending enough time on their childrens education, thats because of choices they make, not the group. A spokesperson for Child Protective Services said that every case is different, but using something other than your hand, leaving marks or bruises, or hitting in the face could constitute abuse. Get our latest in-depth reporting straight to your inbox. Perhaps some day those efforts will pay off in the form of shoes produced by members, they say. Wheeler reported the phone call to the McLennan County Sheriffs Office, but officers couldnt trace it. But the specific violation is not the issue. But it took me a lot longer to get past the belief I was going to hell. and pray about it. Homestead Heritage claims most criticisms amount to secular attacks on religious freedom, but all of the ex-members the Observer spoke to still consider themselves religious. Improve this listing Similar Experiences And I will never forget the first movie I saw, Spiderman. He pleaded guilty and didnt offer up anything in mitigation. One of the things I learned after being in there is how you really can interpret the bible to say almost anything you want it to say with enough of a deceitful bias. It is the same group. Well, because i had never really been allowed to watch TV I watched a completely unhealthy amount of television for a while lol. It was so bad when he came out; he shook all the time. It also leads into the supposed teaching that people who leave the group are damned, they say. Youre not even allowed to talk to girls, and masturbation is forbidden, he said. Thats why the exes are now condemning practices they accepted while at Homestead Heritage and saying their treatment there amounted to spiritual abuse. I remember Blair walking past where we were sitting and touching my dad on his shoulder, and my dad started trembling and then fell to the floor., After he left, Adam Alexander went to church for a few years but then stopped. I was pretty young at the time and the leader keeps separate from the followers except to preach. He met with Homestead Heritage leaders as well as some ex-members. Only then did he give himself up. Criticism also has been leveled at the groups belief about salvation. They don't practice any sort of sex Ed and enforce strict abstinence and it leads to a lot of the kids (and adults) doing some really weird sexual stuff. They have allowed their memories to become altered by Watchman Fellowships tainted information. If he walked by and patted you on the shoulder, it was as if God shined down on you. It was to set the record straight, especially for those outside the group to whom Elder had given his epistle. Recently I had some major health issues and ended up at the hospital where I died and had to be revived. Site made in collaboration with CMYK. He and the rest of the elders recently tried to get even more money by taking all the members' private businesses and making them part of the church so they would get a tax break but that's when the county stepped in and said no. 64 reviews of Homestead Heritage "There is so much to see at Homestead Heritage, you should visit their website at www.homesteadheritage.com to get a good feel for all they offer. They really are good at using fear to make you believe that there is no safety in the world except for them. This whole process takes years. We have reposted it following a recent report on Homestead Heritage by WFAA in Dallas. Publications, Forms and Documents. They were doing just what they were supposed to do, and their discipline was absolutely effective. But that doesnt protect it from others who might be stirred to act out of prejudice, Yarden says. According to several ex-members I spoke to, the only person who has never fallen from grace in this way is Blair Adams. The environment in Waco is particularly ripe for such accusations to fester, Homestead Heritage followers say. But the truth is Homestead Heritage does not fit that mold, they say. Watchman Fellowship created an Internet discussion board about Homestead Heritage through F.A.C.T.Net. Its not fair to them and its not fair to us to have someone who comes in thinking they know and they dont know, Wheeler says. It turns out Arnn was wrong, an error he attributes to the letters bombastic tone, which he says several people told him sounded like Adams. If Africans "enjoy" abuse as part of . Homestead Heritage Discover a selection of 500 vacation rentals near Homestead Heritage that are perfect for your trip. A Texas Observer investigation has found allegations of child sex abuse involving at least six members of the Homestead Heritage community. I'm not really sure what drew my parents into joining but they come across as a "counterculture" community and my parents were (and still are) very into growing food and animals and living off the land as much as possible. But after praying and studying Scriptures, they came to the conclusion they should not only give Elder the money he sought, they should give him more. The Shrinking actor talks mental health, being queer, and why the Lone Star State is the perfect home for his new play Silver Foxes. Are there any things you were taught in the cult that are hard for you to remember are false? . Whats untrue is that there is some sort of caste system where people must reach the top level to be fully saved, they say. Adam Alexander recalls how Adams used to scream and yell at his congregation in church, on one occasion slamming the pulpit and demanding: Never again shall you see my face until you can say: blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord., Professor Janja Lalich said if a leader has convinced his followers that he is a messenger from God, its very hard for people to leave his congregation because their salvation is tied to him. You dont question it., Most members of Homestead Heritage are so closed off from the outside world, ex-members say, that its exceedingly difficult for anyone to alert the authorities if they suspect wrongdoing. She told an elder about the abuse she suffered, who in turn informed other elders in the church. The editors note explained to Christianity Today readers that Beechners thoughts had been echoed by others and that Homestead Heritage elders deny the charges of coercion, abusive discipline or teaching non-biblical doctrine. It then encouraged readers to contact both Homestead Heritage and Watchman Fellowship for more information. After weighing his options and talking over his qualms with Homestead Heritage leaders, Olson decided to go ahead with the article. They let me do this and didnt have enough concern to take him away, she said. . (I realize this could be too specific). Its because of their doctrine. The Dumfries Town Council has passed a resolution to establish a committee to plan a celebration in 2024 to mark the 275th anniversary of the town's charter, according to a news release. And at that moment I knew I was never going to another meeting.. 3-car garages available Near shopping, schools, downtown Pricing From the low $300s Builder Lennar Homes New Homes for Sale The Waco Convention and Visitors Bureau includes Homestead Heritage on its list of recommended attractions for schools groups. He was furious., Alexander said his mother told a church elder about it, but that the elder in question did nothing. Those most vocal in their criticism of Homestead Heritage have adopted the same techniques, group members say. Lt. Clay Perry of the McLennan County Sheriffs office told the Observer that officers decided not to pursue a prosecution against Klingensmith. I sat down with Sandy (not her real name), for whom every day is a struggle coming to terms with what happened to her at Homestead Heritage. He dragged me by the ear, threw me down on the floor, took a wooden spoon and beat me until I was black and blue, he said. Three members have been convicted of sexually assaulting minors. Their literature was mostly books about how we should behave and how we should explain ourselves to outsiders. She lived in McKeesport, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, United States in 1910 and Homestead, Dade, Florida, United States in 1935. Interestingly, though, the Texas Administrative Code on minimum standards for discipline in child-care homes says corporal punishment, which includes hitting a child with a hand or instrument and placing a child in a locked or dark room with the door closed, constitutes harsh, cruel or unusual treatment., Adam Alexander grew up in Homestead Heritage. Still, Alexander said, his family was eventually dis-fellowshipped. I'm glad you made it out hope The best for you and your family. Our safety was never threatened but when when we left I moved out of state to go to college and get away from them. It was dealt with swiftly.. The group is still learning and members simply dont have the skills to be self-sufficient in all areas yet, they say. Interestingly, John said the children in the congregation would actually look forward to Sunday meetings an intense drama they couldnt watch on TV or listen to on the radio because both were banned. Today, she said, some of the kids of group leaders do online college what she refers to as their cameo students.. While there arent documents nonmembers are forbidden to see, the group generally doesnt load down visitors with a stack of books. Montana, The Walk. He intends to plead guilty, according to the McLennan County DAs office. Each disclosed their name, together with details of the years they were in Homestead Heritage or one of its earlier incarnations, but some, fearing reprisals, asked to use pseudonyms. Theyve literally called us just about every name in the book, Wheeler says. He suspects the caller was a member of a New Zealand anti-cult group that he believes has had contact with an ex-member of Homestead Heritage. I loved that and I became quite a loner. Homestead Heritage CULT. And when you dont find joy in everyday life, you go looking for pleasure elsewhere, anywhere you can find it. The church later declined to answer emailed questions from the Observer and instead chose to issue a statement: Weve become very familiar with the character and agenda of the former members behind these slanderous and inflammatory, yet typically subjective and unverifiable, accusations against us. If you support this mission, we need your help. Gary Green and Arthur Brown Jr. are set to be killed next week by the State of Texas. It was founded by Blair Adams, a tall, imposing, bearded man, and his wife Regina, who according to one former member, had broken away from a Pentecostal church in Austin a few years before. The posts cover a range of topics of varying importance. Using pseudonyms, they continue today to post their testimonies on online forums like F.A.C.T.net, a resource for those recovering from the coercive practices of cults and religions, and on Topix.com, a web-based discussion community. Every November, Homestead Heritage members show off their crafting, woodworking and agriculture skills at the well-attended Homestead Fair. But Homestead Heritage also believes there are other Christians every bit as sincere as they are. At least 20 people who were critical of the article contacted the magazine, says deputy managing editor Timothy Morgan. Homestead Heritage is an intentional community in rural Texas. As another former member told me, Who will believe a child over somebody else in the fellowship? Partners must notify. Services are held every Friday night and Sunday, but for its members and they currently number about 1,000 Homestead Heritage is a way of life. The charge that Homestead Heritage leaders profess to be Christ in the flesh is a perfect example, he says. I wanted to understand whether there was something about the culture inside Homestead Heritage that could allow these abuses to happen or worse, foment them. Due to an editing error, we incorrectly reported that Bill DeLong told police he continued sexually abusing a young girl after admitting his abuse to a church elder. But rather than report DeLong to police, as required by law, that elder, George Klingensmith, decided to pray about it with him instead, according to both DeLong and Klingensmiths statements to officers. It is a terrifying display, as anyone who has witnessed it can attest. And if a member doesnt buckle, he can be officially dis-fellowshipped, he wrote. They have gotten even Better at hiding abuse and Lying to cover it up. Alexanders faith has been shaken by Homestead Heritage, and he is not willing to join another institution that claims to help him reach God. 5.0 out of 5 stars Right price and product. Scroll down for video Unreported abuse: Blair Adams, church leader at Homestead Heritage, has been accused of covering up widespread abuse of children and teenagers Sexual exploitation of. We could be a family again. Anyone who honestly reads the groups literature or listens in earnest at meetings could not possibly come away with that idea, he says. At one point after the launch of the Internet discussion board, he proposed a dinner meeting between himself, a former member of the church who posts online in Homestead Heritages defense and the former members father, who is still a member. But he still worries that others might not bother to investigate the group after hearing lies from ex-members. The Town has declared parking bans for the purpose of snow removal on Monday, March 6 and Tuesday, March 7 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. along the following maintenance routes (weather dependent): March 6: Cimarron Boulevard from 32nd Street to Cimarron Drive. Then came a so-called recovery workshop in April 2005, a forum for ex-members to discuss their experiences. A stable is a building in which livestock, especially horses, are kept.It most commonly means a building that is divided into separate stalls for individual animals and livestock. That's why I wish they knew that there are other options that are so much better. South Africa's relationship to Zimbabwe, is not ANC-ZANU PF, but South Africans-Zimbabweans. He was the greatest thing that ever lived. Homestead prides itself on being an intentional Christian community valuing sustainability, agriculture, self-sufficiency and craftsmanship. He concedes that he got the type of vehicle wrong but says it was a simple mistake. So far, they havent learned of any group with a greater amount of revelation in all areas, they say. Visit the Homestead at Heritage and witness first hand why so many are calling it home. They've been doing lots of really terrible things, and it's getting worse. An attempt to make Homestead Heritage appear clandestine and shadowy is apparent in Arnns first post on FactNet.org, members of the group say. For this story, I spoke to 14 former members of the community. The paperwork indicates her treatment included more than 25 visits to specialists, two major surgeries and other procedures and testing. The Observer found more allegations of sexual abuse of children that have never been reported to the authorities. 10/06/2020. You didn't date. Some still have a novice period before confirmation. Theologically it therefore is considered to be a cult of Christianity. I think the key word on what members though of visitors would be "judgemental". Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.texasobserver.org/heritage-of-abuse/, https://www.texasobserver.org/wfaa-weighs-in-on-homestead-heritages-with-a-two-part-investigation/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elFvLVR0J6w. The program is a cooperative partnership with Heritage, the Department of Human Services, law enforcement, health and human service providers and others in the community. Unusual to a huge degree, yes. She told me she is considering counseling. Man, I sat here for five solid minutes trying to think of anything I missed from those years and I honestly can't think of anything . The group especially noted the persecution of Jews throughout history, saying one of the weapons used against Jews was wild claims of a secret conspiracy to take over the world. The Homestead Acts were several laws in the United States by which an applicant could acquire ownership of government land or the public domain, typically called a homestead.In all, more than 160 million acres (650 thousand km 2; 250 thousand sq mi) of public land, or nearly 10 percent of the total area of the United States, was given away free to 1.6 million homesteaders; most of the . The last resort is putting members on disassociated or disfellowshipped status. With this kind of story, it becomes extremely difficult for any individual a reporter, historian, scholar, anyone to sort out all of the complicated claims, Morgan said in a recent telephone interview. Site made in collaboration with CMYK. Since then, the board has exploded with posts, thrusting the Waco group into an unwanted glare shed mostly by its critics. Leaving you said it was difficult to leave, did many people come and go or was it more of a closed society? The basic principles are still taught; they have just been incorporated into other documents. Heritage chickens offer the homesteader a sweet combination of both fresh eggs and good meat. Articles must link back to the original article and contain the following attribution at the top of the story: This article was originally published by the, Articles cannot be rewritten, edited or changed beyond alignments with house style books. Texas Observer exclusive: Waco religious group accused of child abuse, beatings and cover-ups. He then said the group would come to the same fiery end that the Branch Davidians met in April 1993. List of Pennsylvania State Drug Abuse and Treatment Centers Others helped with the story but, because they still have family members inside the community, refused to speak publicly. . Has your community ever intentionally covered up cases of child abuse among your . But I didn't realize how cut-off the people, especially the children, were from the outside world & how much control the leaders had over them. Add in distortions about customs and claims of abuse and even the most wholesome religious group can be branded a cult, he says. But dig a little below the surface, and the idyllic veneer of this place begins to peel and crumble. Hey, that's interesting because so few people in Waco seem to see how creepy they are. Press J to jump to the feed. Did you ever have moments where you knew that it was a cult? We at Homestead Heritage hold no ill will towards any of the former members who instigated and participated in this slanderous media attack against us (which has found two venues but is really one story with common sources). Thanks! Do you think free access to journalism like this is important? Its the persons attitude. You can see it here. To that end, the group compiled information they say refutes some of the posts on the Internet discussion board and gave it to the Tribune-Herald. What made your family leave the cult? Homestead Heritage is an agrarian- and craft-based intentional Christian community. But my dad stayed strong and got out. It is a community that former members say represses sexuality, tries to deal with crimes in house and is controlled by an authoritarian regime; a community, former members say, that operates very much like a cult. Homestead Fiber Crafts Step inside the Fiber Crafts shop, housed in a restored 19 th century barn and you'll find weavers, spinners and knitters, both young and old, carrying on the age old tradition of creating cloth and other items for the home and family. But we incorrectly reported the timeline that DeLong gave to police. The truth is the group believes salvation comes through grace and that Christs blood alone cleanses them of sin, members say. I had some substance abuse issues for a while because it was the first time I realized I could actually control the way I felt and I'd been depressed just about my entire life lol. They are trying to buy out the town, they've terrorized ppl who've left the group, and now they're trying to build a large housing area in town. There has to be authority, but its not authoritarian, Wheeler says. But the alleged victims refused to speak publicly, and the details of their stories couldn't be independently confirmed." 8b. So happy you did this, so thanks for taking the time to share and answer questions! The truth is that group needs are never placed over family needs. But it does believe the group deceives people and is spiritually abusive. Homestead Heritage is an intentional community in rural Texas. Cafe Homestead serves fresh, natural food true to its setting at Homestead Heritage, a traditional farming community. He theorized founder Blair Adams wrote it. In my story on Homestead Heritage for the Observer, I interviewed Sandy (not her real name) who told me that she was abused by two different men in the church from the age of five. Members believe they would have prevailed in court, too, after Elder brought legal action against them. Why? Wheeler says. Ironically, it was technology, something the church generally shuns, which would provide the vehicle through which ex-members could finally, publicly, channel their discontent and in many cases, their extreme anger and despair. This story was originally published Friday, Feb. 10. But honestly the definition of "cult" seems so open, I'd prefer to just say that they cut off members from outside contact. At end of two weeks, he had taken pencils and drilled holes in the wall. On occasion they do, members say. Worse, members say, Arnn sent Owens son, Daniel, an e-mail in which he said he didnt believe his father had written the letter himself. We rely on the generosity of our readers who believe that this work is important. At first my mom wasn't going to leave and they were going to have to get a divorce and stuff but luckily she got out as well after a bit. Outlets must also tag the Observer in all social media posts. Thousands of area residents flock to the group's property near Chalk Bluff each year to attend holiday fairs or school field trips. I was told the leadership was trying to get him counseling and help before they turned him in because they didnt want him to go to jail., Bill DeLongs son Andrew, then an employee of Brazos Walking Sticks, a company affiliated with Homestead Heritage, pleaded guilty to four offenses of child sexual assault, waiving his right to a jury trial and his right to appeal. Homestead Heritage is also interesting from a scholarly standpoint, Olson says. Photos, illustrations and other art may be available for syndication but must be confirmed. Although the group was founded by Blair Adams, he has no more authority than the other ministers, they say. WFAAs investigation is believed to have found further evidence of abuse what Shipp describes as compelling personal testimony and physical documentation that Elders of Homestead either knew or should have known that children were being sexually and physically abused within the community., In his entire career, Shipp says hes never had to work so hard to corroborate allegations of an important story. Contact; Hours & Location; Menu; Make A Reservation; But my parents have set up a pretty awesome support network for people who leave and a few families left after us and are great friends now. homestead heritage abusecarlton fisk hall of famecarlton fisk hall of fame The motivation behind that attack, members say, is to make Homestead Heritage seem as if it deceptively recruits members, further fitting the mold of a cult. He told me tonights broadcast is explosive stuff.. He said the leaders attempt to control every aspect of a members life. They reject the idea of once saved, always saved.. And I think thats why some people turned to child abuse. The group practices nonviolence. Edit: for grammar. "There are many Christians in the group," Arnn says, "but the group is not Christian." Report abuse. He told me he didnt even realize hed done it. A version of this story ran in the March 2012 issue. Its a process that never stops. The complete restoration of the "Peck House" (named after Captain Augustus Peck) has been finished. Members still go to local stores for some needs. They include such challenges as suicidal tendencies, faltering marriages and family dysfunction. The only reason critics make claims of secrecy, Wheeler says, is to give credence to allegations that people would otherwise dismiss as ludicrous. If Homestead Heritage didnt insist on people following certain rules and customs, it would lose that identity, members say. But the process doesnt involve screaming or yelling as ex-members claim, they say. More. Here, a small but ever-growing group of believers came together from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds to worship and share their lives . They strictly enforce dress codes (I remember an elder yelling at me for wearing a T-shirt). My requests to interview Ratliff and both DeLongs in prison were turned down, and none of the men replied to letters sent by mail. Again, the elitism claim is made because it fits the image of a cult, members say. I love answering good questions that make me think about why I am who I am. . Thats not to say nonmembers never come to Sunday meetings. Experts say this is a classic tactic employed by cults to maintain control; that members (and elders) are reprimanded in front of the rest of the congregation one day, and love-bombed the next. Yarden agrees, saying it concerns him that the plan laid out two years ago in that early morning anonymous phone call to Howard Wheeler now appears to be unfolding. Many were former members of the group. Some Anabaptists, for example, practice familial shunning. What originally drew your parents in to joining? The same thinking, not secrecy, guides distribution of literature, members say. I smile on the outside though sometimes I am dying on the inside. The concept isnt unique. He has been decried by numerous religious groups for misrepresenting and faking his credentials. All of the Texas Observers articles are available for free syndication for news sources under the following conditions: You can chip in for as little as 99 cents a month. Its a work in progress, lifelong member Abraham Adams says. Crow said with that mindset, people could lie about anything. I remember being so surprised just watching the intro to CNN News and how the camera feels like it is flying through the letters and being spellbound by all of the sound effects and everything.