7) Whiteshell Hutterite Colony
Whiteshell Hutterite Colony
Listen to recorded audio by clicking the audio button on the left.
Whiteshell Colony’s Roots, Written by Mark E. Gross
Whiteshell Colony was a branch from the Iberville Colony near Elie, MB. When the farm was bought in 1960, it was bare expect for one house, which was used by the colony boss at the time. The farm came with about 1000 acres, which was made up of several small farms located locally and families were spread out on those farms until enough money was raised to move all houses and buildings on to the one site. There were no new houses built, rather pulled in. Most barns were constructed in the first couple of years such as cow, chicken, and pig barns.
In 1968 once everything was in place the two colonies physically split apart sharing everything to give each colony an equal amount, including the people. Each colony was then made up of about 40 people.
In 1981 Whiteshell Colony had grown to be considered big enough to create their own sister colony. So land was bought near Elm Creek Manitoba, which would now be called Clearview Colony. The two colonies branched apart in 1983 by the same process however everything was practically built new if not at the time shortly after. Much support was still needed from the mother colony till all things were in place. All things owned by Whiteshell Colony were equally split with Clearview Colony. After about 5 years a sister colony would become independent (from financial support) from the mother colony.
Whiteshell Colony’s current revenues are generated mostly from farming large hog operations, 10, 000 layers and over 5500 acres of land. It has become very modernized with technology, farm equipment, buildings, and vehicles. It has very skilled people in the areas of field management, carpentry, mechanics, welding, electrical and livestock management. We offer custom support and manufacturing in most of these areas. Once the supervisor running the business is ready to retire, a well trained on-site employee would take over his position. The colony leaders would appoint that person. The male congregation elect’s colony Leaders such as farm boss, secretary, and minister. It is considered to be a very progressive colony. Education today is more valued with offering grade 12 diplomas and also education our own teachers by sending them to university.
As Hutterites, our main reason for our customs and our social activities is our religion. Our religion is greatly tied into our history. Hutterites originated in Tyrol (te roll) in the 1500s. Their leader was Jacob Hutter, hence the name Hutterites. But the religion goes back to the time of Jesus’ disciples and is based on the whole New Testament that tells of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Hutterite was not easy, for in 1535 they were heavily persecuted, but remained strong in their faith and beliefs. While some were imprisoned they wrote great books, beautiful hymns ad sermons, which we still read and sing today. Our sermons are still the same ones that our forefathers wrote in prison.
Today, the Whiteshell Colony is well known as a custom furniture manufacturer (Whiteshell Chairs).
Additional Details
Civic Number: 70001 PR 408 l Amenities on Site: N/A l Building on Site: Private residence.
