Page:Catholic Encyclopedia, volume 7.djvu/820

 INDIANA

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INDIANA

Illation. The accompanying table shows the var- ious forms of religion represented, according to the latest state statistics (1907).

Two notable religio-sociological experiments on a considerable scale were tried in the early history of the State, which attracted widespread interest. In 181.5 George Rapp transplanted his Rappist brethren, numbering SOO, to a tract of 30,000 acres bordering the Wabash, where they built a substantial town which they called Harmonie; there they formed a socialistic celibate community of people belonging to the German peasant class, origi.ially from Wiirtem- berg. Their church structure, the most massive and notable one west of the AUeghanies, was in the form of a Greek cross, about 120 feet in length; the roof was supported by eighteen pillars of native walnut, cherry, and sassafras, some of them six feet in circumference. Although eminently successful in

and parsonage, and the land whereon said buildings are situate, not exceeding ten acres, when owned by a church, also every cemetery, are exempt from taxa- tion."

Sunday is a dies non; and all contracts or acts, otherwise legal, are void if executed thereon; and all persons are under statutory prohibition from pursu- ing their usual business avocation, or rioting, liunting, fishing, or quarrelling upon that day. The penalty is a fine of not more than ten dollars. Exceptions are made for those conscientiously observing the Seventh Day, and travellers, tollgate-keepers, and ferrymen. Profanity and blasphemy at any time are also subject to fine. All witnesses must take an oath most consis- tent with and binding upon the conscience. Those conscientiously opposed to an oath may affirm, under the pains and penalties of perjury. The legislature is by custom opened by prayer. Sunday, New Year's

Denomination

Churches

Members

Denomination

Churches

Members

Adventists of the Church of God

12

626

Mennonites, Amish

8

1,285

"_ Seventh Day

69

1,994

Old Order Amish

4

284

Baptists, Free Coloured

7

477

" Defenceless

2

123

Free White

22

1,185

" (Proper)

13

1.096

" General

72

6,316

Mennonite Brethren in Christ

7

517

" Missionary (coloured)

83

12,840

Mennonites, North .American

3

1,007

" Missionary (white)

524

60,469

Methodists, African Episcopal

75

5.S76

Primitive

7

206

Episcopal

1,602

209,870

Catholics (of Latin Rite)

334

210,438

" Free

50

1,042

(Greek)

3

5,000

" German Episcopal

36

5,800

Christians

256

19,913

" Original

1

150

Christian Science

48

1,512

" Protestant

128

9,032

" Union

16

1,500

" Wesleyan

92

3,868

Church of Christ (Disciples)

819

144,000

Moravians

3

459

" " God

50

3,200

Pentecost Bands

18

325

" " the Living God

1

Presbyterians of the U. S.

386

52,424

Congregationalists

56

'5,619

United

30

2,460

Dunkards (German Baptists)

131

9,352

Reformed, Christian

3

1,147

Episcopalians

63

7,.336

Dutch

4

329

Evangelical Association

95

8,125

" German

56

7,882

Evangelicals, German

81

19,744

River Brethren

1

100

United

1

87

Salvation Army

22*

408

Friends, Conservation

7

400

Spiritualists

12*

408

" Hicksite

7

889

Swedenborgians

3

250

Orthodox

200

31,218

Unitarians

2

297

Hebrews

34

15,000

United Brethren in Christ

572

48,400

Hohness Bands

1

343

Universalists

39

2,450

Lutherans, English and German

313

78,800

Volunteers of America

3

75

" Independent

2

200


 * Meeting places

material advancement, they sold their domain in 1824 to Robert Owen, a Scotch philanthropist, who was ambitious of e.xploiting there some of his social theories. He rcchristened the town New Harmony, and brought with him or attracted there many men of eminent culture, and it became a veritable Mecca for scholars and travellers during the years of Owen's proprietorship, and was an enduring influence for many years upon the intellectual development of the State. The experiment came to an end in 1828, with failure marked across its record.

Legislation Directh/ Affecting Religion.— Jiy statute (enacted in 1S81 and now in force) "Clergymen, as to confessions or admissions made to them in the course of the discipline enjoined by their respective churches, shall not be competent witnesses." By statute (en- acted in 1891 and in force) " Every building used and set apart for educational, literary, scientific or chari- table purposes, and the tract of land on which such building is situated, not exceeding forty acres; also the personal property, endowment funds and interest thereon, set apart for the purpose"; likewise "Every building used for religious worship, pews and furniture,

Day, Christmas, and days recommended by the Presi- dent of the United States, or the governor, as a day of public fa.sting or thanksgiving, Lincoln's birthday, Washington's birthday. Memorial Day (30 May), LabourDay, and days of any general, state, or nation.al election, shall lie legal holidays. If any such day falls on a Sunday, the Monday following shall be the legal holiday. All traffic in intoxicating liquors is pro- hibited on Sunday, the Fourth of July, New Year's Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, and upon the day of any election in the township, town, or city where hoiden; such sale is also prohibited on all days be- tween eleven p. m. and five a. m. There are strict statutes against obscene pictures or literature.

In the constitution of 1851, now in force, the provi- sions relatim: to religious freedom in the constitution of 1S16 have been substantially re-enacted and are worthy of note; ".^11 men shall be secured in their natural right to worship .\lmighty God according to the dictates of their own conscience. No law shall in any case whatever control the free exercise and enjoyment of religious opinions or interfere with the right of conscience: no preference shall be given by