From Sanctuary to Studio: Ragamuffin Hall’s Role in Amish Roots Music

In 2022 Conrad Fisher purchased a former Presbyterian church near McCoysville, Pennsylvania, and converted it into Ragamuffin Hall, a performance space and recording studio. The venue now hosts live shows and recordings for Amish and Mennonite musicians, most notably the Old Order Amish couple Ben and Rose.

Associated Press

Traditional Amish worship uses unaccompanied singing from the 900-page Ausbund hymnal, and instruments are generally prohibited. Mennonite services also limit instrumental use, resulting in limited public musical expression.

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Fisher, a former carpenter and Nashville songwriter, directs production and concerts. Ben and Rose, who have left their Old Order church, provide vocal performances. Observers such as Elam Stoltzfus (Nicholas Stoltzfus Homestead), Justin Hiltner (The Bluegrass Situation), and Lydell Zimmerman (Ken’s Educational Joys) note the project's significance.

Associated Press

Ben and Rose’s videos have exceeded 30 million YouTube views. Ragamuffin Hall has booked concerts in larger Pennsylvania and Indiana theaters, expanding the audience beyond the local Amish and Mennonite community.

Associated Press

Observers describe the venture as a paradigm shift that challenges prohibitions on public performance. Fisher’s video response to criticism of a “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” upload affirmed his faith and a commitment to serve diverse audiences. Community members note rising interest among Amish youth in guitar playing, while also observing that visible musical activity often precedes leaving the faith. Lydell Zimmerman reported higher sales of Ben and Rose’s recordings alongside traditional a cappella releases.

Associated Press

Some Amish members object to public performances, citing doctrinal bans on acts of pride. Former Amish youth Amos Raber warned that visible musical activity often signals an impending departure. No official statements from Amish religious authorities were obtained, and Ben and Rose declined comment.

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• “I was thrilled to see this happen, because I knew this was a paradigm shift,” — Elam Stoltzfus, Director, Nicholas Stoltzfus Homestead

Associated Press

• “This is clearly not just insular music that’s just facing other Amish folks or other Mennonite folks,” — Justin Hiltner, Managing Editor, The Bluegrass Situation

Associated Press

• “I think their presence as an Amish couple singing online is what brought people’s attention to them,” — Lydell Zimmerman, Proprietor, Ken’s Educational Joys

Associated Press

• “Most times, if you see someone who’s really Amish doing that kind of thing, they’re probably not going to be Amish long,” — Amos Raber, Former Amish Youth

Associated Press

Fisher has arranged additional concerts at larger venues in Pennsylvania and Indiana for later this year, while continuing to record new material from Ben and Rose and other Anabaptist musicians.

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