With its historic buildings and working farm, the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester draws thousands of visitors a year. This is the last active Shaker community in the United States. And until a few months ago, there were only two members. Now a third has joined the celibate Christian sect.

At the end of a beautiful summer day, Friends of the Shakers weekend attendees settle in for a group sing-along of shaker songs. A majority of women sit on the sister's side of the chapel and the men sit opposite, all holding lyrics to the songs, though few seem to need them.

59-year-old Sister April Baxter is unassuming in her colorful button down and jeans but has brought a palpable energy to the space. Baxter is the newest Shaker. She came to live at the village this spring and said

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