In 1860, one of the “alternative communities” established during the American spiritual revival of the mid-nineteenth century, The Brotherhood, began in Wassaic. The group founded the First National Bank of Amenia and built the building at the intersection of 22/44 & 343. The Brotherhood was founded by Thomas Lake Harris, their prophet. His New York City disciples helped him found the First National Bank of Amenia and installed him as president. The bank was a one-room wooden structure with a safe, woodstove and chairs for the townspeople to sit and chat. In 1865, the bank built its 5-sided stone building which continues to anchor the main street of the hamlet.