Economy was the third community founded by the followers of German pietist preacher George Rapp within the Harmony Society. The Harmonites believed Christ would return in their lifetime and so the purpose of the community was to be worthy of Him in preparation for this moment. The Harmonite communes ultimately failed because the policy of celibacy prevented new members from within. The Old Economy Village thrived from 1825 to 1906 and lay on the banks of the Ohio River. Here the Rappites enjoyed such prosperity that by 1829 they dominated the trade and the markets of Pittsburgh. From “Systems of Harmony”.