The History of Central Moravian Church

Weaving through the venerable history of the Central Moravian Church are the themes of change, adaptability and progress. From 1742 when a handful of Moravian pioneers settled Bethlehem, Central Church and the early community emerged simultaneously and forged a unique bond that has become the cornerstone of contemporary Moravian life.

Our story has many parts: Early Settlement 1742-1800, Building a New Sanctuary 1803-1806, An Expanding Community, Bethlehem Area Moravians, Contemporary Issues and the Church, and our recent Anniversary celebrations of the church sanctuary.

EARLY SETTLEMENT: 1742-1800

In January 1742, the central place of worship was the Saal, located on the second floor of the Gemeinhaus or community house. In June of that year, fifty-six members comprising the first Sea congregation arrived in Bethlehem from Germany and joined the twenty-six inhabitants already present. The settlement congregation was officially organized on June 25, 1742.

In 1751, when the Saal could no longer accommodate the growing community, the Old Chapel became the new place of worship and served the congregation for the next 55 years.

Concerned that the Old Chapel was not large enough, members began to press for a larger church building. None of these discussions was brought to fruition until the arrival of Bishop John Ettwein, whose unwavering determination kept the matter continually before the membership.

As the result of the General Synod of 1789 in Herrnhut, Germany, Bishop Ettwein was inspired by the official approval to build a larger church, but he died before the decision to build was reached.

BUILDING A NEW SANCTUARY: 1803-1806

At a Church Council held in September 1802, the vote was made to move ahead with the building of a new church ; but disagreement about the construction site soon developed. Eventually, a compromise was reached and the present site was selected. Two log buildings were cleared, and stone was quarried that winter. Less than one month later, the massive, six-feet thick foundation walls were in place. On April 16, 1803, the cornerstone was placed at the northwest corner of the building. The completed building was the largest church building in Pennsylvania at that time. But the final cost of $52,000 had exceeded the $11,000 estimated when the plans were approved.

AN EXPANDING COMMUNITY

In 1845, after the communal system had been dissolved, the Moravian Church became incorporated on April 3, 1851. After other Moravian churches appeared, the Moravian Congregation of Bethlehem was formalized in 1905 under a collegiate system and remained in effect until 1993. During these 88 years, the members of West Side, College Hill, and Central Churches came together to celebrate various services. Edgeboro Moravian Church was part of the system until 1942.

BETHLEHEM AREA MORAVIANS:
6 CONGREGATIONS

In 1992, the 250th anniversary of the Moravian Church provided the opportunity for the Moravian Congregation of Bethlehem to reconstitute its existing structure. In 1993, all of the Moravian Churches in Bethlehem formally agreed to become part of a new organization known as the Bethlehem Area Moravians (BAM). Advent, East Hills, and Edgeboro churches joined with Central, College Hill and West Side for this expanded ministry. We are fortunate to have such varied Moravian churches here in Bethlehem. Together the BAM churches join together in ministry and outreach to our congregations and community in such ventures as Moravian Days '06, our Easter Sunrise Service at Central, and the annual BAM picnic.

A CONCERN FOR
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

The church has had a long-standing sensitivity to the social issues that confront it. A food bank at the church provides food for hundreds of individuals and families in need. The clothing bank supplies garments to Moravians in other lands and local individuals in need. In 1989, in an effort to address homelessness in our city, Central Church joined with Wesley United Methodist, Christ Church UCC, Trinity Episcopal, Trinity UCC, and Grace Lutheran Churches to form Center City Ministries (CCM).

In 1990, Central Church officially established a partnership with the Sikonge Moravian Church in Tanzania, East Africa, for the purpose of sharing in ministry. A new church building was constructed in Sikonge and later, the HIV/AIDS issue was addressed through the work of physicians and Central members Bill and Peg Hoffman. The Orphan's Project and the Adopt a Village program, now adapted by the Moravian Church's Board of World Mission, was initiated by the Hoffmans. Central members Mia Mengel and Gordon and Mary Mowrer are the most recent members to travel to Tanzania and provide non-traditional missionary work.

OUR CHURCH SANCTUARY
TURNS 200 YEARS OLD

From 2003 -- 2006 we celebrated the building and completion of the church sanctuary from 1803 -- 1806. On May 21st, our anniversary celebrations came to a fruition in a moving rededication service in the Sanctuary and proclamation from Old Chapel. Tim Zimmerman and the King's Brass put on an incredible concert of brass, lights, and movement on Saturday, May 20th and then helped to make the anniversary service on Sunday sing praises through music.