Central Moravian Church Celebrates 275 Years with Lenten Dinners & Programs

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania’s Central Moravian Church is commemorating a significant milestone: the 275th anniversary of its Old Chapel. The celebration will unfold through a series of weekly Lenten dinners and programmes beginning February 18th. This event highlights the enduring legacy of a historic landmark and its continued role within the community.

A Historic Landmark

Built in 1751, the Old Chapel is a key component of the Moravian Church Settlements – a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It remains an active space for both worship and community gatherings. Rev. Janel Rice, senior pastor at Central Moravian Church, emphasized the chapel’s importance, stating, “For 275 years, the Old Chapel has been a sacred space where generations have gathered to worship, reflect, and build community.”

Did You Know? The Old Chapel is one of nine locations that comprise the Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Program Highlights

The Lenten series will kick off on February 18th with an Ash Wednesday service. Subsequent programmes will feature discussions on the chapel’s construction and history, led by Tom Tenges on February 25th. On March 4th, young members of the church will share stories of notable visitors, including Martha Washington, Ben Franklin, and Marquis de Lafayette.

Further programmes will delve into the historical significance of the site, including a presentation on the 1792 visit by leaders of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy on March 11th. Abby Mahone and Charlene Donchez Mowers will present on March 18th. The series will conclude on March 25th with a traditional Moravian hymn sing led by Becky Lepore.

Expert Insight: The sustained use of the Old Chapel for 275 years demonstrates the enduring appeal of historic sites as community anchors. Maintaining these spaces requires ongoing investment and adaptation to remain relevant to contemporary audiences.

All events are free and open to the public. Beginning March 6th and 7th, the Old Chapel and the 1803-1806 Sanctuary will be open for tours on Fridays and Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m. The Central Moravian Church was founded in 1742.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the schedule for the Lenten series?

The series begins February 18th with an Ash Wednesday service. programmes will be held each Wednesday evening, with dinner at 6 p.m. Followed by the program at 7 p.m.

Who are some of the notable figures who have visited the Old Chapel?

Martha Washington, Ben Franklin, and Marquis de Lafayette are among the famous visitors who have graced the Old Chapel, as will be shared by young people from Central Moravian Church on March 4th.

How can I find more information about the events?

You can contact the church office at [email protected] or 610-866-5661, ext. 101. programmes will also be livestreamed on Zoom and the church’s YouTube channel.

As Central Moravian Church celebrates this milestone, what role do historic landmarks play in fostering community and preserving cultural heritage in your own town?