Reputation matters

The Moravians were a people of good reputation in the Wachovia. The Wachovia was the name given to the 100,000 acres of land the early Moravians in North Carolina purchased from the Earl of Grandville.

One example of this wholesome reputation dates from March 1762 when The Rev. John McDowell, an Anglican priest, asked whether the Moravians could educate his son, since "I look upon them to be sober, pious and exemplary prudent society of Christians."

As an aside the circumstances were not yet right to begin a boarding school for the priest's son or any others, but the Moravians that year (1762) began holding school in Bethabara and Bethania for their own children, female as well as male.

A glimpse into the earliest beginnings of Salem

A dozen Brethren, partly from Bethania, partly from Bethabara, took a wagon and went to the new town site (Salem) where in the afternoon they cut down the trees on the place where the first house was to stand, singing several (hymn) stances as they worked. 

Trees were then felled for the house which should, when completed, shelter the builders and other workmen. Certain Brethren and boys finished clearing the roads (that) opened last year. 

The Brethren Ettwein and Loesch were present and remained overnight with the 12 Brethren, putting up a tent for shelter.

Our (Bible) text for the day was beautifully appropriate for the little beginning in the building (of Salem): "I will defend the city." Isaiah 37:35  -- January 6, 1766 - The Salem Diary

Inventory of the Tavernkeeper's Bedchamber:

The tavern keeper's bedchamber 

Personal items:  1 double bedstead with curtains, 1 double feather underbid, 4 good sheets, 1 long pillow with case, 2 small pillows with cases, 2 blankets, 1 coverlet and 1 feather overbed.

1 Schrank

1 hanging corner cabinet

1 painted chest

2 chairs

1 small table

1 looking glass

1 washstand with basin and pitcher, and several diaper hand towels

2 pair window curtains

1 small area rug at bedside

1 candlestick and snuffers

1 plain writing desk with chair

Clothing: seasonal changes - coat and greatcoat in winter, ladies hat, pair of shoes under the bed and a pair of slops

Grooming items: comb, toothbrushes, toothpowder with tin case, razor, shaving soap, castle soap

Books: German Bible, Moravian hymnal, church's daily text, newspaper from Raleigh, some legal documents related to Brother Blum's being Justice of the Peace, newspaper from Germantown (county seat)

Sewing: small project out - mending and embroidery, knitting needles with wool in summer and linen in winter.

Methodist - Moravian rivalry

The Public Room
where the preaching described below was located.

"There was reference to the new Methodist preacher ... namely Samuel Hauser ... He was here in Salem today, where he announced a service for his followers, and preached in our tavern ... Our Brethren took little notice of it." -- March 31, 1799.

A Sister Reflects

A sister pauses at Bethabara - the first Moravian settlement in North Carolina, founded in 1753. 

Today, historic Bethabara Park is nestled in a picturesque 183-acre wildlife preserve with 126 species of birds.

The site features the oldest standing Church with attached residence in North America, active archaeological sites, a reconstructed colonial village, French and Indian War palisade fort, and a Community and Medicinal Garden. 

Omission

Old Salem, Inc., a non prophet corporation, operates Old Salem Museums and Gardens. It is completely separate from the Moravian Church. In a word it is a secular experience. Perhaps this is necessary. But it leads to omissions in the interpretations of the former Moravian village of Salem.

For example, to be sure visitors lean that Salem was a town of "quaint" religious persuasion. But a visitor leaves Salem with not much more knowledge of the Moravians-of-old than with which they arrived. This is a pity.

The visitor will not, for example, hear the great, positive and inspiring stories of Salem that rest on Pietism, an important 18th century theological movement in Europe as well as the Colonies. They will not hear of the extraordinary stories of sacrificial missionary work of the Moravians. They will not hear about Home Moravian Church or God's Acre as they are interpreted separate from Old Salem, Inc. Both of which are at the center of the village of Salem.

Would you like to know more about Pietism? Click here. 

Tavern employees

There are several objections against the horse boy in the Tavern, mainly that he is not taking care well enough of the strangers, that he is too slow and negligent in his service. A young man, who is working with Brother Krause, who was given a good report, would like to work in the Tavern in the place of the current Horsler. -- March 7, 1791

There is a single man, named William Hall, who has worked a lot formerly in the community and who is serving at present in the Tavern. He has uttered again that he would like to become a member of the community. However, he has not learnt a real trade with which he could make a living, if he would become a member of the community. 

Overmore, it will be necessary to find out, other he is willing to direct his whole thinking only to the Lord and the community of the Lord, and that he is willing also to suffer hardships and wrongdoings, in case they should occur later.  August 6, 1793

The mad dog

"The family of Adam and Rachel Elrod, living near the Yadkinville (River), experienced a special protection today. For some time several mad dogs have done much damage in their neighborhood, and today one of them met the Elrod children and followed them home. Their mother was badly frightened, as her husband was not at home, but with considerable difficulty she succeeded in pushing the door shut against the dog, which bit five or six hogs." -- December 7, 1785

The Invisible Gemeine

Have you ever heard of the concept of the "invisible gemeine"?

Former and current Moravians worked/work side by side with Christians of other denominations. They mostly did not judge other believers. Rather they held that all heartfelt Christians are recipients of the Holy Spirit. All believers are brothers and sisters in the great "invisible gemeine." In short, the invisible gemeine is the universal congregation of believers.

Photo of the Single Sisters House

Antique photo of the Single Sisters House in Salem.

Moravians not so good at holding prisoners ...

"Today a well known horse-thief, with three horses, was arrested in our woods, and the next day he was taken as a prisoner toward Richmond. Beyond Bethania he was turned over to a man to be taken on, but he struck the man from his horse and escaped. (A week or two later he was seen on some of the farms near us, and that night our stable was entered, and the above mentioned three horses were taken our. Finally the thief was re-captured, but again he managed to escape, for some time horse-stealing has been general in this neighborhood, and it seems very difficult to put a stop to it."

September 18, 1785 - the Salem Diary

Jesus said: "let the children come to me."

"The little girls had their Choir Festival. In the evening meeting Brother Koehler spoke on how much cause we had to thank the Savior that He had taken so wonderful an interest in the youth of the Unity (Moravians); and then he gave the story of the awakening of the children in 1727."

Aug. 17, 1785

Fall is in the air at Old Salem, NC

To vet or not to vet ...

The following quote is from the 1785 - Salem Diary. I find it interesting as it raises questions in my mind. I will suggest several after the quote. Consider:

"A single man, a journeyman brewer, came from Philadelphia by way of Baltimore and Richmond. His name was Johann Dietrich Jos, and he begged to be allowed to remain here ... He declared further that he sought nothing more from the world than to live for the Savior. We made opportunity for him to find work here, which will give us time to see more about his remaining here."

Questions:

Ought a Christian man be a brewer?

Should the Moravians of old have given him the chance to work and live among them, as they did? 

Was it right for the former Moravians to vet a man that is simply seeking "to live for the Savior"?

Should the contemporary church do investigations into a person's background before fully incorporating them into the congregation? 

A dangerous raid on the Salem tavern

Four men raided the tavern by forcing open the front door, demolished the door of the living room, and went to the bedroom door which was nailed shut. The room at this time was not in use. The men knocked out a portion of the door and opened it.

The men armed with tomahawks threatened the keeper and his wife, Brother and Sister Meyer. They stomped the cradle from which the baby had just been lifted. The men uttered life threatening words and hacked into the table where the Meyers were eating.  -- portions from the Bag Manuscript, 1776

Sprechens

Photo credit: Tadst.com

Before receiving the Holy Communion which was administered only to full congregation members church authorities held Sprechens - speakings. 

At Sprechens the pastors interviewed each congregation member to learn from them their heart's condition with respect to the Lord. Those with a sound mind, spiritually speaking, could attend the Holy Communion. 

Here is how the elders explained it. "We are instructed is to truly examine ourselves before we draw nigh to the Lord's table - that is to say, we are required to put all such questions to ourselves as may be conducive to point out to us the real situation of our hearts." -- "History of the Unity," by Bishop August Spangenberg, 1772.