All for 40 shillings and a gallon of whiskey

The bridge over the Muddy Creek on the Shallow Ford Road is finished, and William Gentry has been paid 20 pounds for his work.

"The neighbors had given us reason to hope that they would build a part of the bridge from

the farther side of the creek to firm land, but they now refuse to do this, so the committee of brethren ... have arranged with him (Gentry) to finish the work for 40 shillings and a gallon of whiskey." November 30, 1772

The dismissal of Emmanuel Dresen

Home Moravian Church at the top of Academy Street, Salem, NC

Putting out, or dismissing, a member of a contemporary Christian congregation is in our culture unthinkable. But should it be? 

The 18th century Moravians understood the value of boundaries of conduct. History reveals that expulsions from the various Moravian communities were relatively few -  and the last resort. That said, dismissal proved necessary in difficult cases. Such is the story of Emmanuel Dresen.

"The single (brother) Emmanuel Dresen was informed ... that he could no longer stay here (Salem). His conduct has not at all agreed with the declarations he made a year ago when he received permission to become a resident."
-- January 22, 1785, The Diary of Salem Congregation.

When was the last time you heard of a person being asked to leave a Christian congregation? 

Do you believe the early Moravians have something to teach the contemporary church with respect to moral borders?

Who was Brother Melchior Rasp?

Brother Melchior Rasp was born in Salzburg, Austria, in 1715. Little is know about him early in his life apart from the facts that he was brought up Roman Catholic, worked in the salt-works and became a master mason. As an adult he aimlessly cast about through Europe but in 1741 he had a Christian awakening and joined the Unity of the Brethren (Moravians). 

He came to America in 1750. 

Sadly, in 1755 he fell away from the Lord and is recorded by the community as being in "distressing condition." Thankfully, in due course he was restored to the Lord and the Holy Communion. 

He originally lived in Bethabara, the original Moravian village in North Carolina, and was one of the initial workers to migrate to and help build the new village of Salem. 

In 1766 he fell while making his way from Bethabara to Salem. Unfortunately, the stem of his pipe pierced his throat - nearly fatally. It was said that he never fully recovered. As if that is not sufficient physical upheaval he was hit in the face with a stone causing the loss of sight in one eye - to add insult to injury scalding water was spilled on his foot, limiting his mobility. From then on he deteriorated in body and mind.Yet, through all this he wept when thinking of God's grace in calling him to be with the Moravians. At age 70 he passed into eternity. This verse was being sung by his bedside:

"Amen, Amen, sings he now,
There where the departed rest:
He has brought me to His side,
Lamb of God, who for me died."  

There is a way that believers, Moravian and otherwise, are meant to view their death and the death of all followers of Jesus. With Scripture as our guide we can say Christians may and should view death differently than the non-believer does. We see this reflected in an entry of the Salem Congregation Diary, dated March 21, 1785.

"Half an hour after noon there was a funeral of our brother Melchior Rasp. Brother Koehler spoke on the text ... 'this is the day which the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24. 

The Diary continues: "Brother Rasp had this beautiful text for the day of his homecoming and the children of Jesus may rightly say this concerning their own homecoming days."

Symmetry and Simplicity at Home Moravian Church

Home Moravian Church was established in Salem on November 13, 1771. The construction of the worship space pictured above was begun in 1779 and was renovated in 1913. It is a rich combination of symmetry and simplicity. 

The 1816 Tavern in Old Salem

The 1816 tavern in Old Salem was built as an annex to the 1784 Tavern. Today it serves the guest with (mouthwatering) Moravian inspired food. 

Who was the Second Earl of Granville?

In the course of interpretation at Old Salem I mention that the Moravians purchased 100,000 acres of land of which Salem was a part. 

From time to time people wonder out loud if the Moravians stole, or otherwise cheated, the land from the Cherokee Nation. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the Moravians succored the Cherokee as possible. It was the Second Earl of Granville that sold them the land.

Who was the Earl?

He was of Norman descent born in 1690 and died in 1763.

He was educated at the best of schools including Christ Church, Oxford University.  He was, we are told, almost the only English nobleman of his time that knew German, the language of the Moravians. Who cannot see the Providence of God, his guiding hand, in the way language linked the Earl and the Moravian German speakers?

The Earl had inherited a 60-mile wide strip of land in North Carolina adjoining the Virginia boundary, that became known as the Granville District.  

The German speaking Moravians enjoyed a widely recognized reputation for sober hard work, kindness and decency. This was known to the Earl. What if he could point to a flourishing community of these godly people on his land? Would that attract more settlers? To see he offered the Moravians the opportunity to purchase, at a favorable price, 100,000 acres. They gladly made the purchase and named the track - Wachovia. 

His legacy lives on. In North and South Carolina and beyond a number of counties and streets were named for Lord Granville.

The First Easter Sunrise Celebration in God's Acre

"At five o'clock in the morning, the first Early Easter Sunday Morning Service was held on the Salem Graveyard (God's Acre). 

The first burial, that of Brother John Birthed, took place in June 1771."  -- From the Salem Diary, April 11, 1773

Mother is home now

Let's do fully orbed missionary work as did the early Moravians

Ed.: I have a concern and observation about contemporary Western mainline denominations.  

Reflect with me.

Too often what is called "missions" is another way of saying "social work." What so often passes as missions could be done by the Peace Corps. This is not to say that meeting human need is not a Christian priority. It is. But, meeting human need alone is not fully orbed missionary work. Meeting human need is what I call "horizontal ministry" - human to human. 

For a variety of reasons, alas, the mainline denominations which are more or less left leaning (Progressive) shy away from energetic "vertical Ministry". This is ministry where the church does missions the biblical way - horizontally and vertically. In a word biblical mission seeks to bring those who "sit in darkness" the saving light of Jesus Christ; and meet human need.

I see in my study of the early Moravians a profoundly more mature understanding of missionary - (1) Gospel presentation and (2) recognizing human hardship. 

Consider the following portion of a letter that Bishop Spangenberg wrote to Count Zinzendorf. In fact, the Count had died a month before the letter was composed but was unknown to Bishop Spangenberg.

__________

"Now concerning the Wachau (the land holding of the Moravian in NC) - I felt that I was leaving a land of the Lord; the brethren  and the sisters living there our dear hearts. More then 220 persons have taken refuge among the brethren, fleeing from the terrible hand of the Wild Men (American Indians). They are living among the brethren but in separate houses and huts. The gospel is diligently proclaim to them and not without works"  -- Bethlehem, PA - June 11, 1760

Note how the early Moravians did both horizontal and vertical missionary work. The bishop was right on target. May his tribe increase.

About preaching and forgiving

"Preached at Macedonia Church, Davie County, from John 5:38 to a very large assembly of people, so much so that the house and the galleries were crowded, and it was said some 50 persons could not get into the house, yet all conducted themselves well and that night we had a prayer meeting with a large number of people."

From the New Philadelphia Report, with Macedonia, Muddy Creek Sunday, July 1, 1860.

Editor's Note: The text for John 5:38 follows: 

Jesus said - "You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me."
__________

"Met at Philadelphia in order to settle the difficulty between Brothers Norman, Crater, Kiger and Space  which we are glad to say was completely settled, each asking the others' forgiveness and agreeing together that he who should ever name it again should be looked upon as guilty "

From the New Philadelphia Report, with Macedonia, Muddy Creek - Saturday, September 1, 1860.

Brother Pfeil and his misadventure

September 28, 1772

"Brother Pfeil carelessly and In spite of warning from the other brethren,went too near the young horse, which have been recently broken, and the horse struck him with his fore leg, knocked him down, and stepped on his ankle. The other brothers set it as well as they could, and brought him home in the evening."

October 1, 1772

"Brother Bonn came from Salem and examined Brother Pfeil's foot, and found that the large bone is either split or splintered, which is worse than a simple break. It was very hot today." -- Bethabara Diary 1772

Census

Moravian Sisters - watercolor

At the close of 1785 there were 1086 people, in seven congregations, in the Wachovia (the 100,000 acres the Moravian Church owned in North Carolina.) 

The population of Salem, NC was 205. There were:

31 Married Couples;

1 Widower and 4 Widows;

59 Single Brothers and boys;

34 Single Sisters and girls;

24 Little Boys;

21 Little Girls.

The Moravian Pentecost - August 13, 1727

In 1722 Moravians refugees established a village called Herrnhut today within the Czech Republic.

The town of Herrnhut grew but major disagreements emerged and by 1727 the community was divided into quarreling factions. 

Zinzendorf used both his authority and his personality to restore the outward appearance of unity. More important than that, good as it was, on 13 August 1727 the community underwent a dramatic spiritual transformation. This followed an experience in which they were visited by the Holy Spirit in a most unusual way. It is described as being similar to that recorded in the Bible on the day of Pentecost. The renewed Moravian church was reborn. 

Busted in 1858

“During the past week there has been a Gypsy camp on the Widow Eader’s land and a great many flocked to see them and have their fortunes told.” 

—from the Friedberg Diary - 1858.

(-- from the Friedberg Report) - “I alluded to it in my sermon, and remarked: if they were only half as much concerned about their souls and would come to me during the next week, I would tell them some things, without looking at their hands, that would be greater importance than any communication from the old Gypsy crone.

There was considerable hanging of heads through the congregation about that time, and a brother remarked to me next day that a good many wondered: how Rights [the minister] knew they were there”

What is Pietism?

Pietism was a 17th century reformation or renewal within the 16th century Protestant Reformation. It was a reaction against two aspects of Lutheranism: formalism and its rigid system of doctrine. Count Zinzendorf was quite moved and influenced by Pietism - and this fact shaped the emerging Moravian Church. 

Moravians did not practice shunning

Amish and Anabaptists physically shunned members who broke the rules of God or the community. The early Moravians did not adopt that practice. Their hope was always to guide the person, that did break the rules, back into the community. Countless hours were invested by the pastors to accomplish that goal. Thus patience was a well practiced virtue of the Moravians.  

The bottom line was that forgiveness was sought and was the intent. Exclusion was the last resort. Sincere repentance opened the door to readmittance for those seperated. 

However, readmission to the Communion Table rested with the Lord ultimately. The question was put to the Lot. If the Lot said "yes" they were welcomed back. If the Lot said "no" the person remained excluded for the time being.

Reunification was a time of triumph - as it should be. 

Quiet Time

The Lives of Old Salem's Single Sisters

The Gemeinhaus in Bethabra, NC

The 1788 Gemeinhaus in Bethabara, established in 1753. This is the first settlement in the Wachovia which is the name the Moravians gave to the 100, 000 acres the church purchased from a lesser English nobleman that admired their faith and works. The Gemeinhaus housed the pastor and his family, a school and saal for worship and other meetings of the community. 

Immediately below there is an interesting story of a Colonel, an Indian chief and a Moravian. The narrative takes place in the 1788 Gemeinhaus in Bethabara, NC. Just scroll down. 

The Moravians, Col. Henderson and Little Carpenter - the Indian Chief

January 9, 1775

"We received word that the Indians would eat dinner at Bethabara, and then leave by way of Bethania." 

"They came in Col. Henderson's company. We told the Colonel that we would like to talk with him and with the Indians, and suggested going to the Gemein Saal, to which he assented." 

1788 Gemeinhaus in Bethabara in which this narrative takes place.

"In the Saal the organ was played, which he and the Indians liked very much." 

"Then we told Col. Henderson that we would like to have a question put before the Indians whether they wish one of our brethren to come to them to tell them of their Creator and Savior, and help them to learn to know him and to believe on him? After a discussion with Col. Henderson he showed that he was not much interested, the question was put to the Indian Chief, Little Carpender, through the interpreter, mr. Price, and the answer was that if anyone would come and teach a school for children and they would be glad." 

"They were quite friendly, especially the second Indian, who is a captain; the Indian woman said not one word, did not even give a pleasant smile, which is the usual manner of the Indian women. Leaving the Saal we went to the Tavern; the Col. was cordial, and promised that when he returns in August or September he would talk more with us ..." 

-- from the Bethabara Diary, 1775

President Washington's Battle Flag

From time to time, especially on National Holidays, President Washington's Battle Flag is hung on the Old Salem tavern porch. The flag marks the tavern where the President spent two nights in 1791. It is supposed his standard was evident at the tavern during his visit because it was Washington's personal flag, it was with him wherever he went.  It likely dates to 1775. 

A painting by James Peale below (the Battle of Princeton) shows the large blue standard with a linear arrangement of stars. 

An unsigned and undated item found in the papers of General Anthony Wayne includes among other items - Washington's Standard - his Battle Flag.

The flag was donated to the Valley Forge Historical Society from a descendant of George Washington.

Wild Animals and Snakes living in the Moravian Wachovia of North Carolina

Wild Animals -- Wild Animals and Snakes living in the Moravian Wachovia of North Carolina. The "Wachovia" was the name given by the Moravians to th 100,000 acres of land purchased in North Carolina. 

Bears
Deer
Wolves
Foxes
Panthers
Wildcats
Raccoon
Possum
Rabbits
Skunk
Squirrels
Mice
Beaver
Otter
Mosque
Tortoise 

Snakes

Rattlesnakes - this is the snake the residents of the Wachovia feared the most
Copperhead
Black snakes
Striped snakes
Water snakes
Green snakes
Horn snakes

Boy on a cooling board

"Mr. Nelson came for me and my wife to come to his house to see to laying a little Negro boy who had died on his cooling board because no one would go for fear of taking the disease."

--Notes in the handwriting of Thomas Frye - 1860

"The cooling board was a perforated wooden platform on which a dead body would be temporarily stored and prepared for a funeral. Ice was placed beneath it to keep the body chilled, slowing the decomposition process. Holes in the cooling board allowed blood and other fluids to drain from the body. It could also be used to display the body for a viewing if the casket was not delivered in time. Metal embalming tables replaced cooling boards as modern refrigeration became available." From Wikipedia

Some things never change

Two sisters and a brother in discussion in the Public Room of the 1784 Salem tavern.

Sunday, June 24 1860 -- "Audience good (in Friedland) and attentive except some young folks who excited my ire by their misconduct, in consequence of which I finished off my remarks by a general attack on all misdoers in Church."

Sunday, December 2 1860 -- "During the sermon was very much disturbed by the misconduct of two young men, Smith and Hitchcock."
-- From the private diary of R.P. Leinbach who was serving the Moravian community in Friedland.