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.