How Salem was organized in 1772

The Salem Congregation was divided into groups or Choirs according to age, sex, and marital status: The Choir of Married People; Choir of Single Brethren; Choir of Single Sisters; and the Children's Choir, etc. Each Choir was headed by a Pfleger, a leader, and a Volsteher, or business manager.

The affairs in Salem were controlled by two groups:

The Aeltester Conferenz, or Board of Elders, was responsible for the supervision of the spiritual affairs of the congregation.

The Aufseher Collegium, or Supervising Board was charged with the care of the material and the financial interests of the congregation. It functioned much like a present day Board of Aldermen. 

Salem Gunsmith

Moravian Sisters at the 1819 Vogler House in Old Salem

Population in Salem

On December 27, 1769, selected single brethren and boys were moved into the Single Brother's House, becoming the first permanent residents of Salem. At the close of this year, the congregation of Salem had a population of 23. 

Quote: The first labor strike in Salem

The high cost of living in 1778 was the cause of the first labor "strike" in Salem. A number of young men lived in the Single Brethren's House. They pursued various trades, received a regular salary, took their meals in the common dining hall and paid a fixed price for board. In view of the increased cost of living they requested a larger salary, and expressed a willingness to pay more for their meals. The proper authorities increased the salaries and fixed the price for the meals. The scale did not please the young men. In an evening conference they were admonished to consider these matters in a correct and proper light. A young man spoke rather freely on the subject, and he was advised to seek a wider field in which to use his talents. When the young men returned to the Brethren's House the smoldering fires of discontent broke out, and the next morning they left their work, hoping that the day laborers would follow. Some of the young men went from Salem to Bethabara, others went into the woods, and thus they passed the day. In the evening all were satisfied with the length of the 'one day strike', and returned, humbly asking pardon for their insubordination, and realizing that they had become the laughing stock of the town. 

The Winter of 1788

January 13, "Because of the hard, cold rain and slippery roads the services were not well attended." January 16. Icy rain and slippery roads.

January 24. An eighteen-inch snowfall
.
January 26. The coldest day, thermometer at 1 degree.

February 6. Snow.

February 21. Again deep snow.

each."

December 19 "It has grown so cold that we feel that it was not equaled last winter. Unfortunately the only thermometer in town,
privately owned, has been broken." 

Quote:Treatment for snake bite

September 8, 1787- "In Friedland Br. Martin Schneider was bitten in the hand by a rattlesnake which had hidden under some wood. A few days before he had heard a man from the Catawba River recommend a treatment for such a case, so he moistened a little cooking salt with water, and held the wounded hand in it, which relieved the worst pain, and the hand did not swell much. Friedland members hastened to his assistance, killed the rather large snake and laid some of its fat on the wound, bandaged the hand tightly above the bite, and gave him a drink made from bitter herbs. All of this prevented the dreaded evil results, and by the next day Br. Martin had recovered sufficiently from the fright to hold services as usual." (Salem Diary) 

Quote: No more brandy for day-laborers

April 23, 1784-"Congregation Council put an end to the bad practice of giving day-laborers a dram of brandy in addition to their wages, is not good for our young men who support themselves as day-laborers." 

Quote: About children in early Salem

September 26, 1785 -"In the conference with parents it was pointed out how needful it is that outside of school hours the children should be kept busy in useful employment. The parents were also urged not to misunderstand the faults and shortcomings of their children, but with insight to exercise more faithfulness, diligence, and patience in bringing them up according to the Will of Jesus." July 11, 1786 - "It is important to impress upon our youth the all important things of human life, -- industry, faithfulness, obedience, economy, good manners, and to do unto others as they would be done by." (Auf. Col.) 

Moravian funeral customs

God's Acre in Salem - 1771

Tombstones are washed in advance of Easter

All ages and members of the family tend the markers of those who have gone before. 

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Moravian funerals are are characterized by both grief and joy. Moravians like others grieve the loss of loved ones, but they also believe Jesus brings salvation to those who profess his name in faith and trust. Thus they are a hopeful people. Moravian believers say the deceased has “entered into the immediate presence of the Savior.”

One unique characteristic of Moravian funerals is the reading of the Lebenslauf of the deceased. The Lebenslauf is a short account of the deceased’s life. It includes a brief account of the deceased’s faith, and it is meant to be an encouraging example.

Music is a very important part of Moravian funeral traditions. Generally speaking, a volunteer brass band will play music at the gravesite. 

Moravians have simple burial grounds - called God’s Acre. They believe in uniform, plain grave markers to emphasize the equality of all human beings. The dead are buried facing the East as they await the resurrection of the dead at the Second Coming of Jesus. 

Scripture readings are an important part of church functions. Favorite passages of the deceased may be used as part of the funeral. 

Romans 10:9 and Bishop Rondthaler

The tombstone pictured above marks the resting place of the beloved Moravian bishop, Edward Rondthaler (1877 - 1931), in God's Acre, Old Salem, NC. 

The inscription on his tombstone tells us a great deal about the good bishop's theology and sense of mission. May his tribe increase.