Moravian Magazine, June 2015

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Moravians in Nepal Zeisberger and Schoenbrunn “A Storm in the Land�

And more!

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Go beyond the Daily Texts with books, music and Moravian gifts from the IBOC! While best-known for the Moravian Daily Texts, the Interprovincial Board of Communication (IBOC) offers an ever-growing variety of historical, inspirational, educational and spiritual books, each with a special connection to the Moravian Church.

From this outstanding collection, you can understand more about the history and practices of our Church, be inspired, teach your family, grow in your connection to God and renew what it means to belong to the Moravian Church.

The IBOC also offers CDs that celebrate the rich tradition of Moravian music, along with a selection of gifts ideal for both Moravians and nonMoravians alike!

And, of course, the IBOC is your source for the 2015 Moravian Daily Texts, available in paperback, hardcover, journal and large print editions.

Beginning June 1, all 2015 Moravian Daily Texts editions will be available at half price... order one for yourself or a friend!

For a complete listing of Moravian resources from the IBOC, visit store.moravian.org or call 1.800.732.0591, ext. 38.

The Interprovincial Board offers an ever-growing va

On the cover: Celebrating communion during worship at Mt. Morris in Wisconsin.

Photo by Mike Riess

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Moravians in Nepal Zeisberger and Schoenbrunn “A Storm in the Land” And more!

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6 Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith

In Our Communities

In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love

Moravians in Mission

5 Country’s oldest bookshop to open a second location 6 Earthquake shakes the ground, but not the faith of Moravians in Nepal Remembering Hus 10 Who is Jan Hus to today’s Czechs?

Moravian Youth 12 Two young Moravians find their voices at Christian Citizenship Seminar Moravian Leadership

Member, Associated Church Press

14 Strengthening the ranks of Moravian leaders Moravian History 17 Schoenbrunn: Honoring the legacy of an amazing Moravian missionary Moravian Music 24 “A Storm in the Land”: Southern Moravians in the Civil War In Every Issue

Visit our website at http://www.moravian.org.

Letters to the editor, address corrections, and other correspondence may be e-mailed to the magazine at pubs@mcnp.org.

June 2015

4 Ponderings: Fifty issues and counting...

22 Studying Moravian Doctrine: Moravian Covenant for Christian Living, Part V 29 Official Provincial Elders’ News 30 Obituary: Sister Hazel Marie Cox Stelter 3

PONDERINGS

Fifty issues and counting…

(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) June Vol. 46, No. 5 Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: OnTrac International, 121 5th Avenue NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 email: file@ontrac.com Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces

As I pondered this month’s Ponderings, it occurred to me that this

edition of The Moravian represents a milestone for me: it is my 50th issue as editor.

That’s 50 issues of assigning, compiling, editing, writing, choosing photos (or taking them myself), proofing and sending 17,000 plus copies out into the world. That’s 50 covers selected, 50 issues posted online, 50 back and forths with my designer and 49 Ponderings written (I had Renee guest write one).

The purpose of The Moravian is to share the news, faith and life of the Moravian Church. In its pages, The Moravian Magazine details the happenings, history, issues, celebrations and voices of the Moravian Church, its congregations and its members.

In the past 50 issues, we’ve covered Synods, shared congregational and community successes, chronicled mission work, celebrated church milestones, offered best practices, highlighted church doctrine and theology, dug into church history and tradition and featured the people, places and events that make today’s Church vibrant and unique.

I’m honored to carry on the 100-plus year Moravian Magazine tradition. While the look of the magazine and the technology used to produce it have changed, at its core, we still seek to be a touchstone for Moravians across the U.S. and Canada.

We serve the denomination by producing issues with high quality articles written by our members and others who share their experience, talent and insights. I am deeply indebted to all those who contribute their words and pictures to the magazine each month (keep those articles coming!).

I also thank my designer, Sandy Fay, who helps the magazine look great; Renee Schoeller (and Siobhan Young before her) for top notch proofing; the folks at Harmony Press who have printed the magazine since we went to color; our advertisers; and the Northern and Southern Provinces for their financial support in bringing the magazine to all member households.

I look forward to many more interesting issues of The Moravian.

Thanks for reading, and as always, I welcome your feedback and ideas.

Peace,

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Published monthly, except bimonthly January-February and July-August issues, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Subscription rates: $15.00 per year, U.S.A. & Canada; $18.00 per year, all other countries.

Individual copies available for $3.00 each.

The Moravian is sent to the families of the Moravian Church as a privilege of membership. Periodicals postage paid at Bethlehem, PA. Circulation: 17,800 Postmaster please send address changes to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245.

Continuing The North American Moravian, The Moravian and The Wachovia Moravian.

Michael Riess, Editor Renee Schoeller, Communications Assistant Arlene Clendenning, Customer Relations/Business Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Lance Fox, Paul Peucker Chair Adam Pristas Terri Bischoff Ginny Tobiassen Jane Carmichael Jane Weber Peggy Carter Jill Westbrook Gary Kniskern Design by Sandy Fay, Laughing Horse Graphics, Inc. Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245 FAX: 610.866.9223 Phone: 610.867.0594 800.732.0591 e-mail: moravianmagazine@mcnp.org www.moravian.org Contents © 2015, Interprovincial Board of Communications, Moravian Church in North America.

All rights reserved

The Moravian

IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Country’s oldest bookshop to open a second location The Moravian Bookshop, considered the oldest continuously operating book store in the U.S., announced it would be doing something new: opening a second location.

This September, shoppers in downtown Allentown, Pennsylvania will be able to buy books and gifts at a new 3,800-square-foot Moravian Book Shop location on the first floor of Two City Center, 645 Hamilton St. The book and gift shop will be consistent with its current location in Bethlehem.

City Center Lehigh Valley is a major mixeduse development in downtown Allentown.

Over the past several years, the downtown area has seen a revitalization effort that includes a new arena, a new hotel, retail shops, restaurants and office space.

“The Moravian Book Shop is excited to be a part of the revitalization taking place in the City of Allentown and to play a role in its development at a great location in the heart of the downtown,” said Richard “Rick” Santee, president of the Book Shop’s board of directors. While the board of directors of the Book Shop is independent, the Provincial Elders’ Conference of the Moravian Church Northern Province is the Book Shop’s sole shareholder.

“Our roots in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, date back to 1745 and Bethlehem will always be our home.,” continued Rick. “It is part of our Mission Statement that the Moravian Book Shop ‘…work within the Bethlehem community as representatives of the Moravian Church.’ We feel confident that a satellite location in Allentown will not diminish or adJune 2015

versely affect the foot traffic, patronage, sales or our commitment to our Main Street Bethlehem location. Opening a second location in Allentown provides a wonderful opportunity for the Book Shop to expand its presence and reach a new market and customer base, all of which is consistent with our mission and purpose. (continued on page 30)

The Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem plans to open a new location in Allentown, Pa.

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MORAVIANS IN MISSION

Earthquake shakes the ground, but not the faith of Moravians in Nepal

Earthquakes

and tremors are nothing new to the people of Nepal. After all, the Himalayas were formed—and continue to rise— because the Indian subcontinent has been crashing into Asia for millions of years.

But on Saturday, April 25, 2015, tremors that are often felt in Nepal grew stronger and stronger. Before the shaking was over, an earthquake of 7.9 on the Richter Scale had devastated the area around Khatmandu, the country’s capital and most populous region.

The quake killed nearly 10,000 people and injured many more. Two weeks later, an additional 7.3 earthquake shook the region, causing even more damage and loss of life.

Throughout this traumatic time for Nepal, the Mission Board of the British Province and the Worldwide Unity, the Board of World Mission of the Moravian Church in North America and the Nepal Moravian Outreach committee have been working with Moravian pastors in Nepal and Antioch Servants Trina and Ken Holmberg to assess the damage and help those on the ground.

The church in Nepal began in Khatmandu under the supervision of the British Province 17 years ago, and eight years ago spread to

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Khokana. Today, there are about 300 members in these first generation churches, where most of the teenagers were not raised in the church. Some members are the only person in their family who is a Christian; Hindus often turn their backs on Christian members. In fact, Christians can be persecuted by people and prosecuted by the government, so the church must be careful in how they evangelize.

Living through the quake In the first of the quakes, members of the Moravian Church in Khatmandu, called Baneshwor, clung to the two center posts in the third floor space as the room where they were having their worship service swayed back and forth. Amazingly the building held and thankfully there was no loss of life among the Moravians, either in Khatmandu or among their members in the nearby village of Khokana.

A few days after the first earthquake, the BWM heard from the Pradhans who are pastors in Nepal. In a letter to the church, the BWM shared, “They (the Pradhan family, Trina and Ken Holmberg and about 30 more brothers and sisters from the Kathmandu The Moravian

Moravians in Nepal find ways to deal with the devastation of earthquakes in April and May, including living and worshiping in tents.

Moravian congregation) are camped out in tents out in the rice fields near Khokana (a few miles from the city). Many people in Khokana lost their homes. The Pradhan’s home was not destroyed.” (In fact the Pradhan’s home was not damaged; they did lose a few possessions when some shelving fell.) The letter also noted that one of the pastors says that now when he preaches or teaches about the Israelites in the wilderness he will have a better understanding of their situation, and that the people in Napal ask everyone to continue to pray for the many others who have lost loved ones and for restoration and healing in their nation.

Areas hardest hit The earthquake hit the congregation in Khokana harder than the one in Khatmandu.

Their church building is no longer usable and they have been worshiping outside using tents. Eight families lost their homes. Some members of both congregations were day laborers and no longer have employment.

In Khatmandu the congregation did meet again in their worship space one week after the earthquake. As they entered the room they saw the books and children’s things and personal items that had been left as they fled the building the week before. Despite their fears they worshiped together singing “How Great Thou Art.” And some healing began. In ad(continued on next page) This article was compiled by Judy Ganz, executive director of the Board of World Mission, and Mike Riess of the IBOC. We thank the Pradhans and the Holmbergs for continuing to update us during the ongoing situation.

June 2015

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(continued from previous page) dition to the physical losses from the earthquake, perhaps the more significant need is healing from the trauma of it all.

School ministry The Pradhans also manage a preschool that has around 70 students which they hope to expand next year to include first grade. The school building had been declared safe after the first quake, so classes were to begin again on May 15. Many parents felt safer at the school than in their own homes. With the second quake to the east and north of Khatmandu, school openings have been moved back to May 30th.

“We were in the school with the children and parents when the second earthquake came,” said Pastor Pradhan. “Thankfully we were able to calm everybody down and send them home after a birthday celebration.” At this point, the school is still standing, but they will need to repair a fence along the schoolyard, as well as replace mats and tarps for the school, estimated at around $200.

Following the April earthquake, Nepali brothers and sisters lived in tents and makeshift shelters. In the time between the quakes, those who could returned to their homes; however, the second round of quakes in May sent many back into tents, necessitating more aid and assistance.

Meeting priority needs Pastor Pradhan reported on May 17th that they remain safe, but continue to live with other church members out on the rice field.

He says: “Aftershocks continue to come everyday which is hindering our normal day-to -day life. Everything has come to a standstill and most workers have left the valley and we 8

The Moravian

are unable to finish the work at school, shed, play areas repairs and maintenance. There are church families with little children and unsafe houses who have continued to move along with us in the paddy fields. Yesterday afternoon’s rain and storm tore down the tents, drenched sleeping materials, etc. It’s been tough at times. Going back to sleep in our apartments is possible for Nahum and both of us, but not the right thing to do with people and churches to take care of.

“Church also had to move to the open rice field for worship service. Last Saturday, the church community came together and set up tents for worship for both the Baneswor and Khokona churches. We were able to finish both services, and right after both services a storm with heavy rain destroyed the tent.

We have dismantled the place and will set up again for the next Saturday.

“In the meantime, we are working towards building a temporary worship space that can hold 200 people. We were able to bring an engineer who surveyed the place and drew for us a simple design for the church. From today we will start the work. Please pray that we will find enough materials to finish the work in 20 days. This is where we need your prayers that we get enough strength to work on this with so much challenges.”

The priority has been to help the people of Khokana with their day-to-day needs. They hope to construct temporary housing in the next three-to-six months and to continue to provide food and basic supplies as aid organizations fade out their programs. Long-term needs include purchasing permanent land for the Khokana Church, estimated at $100,000.

The Moravian Church in Nepal has put together a list of work that needs to be done; donations can be sent to the Board of World June 2015

Mission, 1021 Center St., PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016 noting “Moravian Disaster Relief” in the memo line. The BWM also hopes to organize some teams to assist with construction needs. Contact Justin Rabbach (justin@moravianmission.org) for more information.

Being a witness in this difficult time As a new church, the members in Nepal have primarily been on the “receiving” end as they come to know Christ. Since the earthquake they have been on the “giving” end—helping those in need, delivering food and medical supplies to the people of Khokana and reaching out to help those beyond their Moravian community. The need to worship in open air has allowed others outside of their congregation to easily participate. The Moravians in Nepal pray that in this difficult time they can be witnesses to the Gospel in their communities.

There will certainly be much more to tell of this story has time goes on. As we go to press, we are thankful that our people are safe and are continuing their work. For more frequent updates and to learn more about donating to help victims of this tragedy, visit www.moravianmission.org. ■

REMEMBERING HUS

Who Is Jan Hus to today’s Czechs?

If you have ever traveled to the historic city

of Prague in the Czech Republic, you likely walked through the prominent part of town called Old Town Square and saw the large statue of Jan Hus. The first time I saw that impressive statue, I was astounded that such a monument was there. And when I learned that the Czechs celebrate July 6 as a national holiday, commemorating Hus’s death, I was even more amazed. For some reason, I had mistakenly thought this man was well-known only to us Moravians. Wrong, very wrong.

Earlier this year, when Bishop Sam Gray and I were in the Czech Republic meeting with provincial leaders to plan a youth mission conference for this summer, the subject arose about the recent Czech census which illustrated a high level of atheism across the country. I could not make sense of how a deeply religious and faithful man like Jan Hus had become a revered national figure in a country where the vast majority of people seem to care almost nothing about God. Verbalizing this question to one of the provincial leaders in our meetings, I was told, “Czech people don’t generally remember Hus in the same way you and I do.” With that kind of answer, I decided to investigate on a broader scale.

During the last two days of this Prague visit, I looked around for people to “interview.”

Now of course, they did not know that’s what I

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was doing, because I simply asked what could be a typical tourist question: Can you please tell me why Jan Hus was so important in your country?

“Hus wanted something better than the Pope had to offer,” said one young man. “He thought outside the box.”

“Jan Hus was a teacher of all the people,” said a second, older man. “He thought differently than the king and he was burned.” I probed a little further, asking what he taught, but the man did not have an answer. So I then asked if Hus perhaps taught about the Bible.

His response was, “No, not about the Bible, but I really don’t know what it was. I’ll find out.” In a few minutes, he returned, having done a quick bit of Jan Hus research on his phone. He was amazed at what he found and actually apologized for not knowing much about the subject.

To a group of teenage boys on Old Town Square near the statue, my question was a little different. “Do you know who is on that statue over there?” I asked. They all chimed in, “Yes, yes, that’s Jan Hus.” I countered with, “And why is there such a big statue of him?”

“He was against the Catholics,” they replied.

My next question, “And what happened?”

Answer, “They burned him.”

“Hus is well-known because he died in a fire,” said one woman. “He was a reformer The Moravian

and helped make the Czech alphabet.” (At first I was puzzled about this answer, not realizing until later that Hus did indeed provide great improvements to the written form of the Czech alphabet by adding accent marks.)

“Jan Hus did not like that church leaders made people pay a lot for their sins,” said another young man. “He had a high job at Charles University; he was a good teacher and people liked him. He was invited to Constance and promised safe travel, but was burned at the stake for his beliefs.”

I was thrilled to hear these words and asked how he knew this. “From my family,” he said.

Then he told me he and his parents had spent several months in the New York, and while there he had seen John Hus Moravian Church in New York City. He mentioned how he wondered at the time if the people in the United States knew that Hus was from his country.

For us Moravians, this is definitely the year to talk about Jan Hus—how he was such a faithful student of the Bible, always wanting its real truth to be what the people heard. Hus did everything possible to preserve that truth and share it, to make a difference in the lives of those around him—no matter the consequences. Six hundred years later, our denomination continues to benefit from all that he lived and died for. May we constantly rise to the high privilege of spreading the truth of the Bible, at home and beyond.

Remembering John Hus July 6 is a special day of remembrance in the Moravian Church. On this date in 1415, a Catholic Church council in the city of Constance executed one of the great Christian reformers.

Millions of Christians worldwide, including Moravians, view John Hus as a martyr to the gospel and a saint, even though he was officially condemned as a heretic. For many June 2015

people in Bohemia, Moravia and elsewhere in Europe, the execution of Hus proved beyond doubt that radical reform was needed for the medieval Catholic Church, which had grown corrupt in doctrine and practice. A century after Hus’s death, Martin Luther could boldly proclaim that he, too, was a Hussite.

Contrary to popular belief, Hus was not the founder of the Moravian Church; however, his witness and courageous commitment to reform inspired Gregory the Patriarch to establish a new church forty years after Hus’s death. If Gregory was the father of the Moravian Church, then Hus was like a grandfather of the church. (From “John Hus and the Moravians” by Craig Atwood.)

Celebrations commemorating John Hus will occur in many parts of the Moravian world in July. A special service of worship and communion will be held on Sunday, July 19 at 3:00 p.m. at Home Moravian Church, 529 South Church Street, Winston-Salem, N.C. This service will include music from the Moramus Chorale, provincial band, youth and children’s choirs, as well as newly-translated Hus hymns. The Rt. Rev. D. Wayne Burkette will bring the message. Following the service, at 4:30 p.m., all are invited to stay for a reception and discussion led by the Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood, the Rev. Doug Rights and the Rev. Dr. Riddick Weber. A live stream of the event will be available at homemoravian. org/live-broadcasts/ ■ Donna Hurt serves on the Southern Province Mission Society and the Board of World Mission. She is a member of Home Church in Winston-Salem, NC. Photo above left: The Jan Hus memorial in Prague. By Danbu14 via Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0 11

MORAVIAN YOUTH

Two young Moravians find their voices at Christian Citizenship Seminar

Jarea

Lynch from Esperanza for Bethlehem and Kim Rodgers from Vanderbuilt Church in Staten Island found their voices serving as representatives to the Church of the Brethren Christian Citizenship Seminar this spring.

The Christian Citizenship Seminar provides high school-aged students the chance to explore the relationship between faith and a particular political issue and then act on that issue from a faith perspective. This year, Christian Citizenship Seminar addressed immigration.

Together with more than 80 senior high aged representatives from the Church of the Brethren, Jarea and Kim sought to understand current government immigration policy; the range of suggested immigration reforms; and the consequences of both on immigrant communities. They also learned how their faith in Jesus both builds community and informs and compassionately shapes their responses to the world they live in.

Kim and Jarea were selected for this unique

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opportunity from a group of seven applicants.

The Eastern District Christian Education Commission sponsored their participation in this ecumenical outreach.

The group, led by The Rev. Becky Ullom Naugle, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Church of the Brethren, spent two days in New York City studying Immigration through the lens of Hebrews 13:2, Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. While in New York City the group met at First Moravian Church on Lexington Avenue and in true Moravian fashion, were welcomed warmly with open arms and refreshment.

Following their time in New York City, the group traveled by bus to Washington, D.C. to visit Julie Chavez Rodrigues, deputy director of public engagement at the White House and various State Representatives on Capitol Hill.

When asked why they wanted to be part of the Christian Citizenship Seminar Jarea said, “I wanted to know more about the immigration system, to see New York City and Washington, D.C. and it was a good chance to get away from the daily stresses of living on the south side of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.”

“This was a chance to connect with kids from a different church who are from different parts of the country and learn about one issue that affects so many people,” said Kim. “My involvement will help me with my community service hours and scholarship applications. This was also the first time that I traveled by myself.”

The Moravian

Kim and Jarea met many interesting people.

When asked who the most interesting person they met at the Christian Citizenship Seminar was, Kim smiled and said, “Kristen Hoffman, one of the leaders from the Brethren Church.

She was so welcoming and hospitable. She helped me to feel at home and made sure I had everything I needed. People say that I am joyful, but Kristen topped me.”

Jarea connected with Liana Smith, a Junior from Palmyra, Pa. “We live in the same state but we live such different lives,” said Jarea.

“We both go to school, but took two different routes. She is all about her books and getting good grades at school while I have to care for my family during the day and work hard to study at night school. But, here at the Christian Citizenship Seminar we had so much in common, we both understand the difficulties of immigration and want to do something about it.”

Both young women acknowledged that they were challenged during this experience. “The Bible study challenged me to think about immigration in a new and different way,” said Kim, who during the first session of the seminar realized how much there was to learn about immigration. “I never thought about how Jesus, as a young boy, was an immigrant and how he told others to welcome all people just as God welcomes me. And, Jesus as God’s son was an immigrant here on the earth. Many welcomed him, but others turned him away. He was looking for people to welcome him and is still looking for people to welcome him.”

“Being at this seminar was an adjustment, just being around so many people I didn’t know,” said Jarea. “I went in with no friends and came out with two new friends.”

When asked where they saw God at work during their time at the Seminar, Jarea shared, June 2015

“God showed me the true colors of the people I have been around all my life. God showed me who was there for me and who wasn’t. I saw how God uses calm and peace to solve problems. I want to do that.”

“I saw God at work by giving me the opportunity to come here,” said Kim. “Finding new friends in the Church of the Brethren, building a new family together, brothers and sisters in Christ. This was a lesson and a blessing; we will be representatives for God in our world.”

And finally, when asked, “Why should others participate in the Christian Citizenship Seminar?” Jarea answered, “It is a good experience for youth to have. To know more about our government, how to try to make change, why working in community is important and how to talk with people with whom you don’t agree.”

“This seminar was a great chance to meet others who are positive, looking to better the lives of others in peaceful and constructive ways and to be closer to God and each other,” said Kim. “And, of course, to have fun and meet good people.” ■ Cynthia Geyer is director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the Eastern District. She accompanied Kim and Jarea to the Christian Citizenship Seminar this year.

MORAVIAN LEADERSHIP

Strengthening the ranks of Moravian leaders “It enhanced my knowledge of how to be a

better leader not only in my church, but in my personal life as well…”

“Fostering friendships with others outside my congregation made me fall in love with my own congregation again…” “…this allowed me to see that the future of the Moravian Church is in good hands and takes away my worries for the future of our denomination…”

These are just a few of the reactions that Southern Province Moravians offered about participating in one of the first two groups of The Moravian Leadership Network (MLN).

MLN, a program of the Board of Cooperative Ministries, joins and strengthens leaders in the Moravian Church, Southern Province through experiential, group-oriented learning. The goal is to broaden and deepen the pool of Moravian leaders—people who will dedicate themselves to accomplishing worthwhile goals with a sense of vision, excitement and common good to create a future of greater possibilities.

Each year, a diverse group of Moravians from various congregations meets four times for meaningful face-to-face sessions. To date, 29 participants from 17 different congregations have completed the program, which includes emphasis on spiritual leadership, personal development, relationship-building, conflict and change management, along with Moravian history, polity/structure and theology. Participants gain ownership of the Moravian Church’s future and make valuable connections with others who will journey there alongside them.

Bringing the group together During the four sessions, typically held from Friday evening through late Saturday afternoon, program participants meet at different locations around the Province. For example, the past group met at Laurel Ridge, Trinity Moravian in Winston-Salem, Little Church on the Lane in Charlotte and the Summit Retreat Center north of Greensboro.

Each session focuses on different aspects

The 2014-15 Moravian Leadership Development class studied together over four sessions.

of personal and congregational leadership skills. Participants have an opportunity to better understand their spiritual gifts and what they offer to a congregation; gain insight into leadership styles and conflict resolution; study books about personal and congregational leadership; and build skills for helping their congregations and the church as a whole.

The MLN invites some of the Province’s most dynamic and knowledgeable leaders to work with participants, too. During the most recent MLN program, participants dug into Moravian history and identity with the Rev. Dr. Craig Atwood; learned about spirituality and spiritual gifts from the Rev. Dr. Neil Routh; discussed conflict resolution with the Rev. Margaret Leinbach; gained a greater understanding of how the Provincial Elders’ Conference works from PEC Member Peggy Carter and Bob Hunter, former assistant to the PEC president; discovered a world of mission possibilities with the Bishop Sam Gray; and learned about the Moravian Guidelines for Biblical Interpretation from Bishop Wayne Burkette.

The MLN also offers an opportunity for participants to learn from each other, sharing concerns, insights, best practices and ideas.

The most recent group included members from Winston-Salem, Rural Hall, Greensboro, Charlotte, Raleigh, Georgia, along with an Interprovincial employee from Pennsylvania.

Participants work together on group projects that allow them to put their training to use addressing an issue in today’s church. (continued on next page) Ruth Cole Burcaw is executive director of the Board of Cooperative Ministries in the Southern Province and part of the MLN Planning Team.

June 2015

(continued from previous page) “What a terrific experience!” said one participant in the 2014 class. “I learned so many things about the Moravian Church, leadership issues and my own leadership style. However, the best part for me was spending time with my sisters and brothers from around the Province.”

The MLN Experience “The MLN experience was a thought-provoking and hope-filled one that has helped me, personally, to take ownership of the future of the Moravian Church and to connect with others who will journey there alongside me,” said Amy Gardin Linville, Rural Hall Moravian Church, Class of 2014. “It was so refreshing to learn that there are many of us who care about the church, that no one person or congregation is alone. This, coupled with specific leadership training in the context of the Moravian Church, is what makes the MLN a program full of opportunities for our future.”

“We often hear folks say that they are spiritual but not religious,” said Henry Fansler, Unity Moravian Church, Class of 2015. “I see now that I need to be both religious and spiritual. I can listen spiritually. I can give a

blessing when a brother or sister most needs one. I have known my major spiritual gift for the music ministry for years. Now I can reach out in ways that I had not considered before our MLN sessions.”

“The Moravian Leadership Network enhanced my understanding of spiritual leadership by creating a path for personal introspection,” said Paula Hall, DCE, King Moravian Church, Class of 2014. “Through examination of spiritual gifts, types and practice, biblical models, basic leadership dynamics, as well as generational differences and Moravian identity, I was able to map a personal course for growth and development.

As a Director of Christian Education I will undoubtedly use the knowledge and skills in my professional role, but I am also eager share ideas and concepts with others.”

An invitation to participate We invite all Southern Province Moravians and interprovincial employees to participate in an upcoming MLN program. The church of the 21st century will fulfill its potential with a dynamic group of leaders who are grounded in their faith, understand congregational life and join together with others to provide the leadership we need to fulfill our mission.

To apply for the next Moravian Leadership Network cohort, visit http://bit.ly/MLN2015.

Complete information about the program, including costs, schedules and other details are available there.

The next MLN group will begin in September 2015 and run through April 2016.

Applications for this session should be submitted

by August 2, 2015. ■

The Moravian

MORAVIAN HISTORY

Schoenbrunn: Honoring the legacy of an amazing Moravian missionary During the second half of the 18th century, David Zeisberger was the best known and arguably the most successful Moravian missionary in North America. As witness to remarkable events in both the Moravian Church and American history, Brother David devoted the last six decades of his life to spreading the Gospel and serving his Native American brothers and sisters in Christ. Between 1749, when he was ordained a deacon at Bethlehem in colonial Pennsylvania, and his death in 1808 at Goshen in the State of Ohio, Zeisberger established no less than 16 missions across Pennsylvania, Ohio and Ontario. Along the way he did more to document Native languages, record traditions and promote racial equality than perhaps any person of his time.

The shining star of his achievements was a little village called Schoenbrunn, near a big spring, deep in the forest of the Ohio Country.

In the early twentieth century, residents of the Tuscarawas Valley of Ohio began to discuss ways to honor the missionaries and converts who had once lived there. Because the mission village of Schoenbrunn had included the first church and school buildings west of the Allegheny Mountains, reconstructing these June 2015

and other village buildings seemed an appropriate monument to their memory. At that time, the Rev. Joseph E. Weinland was pastor of the Dover First Moravian Church and also president of the Tuscarawas County Historical Association. He was instrumental in research, planning and raising money for the project.

Although Schoenbrunn mission once contained over 60 buildings, by the 1920s, its location had been lost; the passage of more than 140 years and extensive farming had erased all signs that it had ever existed. Finding the site required exhaustive research at the Moravian Archives in Bethlehem; many documents were studied including maps, letters and the original mission diaries written

by Zeisberger while living at Schoenbrunn.

Finally, after archeological excavations, the sites of the church, school and graveyard were located and the first reconstructed cabin was completed in June of 1927.

Today, Schoenbrunn Village Historic Site contains 16 reconstructed buildings, including the mission house and school. A visitor’s center with museum is at the entrance to the (continued on next page) 17

cousins who volunteer as costumed docents at Historic Schoenbrunn Village.

We share their perspective on David Zeisberger, his deeds and his impact on early America and the Moravian Church here.

A costumed interpreter at Historic Schoenbrunn Village in Ohio.

(continued from previous page) village. Volunteers, serving as guides and costumed interpreters, explain daily life and the importance of the missions in American history. The village has seasonal hours along with a number of special events throughout the year. These include Children’s Day, a Colonial Trade Faire and two Lantern Tours. Each year the county Moravians hold two special events for the community, a lovefeast and candlelight service during Advent and an Easter Sunrise Service, complete with a Brass Choir.

But who was the man who put Schoenbrunn, quite literally, on the map? Millie Weston, a member of Schoenbrunn Community Moravian Church and Seth Angel, a member of Fry’s Valley Moravian Church, recently researched and prepared an article about Zeisberger. Millie and Seth are also 18

About David Zeisberger David Zeisberger was born on Good Friday morning, April 11, 1721, in Zauchtenthal, Moravia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. When he was only five years old, his parents quietly took David and his infant sister across the Carpathian Mountains into Saxony to escape religious persecution. There, they joined other Protestant exiles on the land of Count Ludwig von Zinzendorf. The Zeisberger family was living in Herrnhut at the birth of the Renewed Brethren’s or Moravian Church, on August 13, 1727.

During 1736, when his parents traveled to America as missionaries in the English colony of Georgia, young David was sent to Holland to continue his education. Conditions were harsh, so Zeisberger and another teenager decided to run away; after traveling to England, David booked passage to America and rejoined his parents.

Britain and Spain were at war at this time and the conflict had spread to Georgia and the neighboring Spanish colony of Florida.

The Moravians were caught in the struggle; as pacifists they refused to enroll in the colonial militia and were forced to abandon their mission work.

David, his parents and a few other Moravians migrated to Pennsylvania. Initially the group settled near present-day Nazareth before relocating to the banks of the Lehigh River at Monocacy Creek in the settlement that would become Bethlehem.

Throughout the remainder of the 1740s Zeisberger prepared for his calling as a misThe Moravian

David Zeisberger

sionary among the Indians. He studied native language, served as a mission assistant where needed and learned the traditions of the tribes along the frontier. In 1749, Brother David was ordained a deacon and received his first assignment as senior missionary at the Delaware town of Shamokin.

Over the next two decades Zeisberger established a series of missions with the Delaware. The converts included some of the most influential Delaware leaders of their day.

The Pennsylvania frontier was a very dangerous place during this time; the French and Indian War was quickly followed by Pontiac’s Uprising and many settlers lost their lives to war parties. David himself narrowly escaped death in 1755 when French allied warriors attacked and killed eleven converts and missionaries at Gnadenhutten mission near present day Lehighton, Pennsylvania. As time went on, the Moravian missions in Pennsylvania faced danger not only from other tribes, but also from whites in nearby towns and villages. Years of frontier raids led settlers to distrust all Indians, often taking revenge with little concern over guilt or innocence. Zeisberger realized that only moving the missions far from other settlements could bring a measure of safety.

In 1771, Netawatwees, the head chief of the Delaware, offered Zeisberger land in the Ohio Country to relocate the missions. The

chief had long been a friend of the mission work, seeing that the missions benefited his people; he also saw the need to move them to a more secure area. The land, along the Tuscarawas branch of the Muskingum River, was near the Delaware capital at present day Newcomerstown, Ohio. There, deep within the wilderness and in the heart of the Delaware homeland, they could find safety.

In 1772, after much prayerful discussion, the missions began moving to the Ohio Country. On May 3, 1772, David Zeisberger, John (continued on next page)

(continued from previous page)

Mille Weston and Seth Angel volunteer at Schoenbrunn.

Heckewelder and five Delaware families arrived at a big spring along the banks of the Upper Muskingum; the place was known as Wilhik-Thupeek by the Delaware. This spot, which had been suggested by Netawatwees, would be called Schoenbrunn (beautiful spring) in German.

The first of many to follow, this small group had traveled nearly 350 miles from Friedenshutten on the Susquehanna. Temporary shelters were constructed, fields were marked out and cleared and crops were soon in the ground. The converts next turned to building. A church and a school, the first in what would become Ohio, were closely followed by permanent cabins. The village was laid out in regular lots with two main streets in the form of a tee. The church and school were at the intersection of the streets, with missionary cabins adjacent and other homes beyond.

As with previous missions, Schoenbrunn was governed by the missionaries and a National Helpers Conference.

During October of that year, another mission was begun about eight miles downstream. This village, which was led by a convert and helper named Joshua, Sr., was for Mahican converts and was called Gnadenhutten in memory of the earlier mission in Pennsylvania. As the two villages continued to grow, additional “teachers” came to serve the congregations. Missionary couples like the Jungmanns and Rothes were assisted by national helpers in the villages. These included Nathanial Davis, John Papunhank, Esther, Anton and Isaac Glikhikan. Young John Heckewelder served as Ohio’s first school teacher at Schoenbrunn. True to Moravian tradition, the school served both boys and girls.

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The Ohio missions grew quickly, adding new converts and reaching a combined population of over 400 just as the first shots of rebellion echoed in 1775 at Lexington and Concord. Unfortunately, their location between the British in Detroit and the Americans at Fort Pitt brought both trials and tragedy to the Moravians. This turbulent time saw Schoenbrunn abandoned while new missions were established at Lichtenau and Salem.

Late in 1781, the British forced the missions to relocate closer to Detroit. This was followed by charges that the missionaries had supported the Revolution. While Zeisberger and the others prepared for trial at Detroit, a group of converts returned to collect food at Gnadenhutten. The converts were taken prisoner by a Pennsylvania militia and accused of supporting British allied raiding parties.

A mock tribunal found them guilty and sentenced them to death. The Moravian converts sang hymns and prayed throughout the night; at dawn, the militia brutally murdered 96 innocent men, women and children.

Cleared of the treason charges, David would collect his scattered flock and go on to guide the Moravian Delaware for the next quarter century. Finally, he returned to the Tuscarawas Valley and ended his travels at Goshen. There, in the graveyard of his final mission, Brother David rests surrounded by some of his most beloved Delaware brothers and sisters.

David Zeisberger and John Heckewelder kept detailed diaries which captured current events, cultural details and even observations June 2015

about local plants and wildlife. These journals allow us a rare glimpse beyond the frontier during the second half of the 18th century as well as a window on life in early Moravian missions. In addition, Zeisberger compiled a dictionary of the Delaware oral language. This book, which documented the language for the first time in written form, is still in use today.

The Moravian mission work in Ohio is an often-ignored part of American history; the Tuscarawas Valley has many sites and activities that allow us to connect with these important events. Ohio’s oldest outdoor drama, “Trumpet in the Land,” is a theatrical retelling of the Ohio mission story. Schoenbrunn Village and Gnadenhutten Historic Park allow us to walk the very ground where the missions experienced both great success and unspeakable tragedy.

Ohio’s Tuscarawas Valley is a very important part of our Moravian Heritage. ■ NOTES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This article is a collaborative effort of Millie Weston, Schoenbrunn Community Moravian Church and Seth Angel, Fry’s Valley Moravian Church. Millie and Seth are cousins who volunteer as costumed docents at Historic Schoenbrunn Village.

Historic Schoenbrunn Village is operated by The Ohio History Connection and managed locally

by The Dennison Depot Museum.

Schoenbrunn pictures by Seth; historical images courtesy of the Northern Province Archives, used with permission.

STUDYING MORAVIAN DOCTRINE

Moravian Covenant for Christian Living Part V

In our January issue of the Moravian Maga-

zine, we introduced a new regular feature, “Studying Moravian Doctrine.” Following the outline established by Jesus Still Lead On, An Introduction to Moravian Belief, we will cover different aspects of two central documents outlining Moravian doctrine and belief each month. In 2015, we are working through the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living (MCCL); in 2016, we’ll cover the Ground of the Unity.

This month will cover the parts of the MCCL dealing with Worship and Holy Communion.

Thanks to Dr. Craig Atwood and the editors of Jesus Still Lead On (produced in 2005) for this material. If you are interested in obtaining the entirety of Jesus Still Lead On, please contact the IBOC or visit store.moravian.org.

The full text of the Moravian Covenant for Christian Living and the Ground of the Unity are available as a free download from www.moravian.org. Printed copies are available from the IBOC.

Worship Paragraphs 16 and 17: Remembering that worship is one of our proper responses to Almighty God, an experience designed for our benefit and a part of our Christian witness, we and our children will faithfully attend the worship services of the Church.

We, therefore, will be careful to avoid unnecessary labor on Sunday and plan that the recreations in which we engage on that day do not interfere with 22

our own attendance or that of others at divine worship.

Commentary: The most basic activity of the Christian Church is worship of God. This statement does not diminish other important Christian activities, such as evangelism and acts of mercy, but it does remind us that the Church is first and foremost a worshipping community. This is evident in the Old and New Testaments where God’s people come together to worship him.

When we separate ourselves from the worship of the community, we are separating ourselves from the community of faith. Notice that the Covenant reminds us, though, that worship is not an obligation imposed on us; it is a blessing that we have received from God. The Moravian Church has generally recognized that Sunday is not the exact equivalent of the Jewish Sabbath in part because Jesus reinterpreted the Sabbath laws of the Old Testament; however, the Covenant for Christian Living does highlight the traditional understanding that Sunday is not a free day for Christians. Sunday is intended to be a day for worship and study.

Questions: • What does worship mean to you?

• What benefits do you experience by actively participating in the worship of your congregation?

• Is it important to attend worship even if you do not feel worshipful?

• How would you respond to the comment, “I can worship God without going to church?”

The Moravian

• What do you think worship should be like in the Moravian Church?

• Why is it important to bring children to church services?

• What should people do if they do not feel they are benefiting from worship?

Holy Communion Paragraph 18: Holy Communion: In the celebration of this Sacrament we receive the renewed assurance of the forgiveness of our sins and of our fellowship with Christ; unite with one another as members of His Body; and rejoice in the hope of His return in glory. Therefore, we will commune faithfully and thus renew our pledge of allegiance to Him. Commentary: Our community of faith traces its origins to a reform movement in Bohemia that centered on frequent communion for the laity. We broke away from the Roman Catholic Church primarily over the issue of giving the cup (chalice) to the laity in Communion. Many of our ancestors were imprisoned or executed for sharing in Holy Communion according to the simple teaching of the New Testament.

Through the centuries, frequent and reverent sharing in the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ remained the holiest aspect of Moravian worship. Our ministers typically wear a white robe called a surplice in communion to emphasize that it is really Christ who gives us this sacred meal and that the personality and flaws of the minister do not affect the holiness of the sacrament.

According to Moravian teaching, if we refuse to take communion from one of our clergy, we are separating ourselves from Christ.

The sacrament is about Communion with our June 2015

Lord and Savior and our membership in the mystical body of Christ that transcends our divisions.

Questions: • Why do you think Jesus instructed his disciples to observe this ritual?

• How does Communion give us “assurance of the forgiveness of our sins”?

• Should you absent yourself from Communion if you are not feeling holy that day?

• What do you experience when you take Communion? Would you expect others to experience what you experience?

• Is Communion important even if you do not feel anything when you do it?

• What do you think of the Moravian approach to Communion? Is it different than what you have experienced in other churches?

• What do Moravians emphasize about Communion in our ceremony?

Next month: Relations with Other Churches and The Witness of a Christian Home. ■

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MORAVIAN MUSIC

“A Storm in the Land”: Southern Moravians in the Civil War One hundred and fifty years ago this year, the

American Civil War—the bloodiest chapter in the country’s history—came to a close. From 1861–1865, somewhere between 620,000 and 750,000 soldiers perished in battle or from disease or starvation. It tore the Union apart, pitting American against American in one of the United States’ darkest hours.

There are many ways the story of the Civil War have been told. To share that story from the perspective from North Carolina Moravians, the Moravian Music Foundation and Southern Province Archives developed “A Storm in the Land,” a production that combines words and music in a unique, compelling way. A performance of “A Storm in the Land” was recently recorded and is now available online.

“The American Civil War was a great tragedy in our country’s history that affected Moravians in both the North and South,” said the Rev. Dr. Nola Reed Knouse, executive director of the Moravian Music Foundation. “‘A

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Storm in the Land’ provides a glimpse into the experience of North Carolina Moravians during this dreadful time, with excerpts from newspaper articles, letters to and from those serving in the Confederate army, and church diaries.”

Performances of the “A Storm in the Land” include dramatic readings of the writings of real people interspersed with band music from the period. The musical pieces selected accentuate the mood of the readings, from rousing marches to somber dirges.

From actual accounts Other than the narrator’s words, all the spoken words in “A Storm in the Land” come from documents of the period. Characters include newspaper editors; a surgeon and his fiancée; and a soldier from 26th Regimental Band.

In compiling the script for “A Storm in the Land,” archivist the Rev. Dr. C. Daniel Crews looked to the pages of two competing newspapers of the time. The Western Sentinel was The Moravian

At left: Performance of “A Storm in the Land” at the Bethlehem Conference of History and Music in 2014.

the newspaper of the town of Winston (just north of Salem), and its editor, John W. Alspaugh, generally wrote more in favor of secession. The People’s Press was the newspaper of Salem and often functioned as the “voice of the church.” Its editor, Levi V. Blum, tended toward a more cautious perspective, until North Carolina actually did secede from the Union.

Daniel also cited the letters of J. Frank Shaffner, a surgeon from Salem serving in the Confederate army. He and his fiancée Carrie Fries, back in Salem, exchanged a number of letters during the war years, expressive of the experience of the men away at war and the women waiting at home.

Finally, “A Storm in the Land” shares the words of Edward Peterson, a member of the 26th North Carolina regimental band who wrote letters to his family and friends back home. Some of Peterson’s letters describe in painful detail the horrors of war while others (to his sister mostly) describe details of the flora and fauna he encounters, life in camp, food and some interesting people he meets.

The narration comes partly from the Salem church diary, the Memorabilia (year-end summaries written by the pastor and shared with the congregation on New Year’s Eve) and some newly-written commentary on what was happening in the war. Daniel wrote the script, assisted by Nola, who prepared the musical editions.

Readers for the performance last fall included faculty and staff from Moravian Theological Seminary: Craig Atwood (Alsbaugh), Frank Crouch (Blum), Riddick Weber (Shaffner), and Jane Weber (Fries). They were joined by Chris Giesler (Peterson) and Nola (Narrator).

Martha and Edward Peterson

(continued on next page) June 2015

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Carrie Fries Shaffner, c. 1866

(continued from previous page) Combined with music In the production, the readings are interspersed with band music from the period.

“The music performed in ‘A Storm in the Land’ was all arranged from the books of the band of the 26th North Carolina Regiment, the only-known complete set of band books surviving from a Confederate band,” says Nola.

The production includes pieces like “Carolina March,” “Dixie/Bonnie Blue Flag,” “Canary Bird Waltz,” “Balade from Zampa,” “Schubert’s Serenade,” and “Lorena & Bright Smiles.” Mainstreet Brass, a professional brass quintet from Bethlehem founded in 1986, performed the music in the performance recorded last fall.

Telling the story “A Storm in the Land” tracks the war from the election of Abraham Lincoln and the vote for secession to its conclusion in 1865.

The program begins with the narrator laying the scene: “By 1860, the nation as a whole had been wracked for many years by questions of states rights, slavery and the continuation of the Union itself. In northwest North Carolina, opinions were not unanimous on the proper course to take. This may be seen in the running feud carried on by two local 26

newspapers, the Western Sentinel of Winston and The People’s Press of Salem.”

Audiences then hear an ongoing exchange between the paper’s editors. From Sentinel editor Alspaugh: “Our worst fears have been realized. The sectional party of the North has gained the presidency, even though it harbors the direst hostility to the rights, interests and privileges of the Southern states. Still, we urge our citizens to stand by the Constitution. Do not rush to secede! At the same time, we do suggest that the militia begin preparations.”

Counters People’s Press editor Blum: “We deplore the celebrations in Charleston at the election of Mr. Lincoln, which they believe makes secession inevitable. In this they are behaving more like children than soberly reasoning adults. We are happy to report that not everyone there favors secession, and that in some places there is Common Sense even from South Carolina.”

However, North Carolina seceded from the Union on May 20, 1861. In the Salem Diary of June 17, 1861, Francis Holland, pastor of the Salem church, wrote: “Two companies of volunteers raised in Forsyth County left for the seat of war. The parting scenes were most painful and affecting. The companies halted near the church, the line extending in front of the Academy, from the portico of which short addresses were delivered, and fervent prayer was then offered. The soldiers filed off amid the tearful adieus of the multitude. Many of the relatives and friends accompanied them as far as the bridge, where they bade them finally, farewell. May our heavenly Father screen them from temptation, shelter them in the day of battle, guard them from all danger and may the blessing and peace of Christ our Savior be with them, and may they, if consistent with The Moravian

His allwise and gracious will, be brought back speedily, in peace and safety!” This is followed by the band playing “Dixie/Bonnie Blue Flag.”

In the correspondence of surgeon Shaffner and his fiancée Fries, we hear this exchange as the euphoria of military adventure wore off very soon: Shaffner: “The probabilities are that the companies will disband... and there are few who will now enter the regular service. In fact, none but the commissioned officers desire doing so, and deprive them of their commissions, a different tune would be sung…A powerful change has swept over our land, a storm is now brewing, even raging, and we must meet it.

Fries: “You spoke of the bravery of the women of the South. I think their hardest struggle is after the excitement of preparation is over they are left to await the future as best they can.”

On the home front As the performance continues, the audience learns more about what life was like on the home front: “The Salem diary of August 11, 1861, reports that there were no cakes or coffee at the lovefeast, due to high prices.

This practice of celebrating ‘dry lovefeasts’ continued throughout the war, except for special efforts to make sure that the children got something at Christmas.”

The audience also hears about the growing carnage on the battlefields and its effect at home in 1862. “Funerals of those who had died in service became more frequent… more perished from disease, however, than from bullets. Pastor Holland lamented in the Salem Diary, ‘How many men in the prime of life have fallen victims to disease in this abominable war, besides the thousands who have been slain in battle!’”

June 2015

Nola Knouse narrates “A Storm in the Land.”

And the People’s Press and Western Sentinel continued their feud: Said Editor Blum, “The Sentinel seems to be accusing the Moravians of being disloyal to the Confederacy. Be reminded, however, that Salem has furnished nearly an entire company of soldiers, something which many larger communities cannot claim.”

A soldier’s Easter, 1863 Later in the program, soldier Peterson shares his Easter Week of 1863: “Monday of Holy Week. Think of it, in this memorable and Holy week such an enlightened and Christianized nation as ours is, to prepare for fighting and expect a bloody fight too. It’s dreadful to think about it. If peace and good will could only be restored once again between the North and the South.

“Maundy Thursday. I can see you all preparing to celebrate Easter.... This is the first Easter that I have missed spending at home....

“Good Friday. I wonder how you all do on this holy day. One thing I know, you don’t hear such sounds as we are listening to on this morning. Ever since I opened my eyes on this morning, I can hear the heavy discharges of artillery.... (continued on next page)

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J. Frank Shaffner

(continued from previous page) “Great Sabbath. Soon Easter will have passed and we have seen nothing of it. It is not observed here at Greenville. If I could be with you in the morning, I would give a heap. I expect we shall blow our church tunes that we generally blow. I’ll think of you at home in the morning if ever I did. And I know you’ll think of us.

“Easter Sunday morning, 6 o’clock. We got up about 5 this morning and played church tunes such as we had. I guess you are eating breakfast just now. I wish I could take it with you.”

The War rages on As the performance charts the war through 1863–64, we hear, In the words of the Salem Memorabilia of 1863: “To not a few among us it was a year of trials and afflictions and without scarcely any exceptions…while we were once living in a land flowing with milk and honey and yielding even to the poor the

necessaries of life, not only have plenty and abundance left us, in general, but want and destitution have taken their place...”

As the performance nears its end, the narrator offers, “Still the dying Confederacy struggled on in 1865. Early in the year word flew that the war might soon end. ‘Rumors of peace caused the hearts of all to rejoice,’ the Salem Diary records.

Other characters offer their thoughts: Blum: “It’s fine to hope for peace, but we will not get out of this war as easily as we slid into it. It is rather naive to think that the North will offer us favorable peace terms now.”

Alspaugh: “Do not be deceived by talk of negotiations! The only choices are victory or annihilation!”

Fries: “A morning such as this should do much to make us feel cheerful. All nature seems to be rejoicing. With what joy I once welcomed the first indications of spring! Now it is different. The first balmy days of each year serve but to herald the approach of Mars demanding new victims to be slain upon his bloody altars.”

Closing the War In closing, the narrator shares this: “On April 10 federal troops entered Salem and Bethania.

Fearing the worst, the residents had hidden all the valuables which they had left in the safest places they could think of—the girls’ school (continued on page 30)

The 26th North Carolina Regimental Band. All archival images in this article courtesy of the Southern Province Archives.

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The Moravian

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS NORTHERN PROVINCE Outdoor Ministries Sunday, June 7, 2015 The 1994 Synod of the Moravian Church– Northern Province passed legislation regarding the observance of an Outdoor Ministries Sunday. The date for this observance has been established by the Provincial Elders’ Conference as the Sunday after Trinity Sunday, which falls on June 7 this year. Pastors are encouraged to use either of the liturgies prepared in 1996–1997. The liturgies are available in the “Public Documents” section of the Northern Province Portal or by contacting the Provincial Office.

Ordination Sister Sanette V. Francis, a May 2015 graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary, was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church on May 30, 2015. Bishop C. Hopeton Clennon officiated at the service, which was held at John Hus Moravian Church, Brooklyn, New York.

Presbyterial Consecration Sister Rebecca Craver, presently serving as pastor of Edmonton Moravian Church, Edmonton, Alberta, will be consecrated a presbyter of the Moravian Church on September 13, 2015. Bishop M. Blair Couch will officiate at the service, which will be held at the Edmonton Moravian Church.

Staten Island, New York Sister Tracy A. Pryor, who has been serving as pastor for Schoenbrunn Moravian Church, New Philadelphia, Ohio, accepted the call to serve as pastor for Great Kills Moravian Church, Staten Island, N.Y. Sister Pryor will be installed July 12, 2015.

June 2015

Coopersburg, Pennsylvania Brother Jay Petrella, who has been serving as pastor for Church of the Redeemer Moravian Church, Dublin, Ohio, accepted the call to serve as pastor for MorningStar Moravian Church, Coopersburg, Pa. Brother Petrella will be installed June 28, 2015.

Watertown, Wisconsin Sister Sanette V. Francis has accepted the call to serve as pastor for Ebenezer Moravian Church, Watertown, Wis. Sister Francis will be installed June 28, 2015.

Elizabeth D. Miller Provincial Elders’ Conference

SOUTHERN PROVINCE Good Shepherd Moravian, Kernersville On May 3, 2015 the church council of Good Shepherd Moravian Church, Kernersville, N.C. voted unanimously to conclude ministry together and to close with a final worship service May 31, 2015. The congregation began October 4, 1988 in Kernersville Elementary School and chartered February 12, 1989 with its own facilities in Kernersville.

Pastoral leadership included the Rt. Rev. Lane Sapp (founding pastor), and the Reverends Tom Hensley, Dan Conrad, Patty Garner and Judy Knopf.

In the grace, love and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the members served faithfully for over twenty-six years, accepted one another in Christian love, called on the Lord in good times and in bad, and faced challenges and obstacles (including recent years of declining numbers, energy and financial resources) relying on God’s strength, presence and guidance.

David Guthrie Provincial Elders’ Conference 29

OBITUARY

Sister Hazel Marie Cox Stelter Sister Hazel Marie Cox Stelter passed into the more immediate presence of the Lord Friday, May 1, 2015, at the age of 93, and under the loving care of her children, grandchildren and the staff at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice, in Winston-Salem, N.C. Sr. Stelter was born in Mt. Airy, N.C, attended schools in North Carolina and graduated valedictorian from Ellerbe High School in 1938. She graduated from the N.C. Baptist Hospital School of Nursing with honors and received her RN in 1943.

While in nursing school she met the Rev. Elmer R. Stelter, and they were married in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in October 1943.

Together they served congregations in Alberta before accepting a call in 1961 to Olivet Moravian Church, and later, Ardmore Moravian Church, where they served until retirement in 1983.

Sr. Stelter is survived by her three children; Dale Stelter and wife, Sally of Winston-Salem, Faith Long and husband, Ed of Charlotte, and Hope Bethea and husband, Greg of Wilson, N.C.; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her sister, Betty Mabe.

A graveside service was held in God’s Acre in Salem, Saturday, May 16 at 1:00 p.m., with the Rev. Gerald Befus officiating. ■ Ad Policy for The Moravian — The Moravian accepts paid advertising that is consistent with the magazine’s objectives and editorial convictions as they are stated in the purpose and mission of the Interprovincial Board of Communication. Advertisements for activities, services and products of specific interest to members of the Moravian Church have priority. The Moravian does not accept purely editorial advertisements that advocate specific ideas or issues. Articles, columns and letters to the editor are the appropriate vehicles for the presentation of ideas and issues. The Interprovincial Board of Communication is responsible for the content and design of the magazine, including advertisements. Ad rates and specifications are available www.moravian.org.

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Oldest bookshop (continued from page 5)

“The Moravian Book Shop will be a great addition to downtown Allentown,” said City Center President J.B. Reilly. “We were excited to learn of their desire to grow their brand while keeping their roots firmly in Bethlehem. We embrace that plan with them and look forward to a great relationship.”

The Moravian Book Shop, the oldest, continuously operating book shop in the United States, was founded in 1745 when the Moravian Church appointed Samuel Powell of the Church’s Crown Inn on the south side of the Lehigh River to operate a bookstore. After several locations, the Moravian Book Shop was moved to the Church’s publications building near the Central Moravian Church in 1871. Today, the Moravian Book Shop’s home is this same site on Historic Main Street in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In addition to a fine selection of books, the store also offers a wide variety of distinctive merchandise. ■

Civil War

(continued from page 28) being the favorite. Generally, however, the federal troops did little damage, and even removed their hats when walking through the graveyard.

At the end of the year, the Salem Memorabilia says with a sigh: ‘Thus the fearful war was really ended and much bloodshed spared. Our loved ones returned one after the other, and when we consider how many of them there were, and to what dangers, hardships and privations they were exposed, we can rejoice.’”

To see the entire performance of “A Storm in the Land,” including the music of Mainstreet Brass, visit vimeo.com/115999922. ■ The Moravian

God’s legacy is the GIFT OF LOVE. What will yours be?

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S A PEOPLE OF FAITH, Moravians know our work can serve God far beyond our lifetimes. With careful planning, our money can do the same. The Moravian Ministries Foundation’s GiftLegacy program helps individuals, churches and agencies create plans for giving that support the ministries they care about most — now and in the future.

GiftLegacy offers confidential consultation to individuals and tools to help meet personal and charitable financial goals. For churches and agencies, GiftLegacy helps structure planned giving programs that resonate with congregations and supporters. In keeping with our mission, the Moravian Ministries Foundation GiftLegacy services are always offered free of charge. Contact us today to discuss your charitable legacy.

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