Visit Us
Walk through history as we guide you to things to learn, places to discover, and events that help connect us to our rich heritage.
Starting this summer, visit our friends, the Central Moravian Church who are offering guided tours of their historic buildings!
1751 Old Chapel
Starting June 7, the Old Chapel will be open each Friday from 12 – 1 p.m. with a Moravian Daily Text reading at 12:15 p.m. This short daily devotion has been a part of Moravian tradition since 1731.
Guests will be welcomed to visit and learn more about the 1751 Old Chapel, where George Washington and Benjamin Franklin worshipped and which welcomed local Native Americans as well as German settlers in its early history. The Chapel is still used for Sunday worship, memorial services, weddings and other church events.
1806 Sanctuary
The Church Sanctuary, built from 1803-1806, will be open for guided tours every Saturday starting in July (July 7th), each half hour from 2 – 4 p.m. Guests will be welcomed to take this 45 minute tour of the sanctuary learning more not only about its architectural design, history of music and worship, but also the living ministries of Central Moravian Church today. Unique places like the 2nd floor Kleiner Saal will be included on this tour. A suggested donation of $5/person. A gift shop with many unique Moravian items, as well as books and other gifts will be open.
Guests should enter on the Northeast side of the church, the door accessible to the church green and Heckewelder Place (closest to Moravian Book store).
How To Arrange a Tour
Guided tours of the Sanctuary and Old Chapel can also be arranged by contacting the Rev. Josh Follweiler, Associate Pastor at 610-866-5661 (x.201) A suggested donation of $5/person is requested for these tours. They can be arranged subject to a tour guide and the church’s availability.
Other Events
Sunday, August 11 at 10 AM
Celebration of Holy Communion followed by Lovefeast on the Green.
This marks the date closest to the August 13th celebration, a remembrance of a 1727 renewal of the Moravian Church. Often called the Moravian Pentecost, this event marks the culmination of months of community building in a Spirit led renewal to be led as missionaries and community builders around the world.
Free Concerts
Sunday, July 21 at 3 PM
New Jerusalem Singers in the Old Chapel
Sunday, August 25 at 2 PM
In the Old Chapel, Chamber Vocal Concert featuring Kimberly Leamon (soprano), Kelly Schmidt (mezzo-soprano), and violinists Becky Brown and Mary Ogletree
Sunday, September 15 at 2 PM
On the Church Green, bring a lawn chair and enjoy the Mainstreet Brass Quintet on the picturesque Church Green.
In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held indoors.
Want to Learn More?
With Historic Bethlehem’s Church & Chapel Tour, you can visit Bethlehem’s oldest places of worship including the 1741 Geminhaus, 1751 Old Chapel, and the 1803-06 Central Moravian Church Sanctuary. These amazing sites still inspire visitors today.
Explore the history of the buildings, as well as the structure of the worship services that are still held here.
