The Moravian Story – Edgeboro Moravian Church

The Moravian Church might be small in numbers in the United States compared to other Christian denominations, but the history and tradition of the Moravian Church is cherished all over the world. What once started as an intentional community in Europe centuries ago is now a worldwide church that is continuing to spread the gospel.

Did You Know?

The Moravian Church (Unitas Fratrum) is over 550 years old. The Unitas Fratrum was founded in what is now the Czech Republic in 1457. This was 60 years before Martin Luther and 100 years before the Anglican Church was established.

The Moravian bishop John Amos Comenius (1592-1670), often called the “Father of Modern Education,” nearly became the second president of Harvard University in 1645. He declined the invitation to remain in Europe.

The Moravian Church nearly died in the late 1600’s because of wars and persecution in Europe. Refugees belonging to the dwindling church at the time came upon the property of Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf in Germany, 1722. After five years, the people were having trouble coexisting due to the clashing of different cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles. If it wasn’t for the Holy Spirit’s presence during a worship service on August 13, 1727 (a day that is still celebrated), the Moravian Church would not be what it is today.

Moravians first traveled internationally in 1732 to the Caribbean island of St. Thomas. Today, the worldwide Moravian Church has about one million members, the vast majority of which live outside of the United States. From Labrador to Nicaragua, from Peru to Nepal, from Germany to Tanzania – Moravians can be found all over the world!

The Moravian Church had a large part to play in the recently improved relations between the United States and Cuba. In fact, the Moravian Church in Cuba is growing rapidly!

President George Washington consulted with the Moravians because of their positive relationships with Native Americans.

Moravians first came to America in 1735. While their settlement in Savannah, GA did not go as planned, Moravians have established many cities and towns that are thriving today including Bethlehem, PA, Winston-Salem, NC, and Green Bay, WI.