2001
Pen and Ink
10 inches x 10 inches
The bell tower’s weathervane proclaims 1803.
But by that time, Bethlehem, the Moravians ideal self-sufficient community on the colonial frontier since 1741, had their idyllic religious way of life interrupted by the “Strangers.” The frontier moved west. Crafts and industries settled on both sides of the river. The religious ideal of ministering to the Algonquin Indians while “working for the good of the community without prejudice equally educated and cared for” faded under the influx of Colonial expansion.
During the Revolution, Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell had been spirited past its doors in the dead of night on its way to a hiding place in Allentown. By 1782 General Washington and his Captains had quartered in the Moravian’s “Sun Inn.” Martha Washington, John Adams and Ben Franklin stayed there as well. The Revolutionary War changed everything, and by the time the Church was completed in 1806, Bethlehem was becoming a mainstream American settlement.
The Moravians and their history have remained regardless. Historic Moravian Bethlehem has retained the highest degree of authenticity in 18th century town planning and mid-1700s architecture. That and most of Main Street itself are on the National Register of historic places.
Within this historic enclave stands the Central Moravian Church: four stories tall, white-pale yellow with its Copper-green dome and large 1803 weathervane. Albeit free, such is the popularity of Christmas Eve services within the plain sanctuary of Bethlehem’s Moravian Church that it has become a ticketed event.
The Moravian Star is its Icon. Its church organ is magnificent. The Bach Choir performs there.
This day in November of 2001, I set up on the curb by the library and captured the Moravian Church from West Church Street with a view down the street. Much of the original sect’s stone buildings are on Church Street, and during the season you will find a candle illuminating every window.
I believe a certain sense of the chill that was in air that afternoon comes out in the line work.