Bethlehem in Northampton County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Old Chapel
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 22, 2009
1. The Old Chapel Marker
Before and during the American Revolution many noted patriots worshiped here, including George Washington, Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Count Casimir Pulaski and the Marquis de Lafayette.
In 1792 fifty-one chiefs and warriors from the Iroquois Confederacy visited this chapel. Among the chiefs were Sagoyewatha (Red Jacket) and Gyantwakia (Cornplanter). Bishop John Ettwein greeted them, and girls from the Moravian Seminary for Young Ladies read poems in their honor. Afterward, Good Peter, an Oneida warrior, spoke:
We will tell our children and grandchildren what has transpired today, and hope that, at no remote time, they may be favored in their dark wilderness with schools such as are to be found in this happy village, where the grace of the Great Spirit reigns in so peculiar a way.
fiftieth anniversary of the building of this Moravian chapel.
1751 - 2001
———————
The
Old Chapel
Erected A.D. 1751
Second Place of
worship in
Bethlehem
Erected 2001.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion
this page online
Location. 40° 37.15′ N, 75° 22.859′ W. Marker is in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in Northampton County. Marker is on Heckwelder Place, on the left when traveling south. Marker is on the north wall of the Old Chapel, near the entrance. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bethlehem PA 18018, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Old Chapel (a few steps from this marker); Gemein Haus (within shouting distance of this marker); Gemeinhaus (within shouting distance of this marker); Bell House (within shouting distance of this marker); Central Moravian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Sisters' House (within shouting distance of this marker); Restoration of the Nain-Schober House (within shouting distance of this marker); John Frederick Wolle (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bethlehem.
Also see . . .
1. Early History of Bethlehem. (Submitted on February 5, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Bishop John Ettwein. (Submitted on February 5, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 22, 2009
2. The Old Chapel Marker
On the east wall of the Old Chapel, in the courtyard facing Church Street.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 22, 2009
3. The Old Chapel and Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 22, 2009
4. The Old Chapel and Marker
Bell House (Girl's Seminary) to right.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 22, 2009
5. The Old Chapel and Marker
Gemeinhaus (white clapboard) to left.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 22, 2009
6. The Old Chapel
Old Chapel PHMC Marker in right foreground, with Gemeinhaus (white building) in right background, and Bell House at extreme left distance; both are attached to the Old Chapel. View from Heckwelder Place.
Postcard by A.C. Bosselman & Co., circa 1908
7. Dead House and Old Moravian Chapel, Bethlehem, Pa.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2018. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,231 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 5, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 7. submitted on December 14, 2014.
