Oldtown in Forsyth County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Gemeinhaus 1788

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, February 22, 2012

1. Gemeinhaus 1788 Marker

Inscription. This was the second Gemeinhaus, or Congregation House, built by the Moravians in Bethabara. Today it is the oldest surviving Moravian church in the southeast and the oldest surviving colonial German church with attached living quarters in the United States. The fieldstone walls are nearly two feet thick. The exterior walls were plastered and lined to resemble fancier cut stones. This building was used as a church until 1953 when the Bethabara Congregation moved into its new sanctuary just south of here.

"...the Brothers here have come to an understanding among themselves to put our hands to it (building the Gemeinhaus) as much as possible."

Rev. John Jacob Ernst, March 7, 1788.

Erected by Historic Bethabara Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is March 7, 1788.

Location. 36° 9.29′ N, 80° 17.82′ W. Marker is in Oldtown, North Carolina, in Forsyth County. Located in Historic Bethabara Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Winston Salem NC 27106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wachovia Settlement (a few steps from this marker); Memorial Marker 1806 (a few steps from this marker); Gemeinhaus

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(a few steps from this marker); Gemeinhaus • 1788 (within shouting distance of this marker); Apothecary Shop 1763 (within shouting distance of this marker); Well 1807 (within shouting distance of this marker); Doctor's Laboratory 1759 (within shouting distance of this marker); Bethabara Fort 1756-63 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oldtown.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, February 22, 2012

2. Gemeinhaus 1788 Marker

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, February 22, 2012

3. Gemeinhaus

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, April 12, 2012

4. Gemeinhaus 1788 Marker

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, April 12, 2012

5. Gemeinhaus 1788 Marker

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, January 25, 2012

6. Gemeinhaus

Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, February 22, 2012

7. Gemeinhaus 1788 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 502 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 12, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 4, 5. submitted on April 12, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 6. submitted on March 12, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 7. submitted on March 13, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.