Oldtown in Forsyth County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Gemeinhaus 1756
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, February 22, 2012
1. Gemeinhaus 1756 Marker
This large two-story log building was the first Moravian Congregation House, or church, in North Carolina. It was begun in 1755 and consecrated in February, 1756. It contained the Gemeinsaal (meeting hall) and living quarters for the Minister's family. Three or more services were held daily in German for the Moravians and sometimes in English for the benefit of visitors."Br. Gaff set up in our Saal the organ he brought from Bethlehem, and during the Singstunde (song service) in the evening we heard an organ played for the first time in Carolina, and we were very happy and thankful...."
Bethabara Diary, July 8, 1762.
Erected by Historic Bethabara Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1756.
Location. 36° 9.31′ N, 80° 17.86′ W. Marker is in Oldtown, North Carolina, in Forsyth County. Marker can be reached from Bethabara Road, on the right when traveling east. Located in Historic Bethabara
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Family House 1758 (a few steps from this marker); Congregation Kitchen 1766 (a few steps from this marker); Pottery Shop 1755 (a few steps from this marker); Bethabara Fort 1756-63 (a few steps from this marker); Bell House (a few steps from this marker); Well 1763 (a few steps from this marker); Vorsteher's House 1758 (within shouting distance of this marker); Congregation Store 1759 & 1764 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oldtown.
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, February 22, 2012
2. Gemeinhaus 1756 Marker
Photographed By Michael C. Wilcox, February 22, 2012
3. Gemeinhaus 1756 Marker
Gemeinhaus 1788 in background
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 14, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 430 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 14, 2012, by Michael C. Wilcox of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
