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

Inscription. 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: Colonial Era • Religion & Religious Structures • 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. It can be reached from Bethabara Road, on the right when traveling east. 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.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Piedmont

and specifically in Piedmont Triad.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

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

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(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); The Palisade (within shouting distance of this marker); Vorsteher's House 1758 (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 553 times since then and 13 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.