Visit Us
Walk through history as we guide you to things to learn, places to discover, and events that help connect us to our rich heritage.
Visit our friends, the Central Moravian Church who are offering guided tours of their historic buildings!
1751 Old Chapel
Open for Visitors Fridays and Saturdays from 2 – 4 PM.
Guests will be welcomed to visit and learn more about the 1751 Old Chapel, the 2nd place of worship for the Moravians in Bethlehem where George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, as well as local Native Americans came to worship. The Chapel is still used for Sunday worship, memorial services, weddings, etc.
At 2 PM each Friday and Saturday, guests will be welcomed to join us to hear the reading of the Moravian Daily Text. This short daily devotion has been a part of Moravian tradition since 1731. Walk-ins are welcome.
1803 – 1806 Sanctuary
Each half-hour, a 30-minute tour will be offered of the Sanctuary, as the third place of worship for the Moravians of Bethlehem. Join us to learn more not only about its architectural design, history of music and worship, but also the living ministries and unique traditions of Central Moravian Church today. Unique places like the 2nd floor Kleiner Saal will be included on this tour.
A suggested donation of $5 per person. Walk-ins are also welcome.
A gift shop with many unique Moravian items, as well as books and other gifts will be open.
Guests should enter of the Northwest or Northeast doors, closest to the church green.
How To Arrange a Tour
Guided tours of the Sanctuary and Old Chapel can also be arranged by contacting the church office, office@centralmoravianchurch.org or 610-866-5661. Please note that outside of Friday and Saturday (2 -4 PM) there is limited availability due to church usage.
Service Schedule
- 9 AM Old Chapel
- 11 AM Sanctuary
*Check here for the special services, Lovefeasts, etc.
Events
Blessing of the Animals
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Sunday, October 6 at 2 PM on the Church Green
Homelessness and Street Medicine Video & Panel
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Wednesday, October 9 from 6-7:30 PM in the Christian Education Building (40 W Church Street)
Enslaved and Free Walking Tour of Early Bethlehem
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Saturday, October 19 at 1:30 PM starting in the Old Chapel.
Limited, sign up by contacting the church office at office@centralmoravianchurch.org or 610-866-5661.
Advent Workshop
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Sunday, December 1 at 9 AM in the first floor of the Christian Education Building (40 W Church Street)
Crafts, music and food for the whole family to prepare for the season!
Advent Lovefeast
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Sunday, December 1 at 11 AM in the Sanctuary
Beautiful Moravian tradition sharing a simple meal with worship and music!
Longest Night: A Service for the Weary
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Saturday, December 21 at 7 PM in the Old Chapel
Music, poetry and quiet reflection.
New Year’s Eve Vigil
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Tuesday, December 31 at 11:30 PM in the Sanctuary
A beloved tradition to greet the new year as the Trombone choir is featured.
Christmas Putz and Star & Candle Shoppe
Opens Black Friday, November 29 and runs through December 31
Hours:
- Thursdays 1-7 PM
- Fridays 1-7 PM
- Saturdays 10 AM – 8 PM
- Sundays 1-5 PM
Located in the Christian Education Building, 40 W Church Street. (Follow the signs!)
Busy Workers Craft & Wreath Sale
Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8
Located in the Upper Level of the Christian Education Building (Benigna Auditorium)
Christmas Eve at Central Moravian Church
1 PM Children’s Lovefeast
5:30 PM or 8 PM Christmas Eve Vigils
Interested in Christmas Eve at Central? Tickets are required, but free. Contact the office at office@centralmoravianchurch.org or 610-866-5661 for more information.
Free Concerts Calendar 2024-2025
Please check here for updates to the 2024-2025 concert listings.
Sunday, August 25 at 2 PM
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In the Old Chapel, Chamber Vocal Concert featuring Kimberly Leamon (soprano), Kelly Schmidt (mezzo-soprano), and violinists Becky Brown and Mary Ogletree
Sunday, September 15 at 2 PM
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On the Church Green, bring a lawn chair and enjoy the Mainstreet Brass Quintet on the picturesque Church Green.
In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held indoors.
Saturday, October 5 at 2 PM
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Enjoy the Techne Music Festival with the Donald Spieth Memorial, Award Winning Ensemble in the Old Chapel.
Tuesday, December 3 at 7 PM
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Enjoy the German English Advent Singstunde in the Old Chapel.
A dual language song service of carols!
Saturday, December 7 at 1:30 PM
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Listen and experience the Advent and Christmas Concert in the Sanctuary.
Featuring Central Moravian Church Choir and Mainstreet Brass
Monday, December 9 at 7 PM
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Experience the Christmas Contemplative Service in the Old Chapel.
A quiet piano service of Christmas carols.
Sunday, February 9 at 2 PM
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Enjoy the Two Part Invention Plus Two in the Old Chapel.
Sunday, April 27 at 2 PM
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Listen to an afternoon of Sacred Jazz in the Old Chapel.
Music From The Community at Central Moravian Church
Bach at Noon
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The Bach Choir Performs on select Tuesdays from 12-1 PM.
2024 dates: September 10, October 8, November 12
2025 dates: January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8
Moravian University Vespers
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Friday, December 6 at 8 PM
Saturday, December 7 at 8 PM
Sunday, December 8 at 5 PM
Friday, December 13 at 8 PM
Saturday, December 14 at 8 PM
Sunday, December 15 at 5 PM
Want to Learn More?
With Historic Bethlehem’s Church & Chapel Tour, you can visit Bethlehem’s oldest places of worship including the 1741 Gemeinhaus, 1751 Old Chapel, and the 1803-06 Central Moravian Church Sanctuary. These amazing sites still inspire visitors today.
Explore the history of the buildings, as well as the structure of the worship services that are still held here.
