by Sheila Koester

Created on: August 03, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Old Salem, North Carolina was settled by members of the Moravian Church and has been restored and is open to the public. Tickets range in price depending on what you want to see. An excellent choice is the two-day tour because some of the 19th century buildings are only open on one day and the next day the 18th century buildings are open to visitors. Other buildings in the town are always open to visitors.

Old Salem was founded in 1766 by the Moravians, a Protestant faith that began in what is now known as the Czech Republic. The buildings were restored to reflect life in a congregational community in the early American South. The Old Salem Museums and Gardens were able to accurately restore the remaining original buildings and reconstruct structures that are no longer standing from the detailed records and accounts from the Moravian Church and Salem residents. The records, diaries, and accounts of the lives of the residents, their interactions with one another, the buildings and landscapes of the town provided the details needed to tell the stories of the those who lived and worked in Salem.

The Home Moravian Church is located on Salem Square. Its corresponding African-American counterpart church St. Philips is not far from the Visitor Center. At the Home Moravian Church, a slide show is presented featuring the stained glass windows in the church. A present day church member discusses the history of the church, worship styles, and beliefs. Much of the uniqueness of the Moravian Church is found in the members' approach to worship. The lovefeast - a worship service including a meal of sweet bun and coffee, symbolizing the love of Christ and the unity of Christians - has been a part of Moravian tradition for nearly three centuries. Choral and instrumental music continue to be a vital part of worship and congregational life, as does fellowship as Brothers and Sisters in Christ. The 1800 David Tannenberg Organ is housed in the Visitor's Center. St Philips was established after members of the Home Moravian Church drew lots to determine if its African American members were to worship separately in a church building of their own.

Another unique lifestyle experience of the Moravian community is found in separate buildings to house the Single Brothers and the Single Sisters. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Moravians lived by the choir system, where members with similar life experiences (age, gender, marital status) worshipped together. The Single Sister's Home launched

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