Finally some sunshine this week and what better way to enjoy it than to get out and photograph our great city? For this week's Sacred Sunday shot, we feature the First Moravian Church of Greensboro at 304 South Elam Avenue. The church is about to enter its busiest season, Advent, and will host it's largest fundraiser, a candle tea, bake sale, and bazaar-- we believe the first weekend in December. At the tea, sip warm beverages, eat Moravian cookies, and learn about Moravian Christmas traditions.
While the above building only dates to the 1950's, the Moravian Church is one of the earliest Christian denominations in the world, having been organized in 1457 about 100 miles east of Prague. The first effort to establish a Moravian Church in the United States was in Georgia in 1735. North Carolina's most famous Moravian settlement is Old Salem, about 40 miles west of Greensboro. We will visit the First Moravian Church for the tea and Old Salem between now and Christmas.
This is a lovely, pretty church and I love your soft treatment of the photo. Have a wonderful Sunday!
Posted by: cieldequimper | Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 05:59 AM
At first I thought the Moravians were fighting for birds' rights: "Mor - Avian"?
Nah, I'm just kidding!
Moravians, as I recall, preach a "simple" religion - that is, without adornment - and thus their church looks much like an old-time schoolhouse.
Their cookies are to die for.
Posted by: Jacob | Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 09:16 AM
A lovely photo of a lovely church! :-D
Posted by: mary stebbins Taitt | Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 09:22 AM
The autumn leaves really enhance the simple beauty of this church. It's great that you support it by going to tea. Happy Sacred Sunday.
Posted by: FA | Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 10:47 AM
I've heard (vaguely) about the Moravians but have never seen one of their churches. Thanks for this big one.
Posted by: Dina | Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 12:04 PM
I love passing by this church. I had no idea it was that "young"; I think the simple but elegant architecture makes it seem older and is very appealing. It fits in well with the charming neighborhood that surrounds it. Before moving to Greensboro I had never seen a Moravian star lantern at Christmas, once I saw them the first Christmas I was here I had to have one, I found mine at Old Salem. While there I toured the Moravian church at Old Salem/Salem College. There is usually a member there to provide history of the religion and the building. I've found it to be very similar to Lutheranism and other Protestant denominations.
Posted by: Charlene | Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 01:58 PM
What a great photo. You managed to get the entire church in there. Very nice light also.
Posted by: hip chick | Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 07:13 PM
Dear Commenters:
Hip ChichK there is another entire building, plus the manse that didn't make the photo. However, after squatting and stretching on South Elam, I did manage to fit in a side view of the length of the building without getting phone wires in the shot. Thanks for noticing.
And yes, Sam/Cieldequimper (of Versailles Daily Photo Fame), I did soften the edges a bit. You ladies don't miss a trick! Finally, to our dear friend Jane, thank you for reminding us of the Putz (the manger scence) on the stage. We know they will spend a lot of time putting that together. Hopefully, GDP can get by to photograph it in December.
Today's comments have been a nice blend of local and international. We wish every day were like that at GDP! Thanks all!
Posted by: Greensboro Daily Photo | Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 08:51 PM
To be honest, I've never heard of them.
Posted by: Bill B. | Monday, November 16, 2009 at 08:09 AM