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“The Moravians” Presence in Winston-Salem

As Christians who split from Rome even before Martin Luther or the Church of England, the Moravians who settled the Winston-Salem area trace their religious and community-minded roots back to the kingdoms of Bohemia and Moravia—now part of the Czech Republic.

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Known as tolerant and practical people, the Moravians have always combined their love of the arts with the necessities of life. Talented as cabinet-makers, tinsmiths, gunsmiths, potters and tile-makers, their musical heritage also made a strong mark on North America in the 18th century. Moravians are credited with establishing the first community music ensembles in the American colonies, composing the first chamber music, as well as crafting pipe organs and stringed instruments, including the earliest known violin made in the New World.

John Amos Comenius, a 17th century Moravian bishop, has been called the “Father of Modern Education” for his progressive views that boys and girls, rich and poor, should receive equal education. He was the first to use pictures in textbooks. In 1772, the Moravians in Salem established the Little Girls School, which went on to become the Salem Female Academy and began granting college diplomas to women in 1890. It continues to this day as Salem College, and houses the oldest building in the United States dedicated to the education of women.

Details history of The Moravians in North America available at : http://www.moravian.org/history/

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