Moravian Magazine • July/Aug. 2010

J U L Y / A U G U S T

SPECIAL FEATURE: MORAVIAN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

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Cover: Linden Hall senior and valedictorian Alyssa Young from Lititz, Pa. Photo by Jeremy Hess.

Used by permission.

J U L Y / A U G U S T

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SPECIAL FEATURE: MORAVIAN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Christ and him crucified remain our confession of faith In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, love

Member, Associated Church Press

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In This Issue Special Feature — A Moravian Education 9 Preparing for the future with centuries of tradition 10 Moravian Theological Seminary graduates future leaders in 203rd academic year 14 Herrnhut school overcomes obstacles to offer Moravian education in Germany 16 Moravian Academy developing mind, body and spirit since 1742 19 Tradition meets vision at nation’s oldest boarding school for girls 22 What is Moravian about Moravian College?

25 Spiritual Journeys: Moravian traditions remain important to Salem Academy and College Moravian Women 5 Northern Province women gain new perspective in North Dakota History 7 Moravian history comes to life in Oklahoma

Visit our website at <http://www.moravian.org>.

Letters to the editor, address corrections, and other correspondence may be e-mailed to the magazine at <pubs@mcnp.org>.

July/August 2010

Provincial News 28 Northern Province elects Betsy Miller as new PEC President 32 Official Provincial Elders’ News Church Planting 29 Open House on a vacant lot In Every Issue 4 Ponderings 34 Book Review — Authentic Communication

by Tim Muehlhoff and Todd V. Lewis

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PONDERINGS

T his issue of the Moravian marks my first as its editor and the executive director of the Interprovincial Board of Communication (IBOC). As I take on this new role, I assume an important responsibility to illustrate and promote what it means to be Moravian.

I’m approaching this responsibility from a different perspective than many of you. While I have a solid Christian upbringing, I was not raised in the Moravian Church.

But as a 15-year resident of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, I am no stranger to Moravian life. Over the years, I have learned much about Moravian history and its positive impact on the culture and spiritual lives of people in this community and around the world.

As the executive director of the IBOC, I’ll combine the skills and experience developed over a 20-year communications career with a keen interest in learning and sharing as much as I can about the history, traditions, beliefs, doctrine, issues and needs of the Moravian Church.

The timing for getting to know the Church and its people couldn’t be better. By mid-September, I will have attended both Northern and Southern Province Synods; I will also be covering other important events in the Moravian calendar, with opportunities to meet — and learn from — even more of you.

As I do, I will be looking to Moravians everywhere to help me tell the story of our modern-day church. Your voices bring to life what it is to be Moravian Christians. My job is to help everyone within our denomination hear those stories and connect them with their own.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the Moravian which looks at Moravian-associated educational institutions. Moravian schools are among the oldest in the United States, while within the last five years, a Moravian school has been re-established in the “mother community” of Herrnhut, Germany.

All of these institutions build on years of tradition to prepare students for tomorrow.

I, too, will build on the traditions of the Church to enhance our future communication efforts.

Mike Riess, editor

(ISSN 1041-0961 USPS 362600) July/August 2010, Vol. 41, No. 6 Publications Agreement No. 40036408 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Express Messenger International, PO Box 25058, London, Ontario N6C6A8, email: <emi@exmessenger.com> Official Journal, The Moravian Church in North America, Northern and Southern Provinces Published monthly, except bimonthly January-February and July-August issues, by the Interprovincial Board of Communication, 1021 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Make checks payable in U.S. funds to The Moravian.

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Continuing The North American Moravian, The Moravian, and The Wachovia Moravian.

Michael Riess, Editor Siobhan Young, Advertising Coordinator/ Communication Assistant Interprovincial Board of Communication Gary Kniskern, Paul Peucker Chair Adam Pristas Jane Burcaw Richard Sides Jane Carmichael Jill Westbrook Lance Fox Paul Knouse Address all correspondence regarding articles, subscriptions, or advertising to The Moravian, PO Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245 FAX: 610.866.9223 Phone: 610.867.0594 800.732.0591 e-mail: <pubs@mcnp.org> <www.moravian.org>

The Moravian

PROVINCIAL WOMEN’S BOARD NORTHERN PROVINCE

Northern Province women gain new perspective in North Dakota T he song with the lyrics, “I can see for miles and miles and miles…” is an excellent description of what the Provincial Women’s Board saw when they traveled to Fargo, North Dakota for their spring meeting in April.

“It gave us a new perspective of God’s creation as we saw the huge farm fields,” says Teresa Holzhueter, secretary of the Provincial Women’s Board, Northern Province. “Some of the fields still had corn to be harvested from last fall and many fields were ready and waiting for the new crops to be planted.”

“Our group came from Toronto, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Our North Dakota Moravian sisters opened their homes to us while we

were there. They also provided super delicious meals for us! We were able to meet at Shepherd of the Prairie Moravian Church, Canaan Moravian Church, Goshen Moravian Church and Bethel Moravian Church.”

This past year, the Provincial Women’s Board renamed their three key topic areas to better reflect the work they are doing.

During the April meeting, the Women’s (continued on next page) Teresa Holzhueter is a member of Lake Mills Moravian Church in Lake Mills, Wis., and secretary of the Provincial Women’s Board, Northern Province.

Members of the Northern Province Provincial Women’s Board meeting in North Dakota include (front row, l–to–r) Hyacinth Grant, Jan Harke, Joyce Garrett, Lisa Pampe, Dianne Zimmerman, Marty Karow; back row — Nancy Chandler, Margo Harris, Linda Rabbach, Teresa Holzhueter.

Canaan Moravian Church, Davenport, North Dakota

(continued from previous page) Board brainstormed and developed new ideas in areas of study, mission work, and health & wellbeing.

“Joyce Garrett from Ohio is the Faith Development (formerly Spiritual Life) coordinator, Lisa Pampe from Illinois is our Mission (name remained the same) coordinator, and Hyacinth Grant from New York is our Health & Wellbeing (formerly Service & Outreach) coordinator,” explains Teresa. “These ladies have been working

Provincial Women’s Board members enjoy a meal during their April meeting.

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hard on gathering materials for the Moravian Women to use for their bible studies, circle gatherings, workshops and rallies.

Congregations are encouraged to get in touch with their Moravian Women contacts and check out the materials.”

Members of the Provincial Women’s Board include Linda Rabbach, Western Region president from Watertown, Wis.; Nancy Chandler, Mid-States Region president from Columbus, Ind.; and Margo Harris, Eastern Region president, from Ontario, Canada.

Officers include Dianne Zimmerman, president from Lititz, Pa.; Joyce Garrett, vice president from Columbus, Ohio; Marty Karow, treasurer from DeForest, Wis.; Teresa Holzhueter, secretary from Lake Mills, Wis.; and Jan Harke, administrator from Bethlehem, Pa. “The full Board of ten women meets once a year in a different region — this year it was the Western Region’s turn to host the meeting,” says Teresa. “Then in the fall, the executive board meets in Bethlehem, to set the agenda and location for the next spring’s meeting.” ■ The Moravian

HISTORY

Moravian history comes to life in Oklahoma Question: What would lure two squirrelly Moravian Archives types from their beloved stacks of antique books and acid-free document boxes to the endless horizon of mid-continent America, hundreds of miles from any Moravian Church?

Answer: A special invitation to debut the Archives’ newest publication at a rare Joint Council of the Cherokee Nation and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

In

April, C. Daniel Crews and Richard W. Starbuck of the Southern Province Archives, along with Br. Starbuck’s wife Susan and Anna Smith, president of the Cherokee Moravian Historical Association and member of Fries Memorial Moravian Church, jumped at the opportunity to attend the Joint Council in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

As part of the Joint Council event, Daniel presented the Council and Principal Chiefs with copies of Volume One of Records of the Moravians Among the Cherokees.

Subtitled Early Contact and Establishment of the First C. Daniel Crews is Archivist for the Moravian Church, Southern Province. Photos by Richard W. Starbuck.

July/August 2010

Daniel Crews and Anna Smith present the Archives’ newest book at Oaks, Oklahoma, formerly the Moravian mission of New Springplace.

Mission 1752-1802, this first volume is part of the Archives’ project to translate, transcribe and publish the documents of the Moravian Church’s mission to the Cherokees from its early days until it was turned over to the Danish Lutherans in the 1890s.

These records, while written from the missionaries’ point of view, provide a century’s worth of glimpses into the Cherokees’ daily life and culture available nowhere else. Records: Cherokees will extend to A young member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians greets the Joint Council with the Cherokee Nation.

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(continued from previous page) several more volumes; both the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band endorse the project and are making generous financial contributions to its completion.

A visit to history Following the Joint Council in Tulsa, Jack Baker of the Tribal Council of the Cherokee Nation took the Moravian delegation to the Cherokee Nation’s capital at Tahlequah, the Cherokee National Historical Society Center and various other sites associated with the Moravian missions in the Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma.

The trip culminated with a dedication service at Oaks, the former New Springplace Moravian mission. Daniel spoke in Ebenezer Lutheran Church about “From Springplace [in Georgia] to New Springplace [in Oklahoma].” The service continued at the Oaks Cemetery, formerly the New Springplace God’s Acre, for the dedication of a memorial stone bearing the names of 29 missionaries and Cherokees who were buried there in the

Cherokee Sol Bird Mockicin and Moravian Anna Smith stand beside the memorial stone in the New Springplace God’s Acre, now Oaks Cemetery.

first dozen years following the Removal to Oklahoma. After the formal service, a traditional Cherokee “Hog Fry” was enjoyed by all.

The Moravian delegation then headed back to the Archives in Winston-Salem to work on volume two of Records: Cherokees with a planned debut this fall. Watch The Moravian for more on the next volume. ■

RECORDS OF THE MORAVIANS AMONG THE CHEROKEES The series Records of the Moravians Among the Cherokees lets the original documents themselves — diaries, correspondence, meeting minutes, etc. — tell the 90-year story of the Moravian Church’s mission to the Cherokees, a “great nation,” as Bishop August Gottlieb Spangenberg called them in 1752. Volume One covers the early years of first contact, exploration, negotiation and humble beginning of the mission at Springplace in what is now Georgia. Hardbound with handsome dust jacket and 426 pages, Volume One includes three maps, nine pictures, glossary of terms and an expanded index identifying people and places.

University of Oklahoma Press (www.oupress.com) is handling national sales at $50.00 a copy plus shipping and handling. For a limited time only with a limited supply, Moravian Archives is selling volume one of Records: Cherokees at $40.00 plus $5.00 shipping and handling. Check or cash only to Moravian Archives, 457 S. Church Street, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101.

A MORAVIAN EDUCATION

young people — especially girls Eandducating young women — is a deeply held tradition among the Moravians. Following the teachings of John Amos Comenius, early Moravians established some of the first centers of learning in the American Colonies.

Today, many of those schools are still going strong. While most of today’s Moravian institutions are no longer directly tied to the Church, they all share the common foundation of Comenius’ education philosophies.

The schools you’ll read about on the following pages — Moravian College,

July/August 2010

Moravian Academy, Linden Hall, Salem College and Salem Academy — are building on centuries of tradition to prepare students for the future. We share the graduating class of Moravian Theological Seminary, which includes four Moravian graduates. Along with these schools in the U.S., we also tell the story of a Moravian school that has been reestablished in the denomination’s “home” of Herrnhut, Germany.

So while most students are enjoying their summer break, let’s go back to school with a profile of Moravian educational institutions.

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EDUCATION

Moravian Theological Seminary graduates future leaders in 203rd Academic Year The Moravian Theological Seminary marked the conclusion of its 203rd academic year with commencement ceremonies on May 15. Several hundred friends and family members celebrated as 20 students received degrees and certificates at Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem.

Moravian Theological Seminary grad Russ Williams is congratulated by his mother following commencement in Bethlehem in May.

The Seminary invited the Rev. Dr. Glen W. Stoudt, former Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology, back to campus to give the Commencement Address. Glen served on the faculty for more than five years before returning to parish ministry in February 2010 as pastor of Orleans United Church of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario. A beloved professor, Glen was known for innovative teaching, creative worship practice and the imaginative restructuring of the student internship program.

Jane Burcaw is the director of marketing & communication for Moravian Theological Seminary. Photo above: Rev. Otto Dreydoppel, Jr. leads the 2010 commencement procession at Moravian Theological Seminary.

The Moravian

Departing faculty member Otto Dreydoppel, Jr. served as marshal of the ceremonies for the final time. Appointed in 1989, Dreydoppel served as Assistant Professor of Church History and was known for his historical insight, care for students and ecumenical work. Otto concluded his final semester in May and departs with the Seminaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grateful appreciation for 21 years of dedicated teaching and service.

Among the twenty graduates were four Moravians: An active member of Friedberg Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C., Betty Helms received a Certificate in Theological Studies for completing a required year of coursework in Moravian subjects. Betty is a candidate for ordination in the Southern Province and in 2009 received her Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Carolina Evangelical Divinity School in Greensboro, N.C. Candidates for Moravian ministry who have earned their Master of Divinity at other seminaries are required to spend one year at Moravian Theological Seminary completing coursework in classes specializing in Moravian theology, history, worship and identity. Betty has returned to her home in Clemmons, N.C. and looks forward to supply

Reid Lauderman

preaching and teaching as she awaits a call to serve in the Southern Province.

A member of Lititz Moravian Church, Reid Lauderman received his Master of Divinity with magna cum laude honors. For the past two years while completing his degree work, Reid served as part-time interim pastor at Reading Moravian Church (Reading, Pa.).

He will continue to serve the Reading congregation while he awaits a call to fulltime ministry in the Northern Province.

Russell Williams, a candidate for ministry in the Southern Province and a member of Trinity Moravian Church in (continued on next page)

Russell Williams

Betty Helms

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(continued from previous page) Winston-Salem, earned the Master of Divinity degree. At the commencement ceremony, Russ was honored with The Rev. Elmer D. Bender Memorial Award which recognizes a graduate who is preparing for ministry in the Moravian church and displays outstanding leadership and pastoral qualities. Russ looks forward to serving a congregation in the Southern Province.

A Moravian pastor from Tanzania, Noeloath Mwakalinga received a Master of Arts in Theological Studies. In May, Mwakalinga returned to his home to Dar es Salaam where he will serve a Moravian congregation and may eventually join the faculty of the theological graduate school of the Theofilo Kisanji University (TEKU) in

Noeloath Mwakalinga

Mbeya. Mwakalinga is the third Tanzanian student to come to the Seminary through a cooperative program between TEKU and Moravian Theological Seminary. In order for TEKU to become accredited by the Tanzanian government, its faculty members must have doctoral degrees. TEKU faculty members come to Moravian Seminary for two years to complete the Master of Arts in Theological

Faculty and students at the 2010 commencement of Moravian Theological Seminary.

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The Moravian

Studies in preparation for entering doctoral programs in Africa.

Other graduates of Moravian Theological Seminary came from a broad range of denominations. Those who received the Master of Divinity in preparation for work in professional ministry included Lunnett Hilliard (UCC); Debra North (Lutheran); Dolly Tarreto (Methodist); Melissa FisherTrois (Episcopalian); Eric Yeakel (Methodist), and Mia White (UCC) who also presented the Senior address.

Judith Sheriff received both a Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Theological Studies with a concentration in Formative Spirituality. Judith will begin a residency in Clinical Pastoral Education at Lehigh Valley Hospital (Allentown, Pa.) in September, looking toward eventual certification as a supervisor in CPE. Also receiving the degree of Master of Arts in Theological Studies was Juliet Williamson of Bethlehem and Fatih Harpci, the Seminaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Muslim graduate. Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Fatih was accepted into a PhD program at Temple University to study and eventually teach world religions and Interfaith dialogue.

In preparation for work as professional pastoral counselors, seven students received the Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling: Marle Fox (Roman Catholic), Jennifer Kiesendahl (Presbyterian), Sarah Miller (Mennonite), Carol Olzinski (Lutheran), Barbara Sorin (Roman Catholic), Deborah Wanaselja (nondenominational), and Willie Williams (nondenominational).

We look forward to the unfolding ministries of the 2010 graduates of Moravian Theological Seminary. â&#x2013; July/August 2010

2010 graduates of the Seminary

Graduate Betty Helms, with her pastor Rev. Jimmie Newsom and his family from Friedberg Moravian in Winston-Salem.

Marshal of ceremony Otto Dreydoppel, Jr. gives directions to 2010 graduates Betty Helms, Russ Williams and Reid Lauderman.

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EDUCATION

Herrnhut school overcomes obstacles to offer Moravian education in Germany The dedication of the new Zinzendorf School

(Zinzendorf Gymnasium) in Herrnhut, Germany, in August 2005 was a moving moment for Herrnhut as well as for the region. After years of work and overcoming obstacles, Herrnhut had a Protestant high school to continue the Moravian tradition of education in its place of origin.

Under East Germany’s communist regime, private religious schools were not allowed.

The existing school in Herrnhut was a public school; before 1989 that meant only the official communist world view was taught and no religion was tolerated.

While the idea for a Christian school in Herrnhut was first considered as Germany reunified in 1990, the practical ability didn’t arise until the local government decided to close the Herrnhut high school in 2001.

During that time, parents, students and teachers of the existing school requested the Moravian Church to take over responsibility for the Herrnhut school and offer education for children and young people according to 14

the principles of the Moravian Church. The city of Herrnhut and local Moravian congregation supported the idea and in early 2003, the Provincial Board of the Moravian Church agreed to continue the existing school, provided that the state of Saxony would grant immediate financial support.

Unfortunately, Saxony ruled out any immediate funding in March 2005.

But the church and community didn’t give up. While the church could not fund a school with 300 students by itself, they decided to slowly develop a Moravian school without any financial support from the government during the first four years.

With only three months remaining before the beginning of the new school year, a large fundraising campaign was initiated to raise the 400,000 euros ($490,000) needed to found a school. In those three months, the money was raised and the new Zinzendorf School opened in August 2005 with 15 students.

In 2008, thanks to new laws, Saxony began their financial support of Zinzendorf School, The Moravian

allowing the school to accept 150 new students, hire new teachers and take over the old school building in Herrnhut.

“Today, as its fifth anniversary arrives, the Zinzendorf School is already a ‘real’ school,” says Katrin Filscke, head of administration of the Zinzendorf Gymnasium. “We have 250 students and a staff of 47 people. In May and June of this year the very first final exams took place and the first class left our school.

“Throughout the process, we had to marvel time and again how God guides us,” says Katrin. “There were so many hurdles, so many stumbling blocks, so many times of despair. It is a wonderful feeling to see that a Christian school now inhabits the building of the former communist school on the central square in Herrnhut. It is wonderful that in this building, purposely placed at this location during the 1970s as an affront to the Moravian Church, prayers and devotions are now part of school life. Once a week ministers and church members from our region are invited to celebrate devotions with us. During the school year four or five worship services, prepared by teachers and students, are held in the Herrnhut Moravian church.”

“In our ‘Economy, Ethics and Social Work’ program, rooted in the history of the Moravian Church, we discuss how moral norms and ideals as well as Christian values can be realized under the current societal conditions,” says Katrin. “Common responsibility plays an important role not only within the school; in daily life teachers and students, old and young people, can all learn from and with one another.”

Starting with fifth grade, the Zinzendorf Gymnasium regularly offers projects together with social welfare institutions and local

businesses. A very special project during the past year was the joint circus project with the Herrnhuter Diakonie (Moravian school for disabled youth).

“Although we were able to initiate many things, many tasks still lay ahead of us,” says Katrin. “During the next years we hope to introduce parallel classes so that 400 students can be enrolled. We hope that our school will develop steadily and will continue to shine as a Christian school not only within our district but also beyond.” ■

Katrin Filschke is a member of the Moravian congregation at Herrnhut, Germany, and head of administration of the “Zinzendorf Gymnasium.” Photo top left: The Zinzendorf Gymnasium in Herrnhut, Germany.

Students and teachers from Zinzendorf Gymnasium celebrate with students from Herrnhuter Diakonie during their joint circus project.

July/August 2010

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EDUCATION

developing mind, body and spirit since 1742 Moravian Academy, located in Bethlehem, Pa., is a co-educational prekindergarten through 12th grade college preparatory school. Founded in 1742 by Countess Benigna von Zinzendorf, Moravian Academy traces its origins to the Moravians who established residence in the Bethlehem area. The Academy is the ninth oldest independent school in the nation, as well as the first school to educate women in the American colonies.

Moravian Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich heritage, steeped in tradition, closely follows the wisdom of John Amos Comenius, known as the father of modern education. He believed that children needed to be educated in

mind, body, and spirit. True academic success comes from the development of self-esteem and soundness of body. Equally as important is the premise that every child is an individual.

Each and every student at Moravian Academy is encouraged to strive to meet his or her potential. Only by fully engaging the student and offering close teacher/student opportunities can this be accomplished.

While Moravian Academy was founded as a community school based on religious and educational ideals, it has grown into the 21st century providing innovative teaching and programming through the use of state-of-theart technology and classroom materials.

Students perform experiments at the Upper School of Moravian Academy in Bethlehem, Pa.

The Moravian

With a student enrollment of approximately 800 students, made up of children from the Lehigh Valley, Northern Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, as well as seven countries, the student body is culturally — as well as religiously — diverse.

Students from the Lower School engage in a wealth of academic and community building activities. While embracing the mind, body, spirit philosophy, students in every grade participate in community service.

Activities include: donating food to a local shelter, collecting pennies in kindergarten to

Ingrid Olsen Gerber has been a part Moravian Academy since 1989 when, after graduating from Moravian College, she joined the Lower School as a third grade teacher. After 12 years of teaching, she assumed the position of Lower School Admissions Director. She is also the parent of a Moravian Academy Fourth Grade student and an active member of the Parent’s Association. Photos courtesy of Moravian Academy.

Middle School String Orchestra practice at Moravian Academy, under the direction of Ryan Harrington

help fund after-school programming for Northeast Ministries, and gathering new mother and baby supplies for a women’s shelter — just to name a few. They also delight in the many artistic and musical opportunities provided them at the Academy.

Their Suzuki string program for violins and cellos produces talented players — many of whom begin their studies in kindergarten.

The Middle and Upper Schools continue to instill a sense of responsibility in students, encouraging each one to be a decent human (continued on next page)

Third grade students participate in an engaging math fact activity.

Photo by Michal Kudelski

July/August 2010

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Athletics are an important part of Moravian Academy.

(continued from previous page)

being. Leadership roles are assumed by students who are active participants in varsity sports, orchestral and choral groups, and student government. With an overall studentfaculty ratio of nine-to-one, class size is limited to better the opportunity for teacher/student interaction. Many â&#x20AC;&#x201D; if not most â&#x20AC;&#x201D; students play a Students at Moravian Academy participate in Vespers at Central Moravian Church. Photo by Katya Chilingiri

sport, perform in a musical group, or participate in other co-curricular activities while attending to their challenging academic studies.

Whether it is excelling in Scholastic Scrimmage, being involved in Math Counts League, participating in the music adjudication in Hershey, Pa., volunteering for Habitat for Humanity or being on a District XI championship sports team, Moravian Academy students are involved, engaged, and eager learners.

With 268 years in existence, the Academy still embodies the ideals of our forefathers and mothers, staying true to its mission that affirms young people best realize their potential in an atmosphere of love and understanding. The Academy seeks to promote the full development in mind, body, and spirit while recognizing the permanence of basic human values.

For more information about Moravian Academy, please visit <www.moravianacademy.org>. â&#x2013;

EDUCATION

TRADITION MEETS VISION

at nation’s oldest boarding school for girls Since 1746, Linden Hall has been carrying

on the tradition of female education in the heart of Lititz, Pa. Originally founded by members of the Moravian Church, generations of girls from all over the country and many worldwide nations have benefitted from an unparalleled learning experience. As both a boarding and day school, Linden Hall currently has more than 180 female students, from grades six through 12.

Paige McFarling, director of advancement at Linden Hall edited this story from the original Jadrian Klinger, associate editor, Harrisburg Magazine. Photo above: Linden Hall’s Upper School Chorus performed as guests of the Pennsylvania Dept. of Education’s Multicultural Women’s Conference, March 2010.

Photo by Meg Strunk.

July/August 2010

These days, Linden Hall operates a bit differently than it did those two and a half centuries ago; and, many of the most recent updates have come in the past four years with the arrival of Dr. Vincent Stumpo as (continued on next page)

Drama teacher Dennis Foreman prepares his cast for the spring production.

Mary Dixon Memorial Chapel on the campus of Linden Hall in Lititz, Pa.

(continued from previous page) Headmaster. With nearly three decades of experience in education and a Ph.D. from the University of Delaware, Dr. Stumpo came to Linden Hall with a vision for the future.

“During my initial visit to Linden Hall, the community told me repeatedly that it was the oldest girls’ school in the country, which is Practice makes perfect for soccer pals Jackie Keeney, Elise Robbins and Carrie Purcell. Photos by Jeremy Hess

quite an honor,” he explains. “However, we wake up tomorrow, and we’re still the oldest girls’ school in the country; it doesn’t take any action on our part. We wanted to be the oldest and the finest girls’ school in the country. And that’s what we’ve spent the last four years doing. We can make a compelling case that we are not only the top school in the region, but also that we have created the finest academic program for girls in the nation.”

One of the first steps Dr. Stumpo took was to make sure that the curriculum met 21stcentury demands and was designed to prepare students to excel at the top colleges in country. “When you bring together talented, motivated and focused students with a wellqualified and dedicated faculty, and you allow them to engage in a challenging curriculum, success is a natural outcome,” he says. In the midst of it all, the school also began a massive renovation campaign of the campus, which resulted in a new science wing, humanities wing and a library garden area. Plans for campus renovations continue.

With average class sizes of 11 students, a focus on all aspects of a student’s education — described by the school’s signature 4C’s educational approach of curriculum, character, conditioning (physical), and culture — and popular extra-curricular activities like the Equestrian Program, enrollment has almost doubled in the past three years. But, for good reason, there is a cap on the number of students admitted at one time.

“We restrict our enrollment to between The Moravian

Linden Hall graduating class of 2010

150 and 200 students,” Dr. Stumpo explains.

“This creates an atmosphere on campus that is more like a large family than an institution.”

Understandably, with all that Linden Hall offers, misconceptions exist about who can and cannot attend. “We are very internationally and socioeconomically diverse,” states Dr. Stumpo. “We have a great merit scholarship program and a robust financial aid program, and this enables us to bring talented and motivated students to the school that wouldn’t otherwise have the financial resources to come here.”

Linden Hall keeps connected to its Moravian roots, too. The school was founded by the Church; Church elders serve on the board of trustees and students are educated on Moravian lessons and traditions still celebrated on campus today.

Compared to Linden Hall’s more than 260 years of history, Dr. Stumpo’s four-year tenure is but a drop in the bucket. But the improvements he has overseen July/August 2010

represent the school’s future for, quite possibly, centuries to come.

“To be part of creating the finest girls’ school in the nation is incredibly rewarding for all who have worked so hard in the last few years — students, parents, board members, faculty and staff,” says Dr. Stumpo.

“As we go forward, we will continue to offer a remarkable opportunity like no other around the world, and it feels great to be part of that.” ■ Accomplished and national award-winning rider Mackenzie Majeski competing at fall 2009 regionals.

Photo by Spring Tree Photography

EDUCATION

Ask, “What is Quaker” about Swarthmore or Haverford Colleges in Pennsylvania and everybody knows: It is the great tradition of peace, justice and agreement by consensus.

But “What is Moravian about Moravian College?” is a more difficult question to answer.

While some see Moravian College as an institution that should cultivate John Amos Comenius’ values of education, there is very little evidence that the ideas of Comenius and John Hus influenced Moravian College, founded in 1742, during the first 150 years of its existence. So, when we are looking for “Moravian” in Moravian College, we must turn to the legacies of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Since spring 2004, there has been an increasing interest in rethinking and rediscovering the Moravian educational heritage at Moravian College. Our former president, Dr. Erwin Rokke, encouraged faculty members to find in our heritage the 22

ingredients that help make Moravian College distinctive. Dr. Paul Peucker, director of the Northern Province Moravian Archives, started teaching a course on Moravian history at Moravian College.

Several of our faculty members have been engaged in research or teaching projects inspired by eighteenth-century Moravians.

Since 2006, the Moravian faculty has organized a biennial conference on Moravian music and history attended by scholars from all over the world. Finally, a few weeks ago, Dr. Craig Atwood, the leading scholar of Moravian theology, joined the faculty of Moravian Theological Seminary. All of these programs, institutions and individuals have contributed to the exploration of Moravian tradition and its meaning for Moravian College.

Heikki Lempa is Associate Professor and Chair, Department of History, Moravian College. Photos by John Kish IV The Moravian

But what has been discovered? What is the Moravian “thing” about Moravian College? So far, we have discovered these distinctive educational ideals: Language and Music There is only one theme that we can detect in all periods of Moravian tradition: the preoccupation with language. Their motivations might have varied but Hus, Comenius, Zinzendorf, and Friedrich Daniel Schleiermacher, the Moravian of Higher Order and a founding father of modern liberal arts education, were interested in learning languages and using them in understanding cultural differences.

For Zinzendorf, music was a language all its own and the most important medium to express one’s heart. Our music program remains closely connected to 18th-century Moravianism, producing concerts on Moravian music and contributing significantly to the Conference on Moravian Music and History.

Studying Abroad Under Zinzendorf’s leadership, the Renewed Moravian Church was above all a missionary movement that sent its members all over the world to convert peoples to Christianity. For 18th-century Moravians it was an act of understanding other civilizations, closely connected to learning languages.

During the past few years, the College’s study abroad program has expanded, cherishing this great tradition and keeping this constant exposure to others a fundamental part of the Moravian experience.

Autobiography In the 18th century, every Moravian had to write an autobiography. During the past several years, Moravian faculty members have started to experiment with autobiographies, reviving this old tradition and giving our students a sense of themselves.

(continued on next page) July/August 2010

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(continued from previous page) Community: Choirs as Learning Communities The choirs, as they were organized in Moravian communities in the 18th century, were a unique model for learning communities. In 2009, Moravian College established two learning communities in its new student dorm.

research and collected the results of scientific inquiries — these Schleiermacher called “academies.”

But neither of these was satisfactory to the creation of what Schleiermacher called the investigative spirit. And this was the task of a completely new institution: the research university, an institution that combined research and learning.

At Moravian, collaborative research between faculty and undergraduate students demonstrates this idea. In 2007, Moravian College received a $1.5 million donation to support faculty and student collaboration in research. Each year, the school organizes three-to-five undergraduate conferences for students from many East Coast schools, and Dr. Diane Husic, chair of the Biological Sciences department, is president of the Council of Undergraduate Research. Every year dozens of Moravian students participate in undergraduate research, a program that carries a Moravian stamp from its conception. ■

Learning through Research In his 1808 pamphlet “Occasional Thoughts on Universities,” Schleiermacher established the modern idea of a research university and a model for liberal arts education.

Schleiermacher’s idea was an effort to reject what the French had done after the French Revolution by abolishing universities and leaving the country with a system that trained in basic skills and transmitted basic information — these institutions Schleiermacher called “schools” — and institutions that practiced specialized 24

The Moravian

EDUCATION

I

n October 1766, settlers from Pennsylvania to North Carolina witnessed a rather curious group of travelers journeying through their towns. For 29 days, four Moravian Single Sisters and 12 Older Girls, ages 13 to 17, walked 500 miles to their new home in North Carolina. One of them was young Elisabeth Oesterlein, who would become the first teacher of Salem Academy and College.

The group was heading south to join a new Moravian settlement in the town of Salem (now part of the city of Winston-Salem, N.C.).

Seeking God’s will in all that they did, the Moravians’ eyes were opened to an injustice: Their sons, but not their daughters, were receiving an education. They drew inspiration from the words of Moravian Bishop John Amos Comenius, a revolutionary educator who wrote that daughters — as well as sons — deserved an education. “No reason can be shown why the female sex … should be kept from a knowledge of languages and wisdom,” July/August 2010

Comenius had written. “For they are also human beings, an image of God, as we are … in their minds they are equally gifted to acquire wisdom.”

At a time when few girls in the South received an education, Salem opened the Little Girls’ School in 1772 with three students and Oesterlein as their teacher. The Moravians’ meticulous records show that they were progressive in other ways as well.

In 1785, the school enrolled its first AfricanAmerican student. In 1826, the first Native American student, the daughter of a (continued on next page)

Rachel Barron is part of the public relations and communication team at Salem Academy and College in Winston-Salem, N.C. All photos courtesy of Salem Academy and College.

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“For they are also human beings, an image of God, as we are … in their minds they are equally gifted to acquire wisdom.” (continued from previous page) Cherokee chief, was a student. In 1838, the daughter of another chief was enrolled but left to join her family on the Trail of Tears.

From these humble beginnings rose Salem Academy, a college-preparatory day and boarding school for approximately 200 girls in ninth through twelfth grades, and Salem College, a four-year liberal arts college for women with approximately 1,100 students.

For all students, Moravian traditions are an important part of the Salem experience. The Lovefeast is a cherished tradition every Christmas, and is also part of special ceremonies held for seniors of both the Academy and College during graduation weekend. Each year on Founders Day, Salem College first-year and senior students honor Oesterlein by walking to her grave in God’s 26

Acre, the Moravian graveyard bordering the Salem campus.

With the Old Salem historic restoration bordering the campus, horse-drawn buggies and tour guides in 18th century Moravian attire are a common sight to Salem students.

Campus buildings, including the Single Sisters House where the school was housed in its early years, have been carefully restored and renovated to preserve the original architecture, yet fully “wired” for the hightech learning of the 21st Century. The story of the early Moravians is displayed in a museum located in the Single Sisters House.

The Moravians’ belief in the freedom and responsibility imposed by an education resonates through Salem’s academic programs today. All Academy and College students sign an Honor Code in which they pledge to show respect — in student life as The Moravian

well as in academics — by behaving with honesty, integrity and civility.

The College’s required four-year Salem Signature program, which includes seminars on global awareness and service learning, is designed to help students think about the world beyond the classroom. In large part because of this unique program, Salem has been recognized as one of the nation’s top “character-building colleges” by the John Templeton Institute. One third of the 30member Board of Trustees for the Academy and College is appointed by the Southern Province Provincial Elders Conference and Synod.

At the same time, Salem students’ educational and spiritual experiences are enhanced by fellow students from across the nation and around the globe, bringing a diversity of faith traditions to the campus. In 2009-2010, Salem Academy and College’s student body included young women from 23 states and five foreign countries.

The College’s Interfaith Council, made up

of students who are Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist, organizes a wide range of activities that include interfaith services and observances of special religious holidays.

In spring 2010, offerings included a Seder meal and a Buddhist meditation. “The students enjoy learning about the faith of their Salem sisters, as well as understanding more about their own faith as they seek to explain it to others,” said Salem Chaplain Amy Rio-Anderson.

The Moravian Church has always been supportive of each individual’s spiritual exploration, Rio-Anderson said. “This heritage provides an excellent foundation for a young woman on her own spiritual journey, as well as learning about the spiritual journey of others around the globe. The theological foundation is that each individual has an important journey to undertake, and is valuable and loved in God’s eyes. We are able to provide a community and an atmosphere where this vital journey of the spirit is possible.” ■

NEW PEC PRESIDENT

Betsy Miller

elected first woman president of Northern Province PEC Rev. Dr. Elizabeth D. Miller (Betsy) of Lake Mills, Wis., was elected president of the Provincial Elders’ Conference (PEC) of the Moravian Church Northern Province at the Province’s 2010 Synod in Bethlehem, Pa. on June 19. Betsy is the first woman to be elected to the position in the history of the Northern Province.

The PEC is the highest governing board of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, providing administrative leadership to congregations and program agencies. Betsy was elected to a four-year term, succeeding Rev. David L. Wickmann, who leaves the post after eight years.

“I’m overwhelmed, honored and humbled to be elected to this position,” said Betsy upon her election. “I look forward to working as partners with our elders, the Northern Province and the entire Moravian Church.”

“I will offer my heart, my passion for ministry and leadership and my faithfulness as I seek

Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller

The new Provincial Elders’ Conference for the Northern Province includes (left to right) Wilton Grannum of New York; Rev. Dave Bennett, Eastern District President; Jill Westbrook of Ohio; Rev. Jim Hicks, Western District President; Rev. Dr. Betsy Miller PEC President; Rev. Steve Gohdes, Canadian District President; Judy Kaaua of Ohio and Tom Zimmer of Michigan.

to celebrate the movement of the Holy Spirit in each of you,” Betsy told Synod delegates in her acceptance speech. “I firmly believe that God has given the Moravian Church Northern Province all the resources, the gifts and graces that we need to be the Church that God is calling us to be in this time and place for the sake of the world.

“As a denomination, we know what its like to overcome hardship and challenge,” she continued. “But with our heritage, our faith and God’s spirit, we let go of what lies behind and reach forward and press on toward the goal, the prize, of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our Lamb has conquered. Let us follow Him.” Prior to her most recent role as director of Congregational Leadership and Resources for (continued on page 30) The Moravian

CHURCH PLANTING

It

caught my eye. I found it intriguing.

There it was — an “open house” sign on a vacant lot. Amazing.

What kind of open house event would that be on a vacant lot? What was there to show to potential buyers? The lot was vacant — nothing really to see.

In truth, the sign was meant to point to an open house just around the corner. But I’m glad that sign was there. It made me think. It called me to reflect on my life, to ponder my commitment to the Lord and to the Church.

Could that be me? Could my life be an open house on a vacant lot? When I declare that I am a Christian and a believer, what do I have to show for it? Can I genuinely back that up with legitimate and sufficient evidence? Or am I merely an open house sign on a vacant lot?

In our work, we caution church planters not to get ahead of themselves. Don’t go

July/August 2010

putting open house signs on vacant lots. First, build a firm foundation on which a new ministry can solidly stand.

Building that foundation means identifying a target community, getting to know that community intimately, falling in love with that community and dialoguing with all the stakeholders in the community. Only then you will you know what God is calling this ministry to do to make a genuine impact to improve the lives of the residents of that community.

Stakeholders are people like municipal leaders, school administrators, law enforcement officers, health care (continued on next page) The Rev. Dr. Fred Lehr is director of Church Planting, Northern Province; he also took the photo for this article.

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(continued from previous page) professionals, other non-profits in the area, other churches and pastors, and residents.

What do they see that is missing from this community? What need is not being fulfilled?

What mission opportunity is there for the taking? Where can we truly make a difference?

BUT — Don’t promise what you can’t deliver. Build the foundation first. Then let the ministry grow on that firm foundation as others join in who see what we are trying to accomplish and are willing to be a part of that mission. From the foundation we grow a network of people similarly passionate for the Lord and for the community.

When we tell the world we are a

Christian/Moravian Church, do we support that claim with all that the Church could and can be? Have we built any kind of firm foundation? Have we invited others to be in a network of similarly passionate participants?

Or are we putting an open house sign on a vacant lot?

I pray for myself, that I may be more and more what God empowers me to be. I pray for our church plants that they will become more and more what God enables them to be. And I pray for the existing congregations, that they might claim for themselves and for their communities all that God invites and commissions them to joyfully and lovingly be. ■

Betsy Miller (continued from page 28) the Western District of the Northern Province, Betsy served as co-pastor (198595) and pastor (1995-2005) of Lake Mills Moravian Church. She also serves as chair of the Province’s Task Force for Healthy Congregations Initiative; secretary of the Wisconsin Council of Churches; and chair of Fort HealthCare, an independent community hospital in Fort Atkinson, Wis. Betsy was ordained in 1985. During the past five years, she earned a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) in Congregational Mission and Leadership.

Watch for more Synod coverage in the September issue of The Moravian, or visit <www.moravian.org/news>. ■ 30

The Moravian

IN OUR CHURCHES

St. Philips Moravian Church

admitted to Salem Congregation n a gesture of restorative justice, Ireconciliation and healing, the Central Boards of Elders and Trustees of Salem Congregation unanimously approved admission of St. Philips Moravian Church, 3002 Bon Air Avenue, Winston-Salem, to membership in Salem Congregation.

St. Philips was originally formed as a mission congregation in 1822, first in a log building and then in a brick worship house on Church Street that is still owned by Salem Congregation. The log building has been reconstructed and is part of the Old Salem tour. The grounds of the old St Philips church still contain the burial grounds of deceased members. St. Philips members worshiped for 90 years in the brick church and some current St. Philips members worshiped in the brick church as children.

The recent renovations and programs by Old Salem, Inc. have renewed the congregation’s profound ties to their history.

Six current members serve as docents giving tours about their congregation’s history. The congregation now meets at the Historic Brick Church on 5th Sundays and anniversaries.

St. Philips members have a history of joint July/August 2010

mission projects with Salem Congregation churches; many positive relationships exist between St. Philips and Salem Congregation churches due to mission endeavors.

Salem Congregation is a group of Moravian congregations inside Winston-Salem city limits that jointly own many of the Moravian historic properties in the area, and jointly operate the Salem Moravian Graveyard — God’s Acre, the burial ground on Church Street. Salem Congregation sponsors the annual Easter Sunrise Service in God’s Acre that is such a significant visible part of Moravian life in the area. Only active members of Salem Congregation churches are eligible to be buried in God’s Acre.

In addition to St. Philips, current member churches in Winston-Salem include Ardmore Moravian Church, Bethesda Moravian Church, Calvary Moravian Church, Christ Moravian Church, Fairview Moravian Church, Fries Memorial Moravian Church, Home Moravian Church, Immanuel-New Eden Moravian Church, Konnoak Hills Moravian Church, Messiah Moravian Church, Pine Chapel Moravian Church and Trinity Moravian Church. ■ 31

OFFICIAL PROVINCIAL ELDERS’ NEWS

NORTHERN PROVINCE Prayer Day for World Peace and Nuclear Disarmament August 1, 2010 In accordance with legislation enacted at the 1982 Synod of the Northern Province and affirmed by the 1990 Synod, the first Sunday in August has been designated as a day of prayer for world peace and nuclear disarmament.

Prayer Day for Public Education August 29, 2010 Congregations of the Northern Province are asked to observe Public Education Awareness Day on the last Sunday in August. Prepared liturgies, intercessory prayers for students and all who teach in and administer public schools and sermons at worship may call attention to our responsibility for public education and seek the blessing of God upon these endeavors.

Center Valley and Coopersburg, Pennsylvania Grace Moravian Church, Center Valley, Pennsylvania and Coopersburg Moravian Church, Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, requested and were granted permission to merge the congregations.

Effective January 1, 2010 one congregation, Morning Star Moravian Church, Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, was formed.

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Retirement Brother David L. Wickmann, who has been serving as President of the Provincial Elders’ Conference, requested and was granted permission to retire from the active call of the Moravian Church effective August 17, 2010.

Brother Wickmann was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church May 28, 1967 and served the church in pastorates in Pennsylvania (Lititz, Allentown-Calvary, and Nazareth) and Ohio (Dover-First), as new church developer in Phoenix, Arizona; and as president of the Eastern District Executive Board (1992-2002) and president of the Provincial Elders’ Conference (2002-2010).

The church is grateful for his 43 years of faithful service.

Retirement Brother L. Roger U. Hildebrandt requested and was granted permission to retire from the active call of the Moravian Church effective November 1, 2010.

Brother Hildebrandt was ordained a deacon of the Moravian Church May 19, 1996 and served the church in pastorates in Ohio (New Philadelphia-Schoenbrunn), North Dakota (Fargo-Shepherd of the Prairie), and Alberta (Edmonton-Millwoods).

The church is grateful for his 14 years of faithful service.

The Moravian

Retirement Brother William M. Hosking, Jr., who has been serving as pastor of the Ephraim Moravian Church, Ephraim, Wisconsin, requested and was granted permission to retire from the active call of the Moravian Church effective July 1, 2010.

Brother Hosking was ordained a deacon of the United Methodist Church in June 1993 and received into the Moravian ministry April 1, 2003. He served pastorates in Pennsylvania (Lancaster) and Wisconsin (Ephraim).

Day of Prayer for Public Education August 29, 2010 has been set aside as a special prayer day for Public Education and Moravian Educational Institutions. On this Sunday congregations are asked to remember the service of our educational institutions — Salem Academy and College and Moravian College and Theological Seminary — and other educational institutions in our communities.

D. Wayne Burkette Provincial Elders’ Conference

The church is grateful for his 7 years of faithful service.

David L. Wickmann Provincial Elders’ Conference

SOUTHERN PROVINCE Brother Craig Atwood has accepted a call to serve as the Charles D. Couch Associate Professor of Moravian Theology and Ministry at Moravian Theological Seminary. He will begin his new responsibilities in Fall 2010. For the past year Brother Atwood has served in specialized ministry as director of Admissions and Student Life and adjunct faculty member teaching theology and church history courses at Wake Forest University Divinity School in Winston-Salem, N.C. Ad Policy for The Moravian — The Moravian accepts paid advertising that is consistent with the magazine’s objectives and editorial convictions as they are stated in the purpose and mission of the Interprovincial Board of Communication. Advertisements for activities, services, and products of specific interest to members of the Moravian Church have priority. The Moravian does not accept purely editorial advertisements that advocate specific ideas or issues. Articles, columns, and letters to the editor are the appropriate vehicles for the presentation of ideas and issues. The Interprovincial Board of Communication is responsible for the content and design of the magazine, including advertisements. Ad rates are available by contacting Siobhan Young at the Communication Office.

July/August 2010

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BOOK REVIEW

Authentic Communication: Christian Speech Engaging Culture

by Tim Muehlhoff and Todd V. Lewis Intervarsity Press, Downers Grove, Ill. email@ivpress.com, www.ivpress.com. Released March 5, 2010. 180 pages | ISBN 978-0830828159, Price $18.00

T im

Muehlhoff and Todd Lewis offer a thoughtful, Biblically-based examination of the power we all wield, for good or for evil, through our tongues. Fortunately, the pedantic and combative tone of the series preface is not indicative of the flavor of Authentic Communication. Indeed, the authors consistently approach their subject with humility, open-mindedness and solid scholarship. Although their primary audience is college students in the field of communication, many of the chapters contain rich nuggets that have universal appeal.

Part one opens with a brief and carefully documented introduction to key terms and concepts of the communication discipline.

The authors then explore the inescapable importance of perspective, the creation of meaning through words, and the role of rhetoric in persuasion.

Part two focuses on the application of communication concepts. The authors maintain that conflict is a regrettable but inevitable aspect of the human condition, but Christ demonstrated effective means of resolving conflict while maintaining Christian unity. Avoidance, as tempting as it may be, does nothing to restore relationships. This 34

point leads to an analysis of the components that define conflict and to a discussion of “communication climates.”

On this foundation the authors construct the essence of their work: a careful exploration of effective communication that conveys respect and promotes unity.

Particularly insightful sections include “Communication Principles for Confronting Conflict” and “The Third Story.” Muehlhoff and Lewis extend this discussion to the more challenging topics of communicating forgiveness, responding to today’s “argument culture,” and promoting social justice.

In summary, the authors have shared a thought-provoking study of an activity that we all too often take for granted. The words that we utter so casually have the power to hurt or to heal, and the sober reminder that we will ultimately be held accountable for them invites a reflective response. ■

Review by Elizabeth Spragins, an educator/program coordinator for the North Carolina Community College System. She is a member of Raleigh Moravian Church in Raleigh, N.C. The Moravian

Postmaster please send address changes to: The Moravian, P.O. Box 1245, Bethlehem, PA 18016-1245

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