The first structure built in Bethlehem, no longer extant, was erected in 1741. A sign affixed to the side of the Hotel Bethlehem was the beginning point for the MAGS Tour of Historic Bethlehem.
The Tannery
A series of structures were build by the Moravians along the Monocacy Creek. These structures were part of an early “industrial community” where the members of the settlement, principally the single men, carried on a variety of trades. The building featured in this picture was the tannery.
Single Brother's House
The Single Brother’s House, built in 1748, is probably the most historic structure in Bethlehem as on two occasions it housed sick and wounded soldiers who fought in Revolutionary War battles around New York City and Philadelphia. General Lafayette was among the more than 200 soldiers who convalesced in this building after the battles of Brandywine and Germantown in 1777.
The Gemeinhause
The Gemeinhause, was the second structure built in 1741. This building was constructed of logs and is the largest building of its type in the United States. The first Moravian Chapel in Bethlehem was located on the second floor.
Bell House
The central section of Bell House was constructed in 1746. The building was enlarged in 1748 and 1749.
The north extension of the Single Sister’s house built in 1752. The buttressing was added after problems were discovered with the foundations and the subsoil.
Moravian cemeteries differ significantly from cemeteries for other German churches in southeastern Pennsylvania as explained by tour leader John Humphrey. The men were buried separate from the women and parents were buried separate from any children who may have died young. The stones lay flat upon the ground bear relatively simple inscriptions, dates and locations of birth as well as dates of death.
The group of about twenty-five concluded the tour near CentralMoravianChurch.
