"From the Pastor" column

(special feature from the belfry)

      by Rev. Douglas W. Caldwell, Senior Pastor

   The New Moravian College Dorm

   Wow!  Things really are different!  That is, if you look at the back of the parsonage and the church office building.  Construction has begun on a new dormitory on the field which once contained huge crowds of people for concerts at the band shell for such artists as Ray Charles, the Mamas and the Papas, Nancy Wilson and Wayne Newton.  Those days are gone and so is the band shell.

   Several years ago the Board of Trustees at Moravian College voted to increase the enrollment of the student body to 1600 and to bring all of the students into housing on the campus.  Many sites and possibilities for this to become a realty were discussed.

   Almost 4 years ago the Board of Directors and Administration of the Bethlehem Area Moravians (BAM) met with the Board of Trustees and Administration at Moravian College.  Moravian College was well aware of the significant reputation of BAM’s ability to develop and provide quality housing.  This awareness has been displayed through numerous homes and apartments owned by BAM in historic Bethlehem, the establishment of Moravian Houses I, II, III and IV and the development of Moravian Village, which is the largest single housing complex in the city of Bethlehem.

   The Moravian College community enthusiastically embraced the partnership with BAM for the construction of the new dorm which includes classrooms, food services, recreation facilities plus state of the art lodging facilities.

   Moravian College has given BAM a dollar a year lease for the land.  It is also contributing 4 million dollars for added amenities.  The total cost will be over 25 million dollars.   This allows BAM the opportunity to use its resources in ministries which conform to its mission - housing.  It then permits Moravian College additional resources to use in its mission of education.   The new facility, which will also include sensitive and enhanced landscaping, will be ready for occupancy by the Fall of 2009.