Worship & Lovefeast – Old Chapel’s 275th anniversary

Celebrations Galore! July 12th: Old Chapel’s 275th and America 250!

Celebrate the Old Chapel’s 275th anniversary (July 10, 1751) on Sunday, July 12th with a Lovefeast during our 10 a.m. Service in the Sanctuary. As we have spent this year celebrating the Chapel (especially during our wonderful Lenten program), this will be the culmination of events remembering the legacy and celebrating our current ministries in this beautiful space. Following worship, the Bethlehem Area Trombone choir, the oldest continuously performing brass ensemble in America, will play on the Church Green at 11 a.m. and all are welcome for light refreshments following.
Then stay in Bethlehem as Central joins our World Heritage partners and our greater historic district between Main and Broad for a block party celebrating American 250!

On July 12th, from 12 – 5 p.m., the lower church green of Central Moravian Church, located near the end of Main Street, will be one of the sites taking part in the America 250 celebration. With gratitude for support from the Bethlehem Area Moravian Ministries committees, our seven Moravian churches will come together to showcase several of the church bands as well as the headliner, The Stank Factory at 3 p.m. The Stank Factory is a five piece band inspired by the jazz, funk, soul, and blues sounds of New Orleans led by Moravian University graduate and friend of Central Patrick Kerssen. We also will share free cotton candy, water and information about our churches at a table on Main Street.
The Old Chapel and Sanctuary will be available for tours during this time, and there will be lots of other vendors, children’s activities and promotions throughout the day as we celebrate both our World Heritage inscription and America 250 celebrations.

Schedule for July 12
10 a.m. Moravian Lovefeast, Sanctuary. Proclamation from Rep. Steve Samuelson
11 a.m. Bethlehem Area Moravian Trombone Choir on the church green, light refreshments provided by Central
11 – 2 p.m. Free Hot Dogs, Veggie Dogs, Water on the Church Green
Starting at 12 p.m. America 250 celebrations happen through Main and Broad streets with many outdoor vendors, food options, children’s activities, etc.
12 – 5 p.m. Main St. (by church sign). Bethlehem Area Moravians offer free cotton candy and water, as well as a welcoming presence and table.
12 – 5 p.m. Music on the lower green as part of America 250 including the Edge Band, East Hills Moravian church band, The Gate Band
12 p.m. The Edge Band (Edgeboro Moravian)
1 p.m. East Hills Praise Band
2 p.m. The Gate Band
3 p.m. The Stank Factory – “The Stank Factory is a five-piece band inspired by the jazz, funk, soul, and blues sounds of New Orleans. Since their formation in October 2024, the band has performed throughout the mid-Atlantic region at jazz clubs, church vespers, music festivals, libraries, outdoor bars, and more.”