Moravian Church, Gracehill

Image: © Kenneth Allen Taken: 17 Feb 2007

The Moravian Church is an old established Protestant Church,founded in Moravia (now the Czech Republic) in 1457. In the early 18th Century, Moravians came to England and took an active part in the Evangelical Revival, having a great influence on John Wesley. They were pioneers in overseas missionary activity. The Moravian Church remains central to the village, facing the square and flanked by the Manse and the Warden's House. The Brothers and Sisters Walks, on either side of the Church, meet at the burial ground or "Gods Acre", which is still in use today. In the 18th century the village was highly structured, all the inhabitants belonging to the Church. They were divided into different groups or “Choirs” each with specific duties and dwellings places, hence for example, the single brethren and sisters’ houses and the widows’ cottages. The residents followed trades and crafts for the benefit of the settlement and in return were provided with a home and the essentials of life. The intention was that the settlement should be self-sufficient and support its local evangelical work. See view of pulpit here Image]

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