The key themes in Home Moravian Church’s heritage and history are missions, education, service, music, fellowship and celebration of the good news of God’s love for us all in Jesus Christ.
Home Church and the Salem Congregation hold annual Easter Sunrise services in God’s Acre, the Moravian graveyard, where hundreds of band members provide antiphonal music as worshipers gather. Other special worship events include the Great Sabbath lovefeast on the Saturday after Good Friday, the Christmas Eve lovefeasts and the Watchnight service on New Year’s Eve.
The Women’s Fellowship of Home Church sponsors a Candle Tea at the Single Brothers’ House on Salem Square every December. Visitors learn about longstanding traditions of the church and hear a reading of the Christmas story.
Moravians have long held a strong belief in education. In 1772 a school was started for girls. This evolved into Salem Academy and College, just south of Home Church’s sanctuary. Members of Home Church continue to be active in outreach programs, often working with other churches and non-profit organizations.
Music is a key part of the Moravian heritage. Moravian composers, many of whom have lived in Salem, have been major contributors to the world’s sacred and classical music. The Moravian Band – mostly brass instruments – has for centuries been employed for calls to worship, special occasions and death announcements.
