St. Philips Moravian Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Philips Moravian Church
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St. Phillips Moravian Church, 2007
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | E side, S. Church St. near Race St., Old Salem, North Carolina |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1861 |
| Built by | Charles Houser George Swink |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 91001170 |
| Added to NRHP | September 3, 1991 |
St. Philips Moravian Church is a very important building in North Carolina. It is the oldest church building still standing that was built by and for African American people. This historic church was built in 1861 in a place called Old Salem, North Carolina. It was used for church services for a long time, until 1952. Today, it has been restored and is used for worship services every week.
Contents
History of St. Philips Church
Early Beginnings
The story of St. Philips Church began in 1822. At that time, a group of Black people formed a new church community. They built a simple log church south of a graveyard. This graveyard had been set aside for African Americans in 1816.
From 1827 to 1831, white women from the Moravian church taught Sunday school there. However, a state law was passed that made it illegal to teach enslaved people how to read. So, the Sunday school had to stop teaching reading.
A New Building and Freedom
Moravian leaders decided to build a bigger church in 1861. This new church was made of brick and was located east of the graveyard.
A very important event happened at this church on May 21, 1865. A soldier named Rev. Seth G. Clark read General Orders 32 from the church's pulpit. This announcement told everyone that enslaved people were now free.
In 1890, the church building was made even bigger. They added a new section with a central hall and classrooms. There was also a large room upstairs that could be used for classes or opened up to the main church area.
Naming the Church
For many years, the brick church was known as the Moravian "Negro congregation." But in December 1913, it was given a special name. During a lovefeast service, Bishop Edward Rondthaler officially named it St. Philips.
The church building was recognized for its historical importance in 1991. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 1999, the original log church from 1823 was rebuilt in its first location.
