Moravian Lives @ Moravian U

Items

• A. Mary Anton (1739-1763)
  Mary Anton, born in Holstein in 1739, spent much of her childhood moving among Moravian communities in Germany and struggled from an early age with lightmindedness, spiritual instability, and periods of sinful behavior that even led to temporary exclusion from the congregation. Despite these struggles, she repeatedly returned to Christ in repentance, experiencing deep emotional moments of forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and closeness to her Savior through prayer, confession, fellowship, and Holy Communion. Over time she became more sincere, humble, and devoted within the Single Sisters’ Choir, finding joy in serving others and seeking to live entirely as Christ’s “property.” After suddenly falling ill with a severe fever in 1763, she remained patient, cheerful, and spiritually focused, longing to depart peacefully into her Savior’s presence. Shortly after receiving Holy Communion one final time, she died quietly at nearly twenty-four years old.
• Mattheus Wittke (1749-1803)
  This manuscript is the life account of Matthes Wittke (or Wittke/Wittke), a Moravian man born in Moravia around 1700 who experienced religious persecution during the Counter-Reformation and later became connected with the Moravian renewal movement under Count Zinzendorf. The account traces his migrations through Moravia, Herrnhut, and eventually to America, including work as a weaver, marriage and children, participation in Moravian congregational life, and several major relocations connected to the expanding Moravian settlements. It also reflects on his spiritual development, his attachment to the Moravian Church, and his efforts to remain faithful through hardship, exile, and changing circumstances. The later pages discuss his family life, community responsibilities, and reflections on God’s guidance throughout his life.
• James Oates (1745-1761)
  James Oates, born in Yorkshire in 1745, was raised among the Moravian Brethren and became known from childhood for his honesty, simplicity, obedience, and deep longing to know Christ more fully. After joining the Great Boys’ Choir and later the Moravian congregation, he devoted himself to work, prayer, and spiritual fellowship, especially desiring to live entirely for the “Man of Sorrows.” Though afflicted from a young age with a painful bowel disorder, he endured his illness with remarkable patience, humility, and joy, becoming a source of spiritual comfort and encouragement to those who visited him. During his final weeks, he spoke constantly of his longing to “go home” to his Savior, described visions and feelings of Christ’s nearness, and died peacefully in 1761 at only fifteen years old, surrounded by hymns, blessings, and the Moravian community.
• Richard Fenton (1757-1772)
  Richard Fenton, born in Yorkshire in 1757, was raised within the Moravian community and spent his youth at the Brethren’s school before becoming an apprentice glover and resident in the Choir House. Though naturally quiet and well regarded by his companions, he became seriously ill as a teenager and gradually declined in health despite many attempts at recovery. During his illness he remained patient, peaceful, and deeply devoted to Christ, often expressing that he preferred to “be with Christ” rather than recover and continue living in the world. Shortly before his death he described experiencing a powerful sense of the Savior’s forgiveness and acceptance, telling others that Christ would soon take him home. He died peacefully in December 1772 at only fifteen years old, comforted by his faith and the support of the Moravian community.
• John Ellis (1748-1764)
  John Ellis, born in Yorkshire in 1748, spent part of his childhood living with relatives before returning to his parents, who later became connected with the Moravian Brethren. Though initially considered wild and restless as a child, he underwent a significant spiritual change after joining the Great Boys’ Choir, becoming thoughtful, devoted, and deeply concerned with belonging entirely to Christ. After his father’s death and the onset of a serious illness, he worked beyond his strength to help support his widowed mother and younger siblings while continuing faithfully to attend Moravian meetings whenever possible. Throughout his illness he remained gentle, openhearted, and spiritually focused, expressing certainty that he would soon “go to our Savior.” Shortly before his death in 1764 at age sixteen, he spoke peacefully of seeing Christ and His wounds in a vision and died calmly, asking to be buried among his Brethren at Fulneck.
• Christian Oxley (1752-1761)
  Christian Oxley, born in 1752 to Moravian parents originally from northern Ireland, entered the Children’s Oeconomy at Fulneck as a very young child and was known for his gentle, childlike nature and fragile health. Though shy in his early years, he gradually became cheerful, openhearted, diligent, and deeply attached to the Moravian community, delighting especially in hymns, Bible verses, and celebrations surrounding Christ’s birth. Despite recurring illness and increasing deafness, he remained faithful in school and eager to participate in meetings and Christmas observances with the other children. After a sudden worsening illness following Christmas 1760, he endured severe suffering with patience and sweetness, surrounded by the prayers and affection of the Brethren. He died peacefully in January 1761 at only eight years old.
• Justina LaTrobe (1767-1772)
  Justina Elizabeth LaTrobe, born at Fulneck in 1767, was remembered as a gentle, loving, and unusually tender-hearted child who was deeply attached to the Moravian community from an early age. After entering the Girls’ Oeconomy as a toddler, she quickly became beloved among both the Sisters and the other children for her cheerful nature, readiness to ask forgiveness, and delight in attending children’s meetings and singing about Christ’s sufferings. When she became seriously ill in 1772, she endured her sickness patiently and spoke sweetly and confidently about going to live with her Savior because she loved Him. During Holy Week, after listening attentively to the story of Christ’s suffering on the Cross, she peacefully accepted that she would soon die. Surrounded by prayer, tears, and a deeply emotional liturgy, she died gently in the early hours of Easter Sabbath at not yet five years old.
• Anna Margretta Walker (1763-1770)
  Anna Margretta Walker, born at Fulneck in 1763, was remembered as a lively, affectionate, and spiritually sensitive child who loved learning hymns and verses about Christ from an early age. Although weakened by illness throughout much of her short life after suffering whooping cough as an infant, she delighted in attending the girls’ school at the Sisters’ House and was deeply moved by Moravian teachings about death, salvation, and union with the Savior. After witnessing the funerals of other Sisters and children, she often spoke peacefully and even joyfully about her own future death, carefully thinking about her burial, favorite scripture texts, and being with Christ. During her final illness in Easter season of 1770, she repeatedly told those around her that she wanted only “our Saviour to come,” remaining calm and spiritually focused despite severe pain and convulsions. She died peacefully at six years old, surrounded by the prayers and blessings of the congregation, and was remembered with great tenderness by her companions and teachers.
• Alice Brown (1730-1757)
  Memoir written for Alice Brown, born in Lancashire in 1730. Alice Brown was a devout member of the Moravian Church. Her memoir details her communal life within various "Economies" and Choir Houses, where she separated from her parents to pursue her faith and enthusiastically shared her works of grace with fellow Sisters. After predicting her own departure, she joyfully embraced her final illness as a journey home, passing away in 1757 at the age of twenty-seven to be united with her eternal Bridegroom.
• Johann Andreas Hübner’s daily routine for the Bethlehem Boarding School for Girls
  Boarding schools Rules Bethlehem Boarding School for Girls
• Johann Andreas Hübner’s "House Rules" for the Bethlehem Boarding School for Girls
  Draft of House Rules for the Girls’ School in Bethlehem to which the Sisters who are employed in the training of the Little Girls and Older Girls are to consider themselves bound written by Johann Andreas Hübner, school principal (1785-1790).
• Benigna Briand (1707-1763)
  This manuscript is a short biographical memorial of Sister Benigna Nitschmann, a devoted Moravian woman remembered for her deep faith, humility, kindness, and patience through suffering. It describes her Christian character, her care for others, and the calm, peaceful manner in which she faced a long illness and death in March 1782 at about 61 years old. The account concludes with details of her passing, the grief of her husband and community, and her funeral and burial services, presenting her life as an example of spiritual devotion and perseverance.
• Johann Andreas Hübner’s rules for conduct at the 1789 Bethlehem Boarding School for Girls
  This document outlines a detailed set of rules and expectations for children attending a Moravian boarding school in the late 18th century. It emphasizes obedience, discipline, silence, modesty, religious devotion, and respect toward teachers (“Tutoresses”), peers, and worship practices. The children are instructed on proper behavior throughout the day—from waking, washing, meals, classes, and prayer meetings to recreation and walks outside. The text stresses orderly conduct, avoiding loudness, grumbling, rushing, or rude manners, and encourages the students to develop self-discipline, humility, gratitude, and reverence toward God. Overall, it reflects the highly structured, communal, and religious environment of Moravian education at the time. Hübner transcription is presented as written, with underlined/crossed out text, original spelling and capitalization. Transcription by Barbara Ballard with annotations by James Talarico
• Agnes Böhnisch (1752-1763)
  This manuscript is a short memorial biography of Agnes Böhnisch, a Moravian girl born in Greenland in 1752 who was remembered for her cheerful spirit, kindness, deep faith, and love of worship and singing. She was especially beloved among the children and teachers for her gentle nature and devotion to Jesus. After a long illness that left her weak and bedridden, she remained peaceful and spiritually joyful until her death in May 1764 at only 11 years old, surrounded by the prayers and care of her community.
• Andrew (Ofodobendo Wooma) (1729-1779)
  This Moravian memoir recounts the life of Andrew the Moor, originally named Ofodobendo Wooma, who was born in Africa and sold into slavery before arriving in New York in 1741. After meeting Moravian Brethren while enslaved in New York, he learned about Christianity, taught himself to read, and developed a deep faith in the Savior. He moved to Bethlehem in 1746, was baptized into the Moravian Church, married, raised a family, and lived a faithful and devoted life within the congregation. In his final illness he longed to be united with Christ, and he died peacefully surrounded by the Moravian community.
• Nathaniel Seidel (1718-1782)
  The memoir is written by Nathaniel Seidel himself up to his arrival in Bethlehem in Pennsylvania. It is continued by another brother or sister who had access to his travel diaries. Seidel recounts his childhood in Germany and the awakening he experienced at the age of 14. He rededicated himself to God at the age of 17, making a pact with his Savior. In 1739, he arrived in Herrnhut and went on to Herrnhag. In 1742, he answered a call to Bethlehem where he became the Elder of the Single Brethren. The rest of his biography recounts his many journeys among the Indians, the different settlements in North America, Europe, South America, and the West Indies. Throughout his life, he kept extensive travel diaries. He was ordained to multiple positions within the Brethren and became Bishop in 1758. The narrative accounts for his last years, his increased weakness, and his death in 1782.
• Michael (d. 1758)
  This account of Michael's life was written by another brother or sister. It recounts his upbringing in the Minisink Nation and his youth as a great warrior. The author included details about his "pleasing" facial markings. He was awakened to the Savior in 1742 and baptized. He spent several years in Gnadenhütten and then came to Bethlehem in 1755. The author describes his last illness and his death. He was remembered as a pious and holy member of the Brethren.
• David Nitschmann Sr. (1676-1758)
  This account of David Nitschmann's life was written by another brother or sister. It recounts his childhood in Moravia and how he was raised within the secrecy of the Brethren. In 1704, he moved to Kunewald where he became a farmer. Kunewald experienced a great awakening under his leadership and several of the Brethren were taken prisoners. David himself was declared a heretic and thrown into prison. He escaped from jail and went to Berthelsdorf and then Herrnhut. He received a call to St. Thomas and to St. Croix where his wife died. He then received a call to Pennsylvania along with his daughter Anna. He was one of the builders of Bethlehem. He was a proficient writer and leader of the Widowers' Choir. The author describes in the account his last few days of illness, his death, and his funeral.
• Magdalene (1731-1820)
  Magdalene briefly describes her childhood growing up in slavery. She was persuaded by her master to move to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She was reluctant at first but eventually found contentment. She received the Lord as her Savior and was baptized in 1748. The brief account was completed by another brother or sister and describes her marriage, her brief illness, and her death at the age of 89.
• Rebecca (1809-1830)
  This Moravian memoir recounts the life of Rebecca, an African American young woman born in North Carolina in 1809 to parents who belonged to the Brethren’s Church. After moving with the Moravian Kummer family to Pennsylvania as a child, she was educated in the Christian faith, learned to read religious books, and became known for her gentle devotion, prayerfulness, and love of hymns about the Savior’s redeeming love. Remembered as faithful, kind, and deeply spiritual, she faced her final illness in 1830 with calm trust in Christ and died peacefully at the age of 21.
• Josua (1720-1761)
  his Moravian memoir recounts the life of Josua (John), an African man from the Ybo Kingdom who was captured in war, sold into slavery, and eventually brought to New York and later Bethlehem by the Horsfield family. After encountering the Moravian Brethren, he embraced Christianity, was baptized in 1750, and became a devoted member of the Moravian congregation in Nazareth and Christiansbrunn. Remembered for his gratitude, humility, faithful work, and deep love for the Savior and the Gemeine, he died peacefully of smallpox in 1761 while expressing joy at going home to Christ.
• Johann Francis (Frantz) (Franz) Thomas (1732-1822)
  This short biography was written by another brother or sister. The narrative recounts Thomas' birth in Germany and his arrival in America at the age of 6. He grew up in Pennsylvania, first in Philadelphia and then in Lancaster. He was very impressed and touched by a meeting with Spangenberg. He married and moved to Bethlehem in 1772 where he was well respected and loved. The account describes his very painful illness and his resignation in the Lord. There is another version of the memoir written in German in the pages preceding this account in English.
• Susanna Zeisberger (1744-1824)
  This Moravian memoir recounts the life of Susanna Zeisberger, born in Lancaster in 1744, who became a devoted member of the Moravian Church after being spiritually awakened through Moravian preaching. After marrying missionary David Zeisberger in 1781 and becoming a Deaconess, she accompanied him into Native American mission territories where they endured extreme hardships, captivity, hunger, and danger. Following her husband’s death in 1808, she spent her remaining years in the Moravian Widow’s Choir House in Bethlehem in quiet devotion to the Savior until her peaceful death at age 80.
• Marie (Maria) Werner (1711-1760)
  This biography was written by another brother or sister. It recounts Marie's birth in Austria and how she was first raised as a Catholic and then a Lutheran. She then moved to Augsburg where she became acquainted with the Brethren. She felt a call to the Gemeine and moved to Herrnhag in 1740. She arrived in Bethlehem in 1742 where she married and worked in the nursery. The author describes Marie's very long and painful illness as well as her unwavering faith until her death.
• William Thorne (1726-1757)
  This short biography was written by another brother or sister. It recounts Thorne's upbringing in the Church of England. Thorne was dissatisfied and left school to follow Wesley. He was then invited by the Brethren in London who sent him to North Ireland for a few years. In 1755, he left for America and died in Bethlehem. The narrative lists all of his children.