CityView Magazine

Discover Our State Old Salem E Secrets of By Frances Hasty njoy the simple evergreen decorations on the doorways and in the windows of the homes and shops along Main Street. Treat yourself to a delectable sugar cookie baked in the brick oven at Winkler Bakery. Sing carols to the accompaniment of a restored 1800 Tannenberg organ. It’s Christmastime at Old Salem, the restored Moravian congregation town founded in 1766. Although the season reflects the simpler, more orderly life- style of the town founders, it’s a festive and joyous time that is packed with things to see and do. The town is part of Old Salem Mu- seums & Gardens, which also includes the Museum of Early Southern Decora- tive Arts (popularly known as MESDA), the Old Salem Children’s Museum and the Old Salem Toy Museum. Sharing the square that is the centerpiece of Old Sa- lem are Home Moravian Church, built in 1800, and historic Salem College. Some of the scheduled events take place at the historic buildings. Others are held in the spacious and modern visitors center a short walk away. One of the first and most popular at- tractions of the holiday season in Old Salem is the Candle Tea, a tradition begun in 1929. It is held at the Single Brothers House but is sponsored by the Women’s Fellowship of Home Moravian Church. Guests are greeted by the wel- coming aroma of sugar cake and coffee that they will enjoy along the tour. Car- ols are sung in the chapel, and in the dining room is a demonstration of the making of beeswax candles using origi- nal molds. The Single Brothers House is a Na- tional Historic Landmark built in two sections, the first in 1769 of half-timber construction and the second a brick ex- pansion added in 1786. It was here that unmarried men of the congregation lived and worked. Salem was known as a “trades” town, producing tools, ceram- ics, furniture, metals and other goods. Some of those trades are demonstrated at the Single Brothers House by work- ers in period dress using centuries-old practices. As Christmas draws near, Home Moravian Church will welcome visi- tors to its Christmas Eve candlelight lovefeast services. The lovefeast is de- scribed as a common meal shared by the congregation to commemorate a special occasion. The Christmas service con- cludes with each worshiper holding a lighted beeswax candle aloft during the closing hymn, a reminder that “Jesus is the Light of the World.” Music has always been important to the Moravians. Visitors can enjoy the sounds of the prized 1799/1800 Tan- nenberg organ on Dec. 7 at Gray Audi- torium in the visitors center. The organ is said to be the largest surviving pipe organ built by David Tannenberg and underwent a 15-year restoration by Old Salem Museum. The organ was built for Above | Christmastime is the perfect time to visit Old Salem, the restored Moravian congregation town near Winston-Salem. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of a village known for its simpler way of life. CityViewNC.com | 61

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