The western sentinel. [volume] (Winston-Salem, N.C.) 1887-1926, 1895-08-22
M0RAVlAN HOME CHURCH.
THIS HOUSE OF WORSHIP MADE
MORE ATTRACTI"E
One OF the Oldest Churches In the
South-Dcscrtp:io of tho Reno
waited House-The Designs In
The Eight Windows.

N-~NNN
| tinguish it from the half dozen other
Moravian Churches in our community.
all Of which have been built to accom-
modatc the large congregation in our
Twin-City.
Just as the present century was be-
ing ushered in, the inhabitants of the
little village of Salem built the
Church ediffce which stands at the
Northeast point of the Salem square.
1t was a bold work for the little hand
full of men to undertake, but those
were sturdy and heroic men. This is
seen from the many grand and noble
works which they planned, not for
their own pleasure but for future
generations to enjoy. Note the cedar
avenue, which a hundred years after
its plans were made is one Of the most
beautiful spots in the South. So too
the beautiful burying ground; the
Salem square with its majestic trees,
the Academy and so on. One of their
bold designs was to erect church
which would be grand in its cOncep-
tiOn, permanent in its character, and
spacious enough for century. No
one who enters the church built at
the beginning Of the century can fail
to note the grand design, and wonder
that they could carry out so extensive
a plan: that it was permanent is
shown by the walls nearly 3 feet thick
and by the timbers in the roof, which
are so large and numerous that
modern church could be built COM
plete with them. That it is spacious
is shown by the large concourses
which assemble within it, doubtless
four times as large as was the entire
population of the town one hundred
years ago.
The exterior of the church is about
the same as when it was built in 1800
Some slight changes have been made
but not sufficient to alter the original
design. The same clear-toned bell is
heard striking the hours and calling
to worship. The same organ is used,
built in that distant early day, but
seeming to improve with age. Within
the church, however, many changes
have been made. The pulpit formerly
stood at the North side, it is now at
originally very primitive, and not
too comfortable: these have been re-
placed by modern and more comforta-
BILE pews. These changes were made
soon after the war.
About twelve or fifteen years ago
the church was very handsomely
frescoed by Philadelphia artists, and
was source of pleasure to the con-
gregation that worshipped in it. But
the walls were in time gradually
soiled, injured by dust and smoke
and Scared in one way or another.
Hence it was decided some time since
to thoroughly renOVate the interior.
A committee was appointed, con-
sisting of three gentlemen from the
Board of Trustees, viz: Messrs.
Hunter, Fogle and Giersh, and two
from the Board of Elders, viz
Messrs Fries and Clewell. These gen.
tlemen gave the contract Of the
changes to be made in the woodwork
to Messrs. Fogle Bros, and the fres-
ing to the Reuben Rink Co. The
furniture was ordered by Messrs. A g.
Vogler 81 Son. The stained glass was
furnished by VIM. Reith, of Phila-
delphia.
THE NEW RENOVATED CHURCH.
Upon entering at the west door we
find that even in the anti-rooms
changes have been made. Storm doors
have been put in the arched spaces, a
new and easy stairway built to the gal
lery. and slight change made by which
the middle door can be used in filling
and emptying the auditorium. AS we
naturally first attracted by the beauti-
full, elaborate, but at the same time,
chaste work done on the ceiling and
walls. The following is technical
description Of the work, but nothing
will convey correct impression save
| a personal inspection:
The prevailing color is light cream,
| two shades from white. The ceiling.
(size 40xSO feet,) has a large oval
4 nv in
| laurel leaf moulding, shaded in bold
relief. The oval opening is shaded
with light cloud effect. Just out
side the opening is formed large
panel, the background of which is
| finished in fine gold lines, style Louis
XIV, and on the surface at the four
corners of the panel are large Italian
Renaissance scroll ornaments, shaded
in bold relief, and in light stucco
color. Across each end of the ceiling
| is formed a large header-panel, the
center panel being 6x20 feet, Italian
Renaissance. The four corner panels
| have large Grecian scroll ornaments.
| The cove of the ceiling, feet circle,
| is of light lavender color, with large
| circle-head cream panels, standing
| across cove. The walls and gallery
| plain tint. The arch at the pulpit is
| finished with unusual care, modest and
| chaste, and is worthy of the closest
inspection. 1t is seldom that work OF
this kind is found in our section. 1t
contains two large panels, painted to
represent damask draperies, the panel
around same being rocco style, as well
as all the other solid relief around the
| arch, this all decorated in old ivory
cream and gold. The frieze around
the entire ceiling is solid relief.
| As stated before the work was done
by the Reuben Rink Co., of which J
Gilmer Kerner and Henry Kerner are
the proprietors, together with theil
foreman frescoer, Caesar Mich, late Of
Berlin, Germany. The windows are
made of opal glass, rich and deep in col
or, emitting soft and restful ligh1
into the sanctuary. The border of tn,
windows is terra Gotta, or better, ole
rose. The top is very beautiful anG
cheerful design, the bottom forms
panel, in which is an emblem sur
rounded by frame Of deep ruby glass
The designs in the eight window
are: Lamb and Banner" "Dove,
ssCross and Crown" "Open Bible,
ssAlpha and Omega" "Crown an,
Anchor" "Cup,n and ST. I'll. s..
Many visitors have expressed them
selves very freely in their admiration
OF the rich and beautiful stained glas
windows.
The sides of the wall have bee
, wainscoated in oak; the doors, pew
and pulpit are oak, and the pulp
; furniture Is oak In ecclesiastical pat
tern. The peWs have walnut trimming