"What exactly is a Moravian?"
This is a question we are often asked. Originating in the Czech province of Moravia, the Moravian church was a pre-Reformation church begun by John Hus of Bohemia. His protests and teachings caused him to die a martyr's death at the stake on July 6, 1415. The followers of John Hus organized the Unitas Fratrum (Unity of the Brethren) which became the first fully organized Protestant church in 1457. Many members were persecuted, driven from their homes, and imprisoned. They migrated to Germany and found refuge on the estate of a young nobleman, Count Zinzendorf, who was interested in their beliefs. They were often referred to as "that religious group from Moravia", and thus the name "Moravian" evolved. The Moravians came to America and established a settlement in Bethlehem, PA. From there they came south to what is now Winston-Salem, N.C. Today there are many Moravian churches in our area. Our bakery is located on Friedberg Church Road. The road received its name from Friedberg Moravian Church built in 1773 and where nine generations of my family have been members since the beginning.