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TLC approved for Central Moravian Church properties

Published August 05. 2025 12:53PM
by Ed Courrier Special to the Bethlehem Press

The Central Moravian Church was granted a pair of certificates of appropriateness for projects during the July 16 meeting of the Historical and Architectural Review Board at City Hall’s Rotunda.

Representing the church properties was Facilities Manager Michael Repsher. HARB approved the proposal to replace the mahogany balusters in-kind as needed in the circa 1803 Bell Tower of Central Moravian Church at 400 Main St. All of the existing and replacement wood will be painted to match with no change in color.

Repsher was granted an additional COA for restoring the stone entrance steps leading to the 1751 Old Chapel at 412 Heckewelder Place. Masonry loosened by winter’s freeze and thaw cycles and the use of rock salt to clear ice from the treads is to be repaired in kind.

Al-Maher and Sadeq Pasdar from Glenwood Engineering received approval to replace partially collapsed brick masonry wall at the rear façade of 453 Main St. The red clay brick veneer with gray mortar chosen to cover the newly-constructed wall is to “mesh with the existing brick wall.”

While casement windows were tentatively approved to meet egress code regulations, it was stipulated the applicants return with window and related proposals after consulting with the zoning office.

Historic Officer Joe Phillips pointed out that the 2-story area of the building being repaired is only visible from the parking deck behind it.

The property is listed in the application as owned by Wens Inc. (Attiq Ramin).

Sage Rosenberry from Alan Kunsman Roofing and Siding Inc. scored a COA for replacement roofing at 418 N. New St. He easily found approval for replacing the existing asphalt roof shingles with GAF Slateline shingles in Antique Slate with white aluminum drip edges and coffee finishing.

The 2.5-story residence, built circa 1852, is owned by Dorothy Stephenson.

Homeowner Glenn M. Price quickly acquired permission for his roofing proposal for 23 E. Church St. The commissioners granted Price a COA for replacing his leaking asphalt shingles with GAF Slateline shingles in Antique Slate. The painted metal flashing over front door enframement will be replaced with steel standing seam pans painted in Colonial Red.

The 2.5-story red brick home was erected circa 1860.

All voting was unanimous.

The Historical and Architectural Review Board regularly meets the first Wednesday of every month to review all exterior changes proposed to buildings in the Bethlehem Historic District north of the Lehigh River. When a proposed project receives a certificate of appropriateness from the board, applicants must wait for City Council to vote on it before proceeding. Meetings can be viewed on YouTube.

Facilities Manager Michael Repsher successfully presents in-kind repair proposals two historic properties owned by the Central Moravian Church.
HARB approved the proposal to replace the mahogany balusters in-kind as needed in the iconic Bell Tower of the Central Moravian Church at 400 Main St.
Repairs to the stairs leading to the 1751 Old Chapel at 412 Heckewelder Place were approved at the July HARB meeting.
From left, Sadeq Pasdar and Al-Maher discuss brick veneer and other masonry choices for the recently-repaired back wall of 453 Main St.
Sage Rosenberry from Alan Kunsman Roofing and Siding Inc. scores a COA for replacement roofing at 418 N. New St.
Glenn M. Price fields questions about his roofing replacement for his 23 E. Church St. residence.
PRESS PHOTOS BY ED COURRIERRed clay brick veneer with gray mortar was approved by HARB to cover the newly-constructed wall behind 453 Main St. that had partially collapsed due to water infiltration.