The Moravian Church and Bethlehem have been intertwined since the beginning, when the settlers from Europe established the town on Christmas Eve 1741. Moravians and the city go together like the horses and carriages that can often be seen traversing the historic downtown.

According to “A Brief History of the Moravian Church” website, “the Moravians were able to establish a permanent presence in Pennsylvania in 1741, settling on the estate of George Whitefield. Moravian settlers purchased 500 acres to establish the settlement of Bethlehem in 1741. Soon they bought the 5,000 acres of the Barony of Nazareth from Whitefield’s manager, and the two communities of Bethlehem and Nazareth became closely linked in their agricultural and industrial economy.”

West Side Moravian Church at 402 Third Ave. is beautifully woven into the tapestry of that history, as it commemorates its 166th anniversary this year. The congregation marked the milestone anniversary at the Sunday service May 3, which included an Anniversary Lovefeast with sugar cake, coffee and special music.

“Our congregation was established May 6, 1860, by Moravian Seminary students, who started to care for the people on the canal,” explains the Rev. Tammie Rinker, pastor. She notes the area was not particularly settled, so in addition to Christian study, the seminarians taught them basic hygiene, life skills, reading and writing.

“The church definitely had a purpose,” Rev. Rinker says.

“At that time there were many families with children living and working on the canal; they were offered Sunday school and, later, a full program of worship services, musical opportunities, and Bible study,” says the pastor. “West Side blossomed and grew in service to the community. Over time our building was added on to in order to accommodate the growing community.”

“Today every facet of our building is used to build up our community,” Pastor Rinker says. “We also give our neighbors free parking passes for our lot during Musikfest.”

She notes West Side is a place for worship, singing and prayer that also provides space for fellowship (Seniors and Friends), recovery (AA, Al-Anon), learning (Adult Bible study and Montessori), health (yoga) and community (dances/nonprofit meeting space, meditation group).

West Side’s presence is visible in the community through such activities as participating in the Sixth Annual Rose Fest, which celebrated the 96th anniversary of the Historic Bethlehem Rose Garden June 13 at Rose Garden Park. Businesses and nonprofits were invited to join the fun and host a table.

The church also participated in America250: A Bethlehem Block Party, a vibrant summer street fair July 12 on Main Street. The event was held in partnership with Northside Alive, the City of Bethlehem and in honor of Central Moravian Church’s 275th anniversary.

West Side will again partner with the nearby Star of Bethlehem Lutheran Church Sept. 5 to host their annual block party. Neighbors are invited to enjoy free food and drink and activities. Pastor Tammie notes that in past years City of Bethlehem Fire Trucks were on hand for kids to climb on and have fun.

This summer West Side will welcome the administrative offices of the Northern Province of the Moravian Church – which includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York – into the lower level of the church in a space sharing agreement.

“It’s a central location for them, and we’re happy to share space with them,” Pastor Rinker says.

In the spirit of “love thy neighbor,” the church is also fostering a world where everyone eats regardless of ability to pay, Pastor Rinker adds, referring the Essentials Café, which is housed in the church’s former parsonage at 418 Third Ave. and opened in November 2023.

The pay what you can community café welcomes everyone – the meal is free, and those who are able to pay may consider covering the cost for those who can’t – a pay-it-forward type of thing.

At this time, 70 percent of the meals are free. “Donations are always welcome and needed,” she says. “The café is going strong because of the support.”

The café is open Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The work of the café is supported by the church, the pastor explains, though it is not a ministry of the church. Volunteers come from various congregations, and some have no religious affiliation.

“Everyone is welcome” is foundational to the café, she says. “No one is excluded in any way.”

The spirit of the café – and West Side’s commitment to the community – fuse perfectly with what Pastor Rinker believes is the lasting influence of Moravians in Bethlehem.

“Moravians in general are very good at hospitality. We are very welcoming to all backgrounds and orientations.”

At West Side, that tradition continues.

“We have changed with the times and remained focused on serving our community through 166 years,” Pastor Rinker says.

For more information on West Side Moravian Church visit westsidemoravian.org/. You can check out the latest happenings at Essentials Café – and donate at essentialscafe.org/.