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Moravian Archives, Winston-Salem, NC

since 1753, documenting
our churches, our families, our communities

  • About
    • Our Mission, Our Witness
    • Our History, Governing Commission, and Staff
    • About the Archivist
    • The Archie K. Davis Center
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  • Our Churches
    • The Moravian Church, Then and Now
    • Southern Province and Salem Congregation
    • Our Local Churches and Fellowships
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  • Family History
    • Our Memoir Collection
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  • Services
    • Free Services For All Guests
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    • Book Series: Records of the Moravians in North Carolina
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    • Exhibits
      • The Languages of Flowers in Moravian Wachovia
      • The Botanizers of Salem, 1785-1835
    • Thursday Talks
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    • Rev. Dr. C. Daniel Crews Friends Fund – Annual Budget
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Fairview Moravian Church

Like many churches of the time, Fairview began as a Sunday school in order to serve the needs of the surrounding neighborhood.

It was 1895, and a new iron foundry was drawing more residents to an area in northeast Winston. With Bishop Edward Rondthaler’s advice and guidance, Sr. Eva Rosalie Kester canvassed the neighborhood and found 60 children and adults eager for the Scripture. With 80 scholars and seven teachers in attendance, the Sunday school was organized on May 5 in Mr. Cicero Tise’s church called Fairview. Howard Rondthaler, son of the bishop, was the first pastor.

Since the Tise church was being rented, the Sunday school soon needed a home of its own, so in 1900 a fine brick church was built.

Fairview grew with the community. In 1908 the Sunday school attained church status in the Southern Province. Needing a parsonage for a resident pastor, the Fairview members raised the money in one week. In 1912 Fairview pioneered the Boy Scouting movement in Winston-Salem. By 1923, the congregation had outgrown its building, only 23 years old. Five families pledged $1,000 apiece, and a spacious new church building was begun. But construction was slow, and though the sanctuary was first used June 2, 1929, the Great Depression hindered payments on loans. Finally on May 15, 1938, after untold chicken pie sales, the church could be dedicated, free of debt.

By the 1950’s the times and the neighborhood had changed. But the most devastating blow to Fairview was a new north-south expressway to be built within yards of the church. A search for a new church home was begun, and in 1957 a site was selected in northwest Winston-Salem.

Construction of Fairview’s new church on Silas Creek Parkway began in 1963, and an inspiring modern edifice arose to serve as the current home of the congregation. With more recent additions of an activities building and an office wing, Fairview stands to serve its community for many years to come.

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Support our Annual Giving – Rev. Dr. C. Daniel Crews Friends Fund

Give to our Technology Fund

Monies will purchase new computers and software allowing the Archives to better access and share its holdings. We have reached our initial goal, but will still accept donations. More info here.




Visiting Us

We are currently closed to visitors until the new Assistant Archivist is hired in the new year. Meanwhile, please feel free to email your research questions, and we will help as we are able.

Parking is in the northwest corner of the lot at the western end of SR 4326 (Rams Drive) off Salem Avenue. The same street serves as entry to the Elbertson Fine Arts Center at Salem College. When we reopen, our hours will be Monday-Friday (excepting holidays), 10:00 a.m. – noon, 1:00-4:00 p.m. by appointment only. We invite you to contact us to plan your visit.

Contact Us

Moravian Archives
457 S. Church Street
Winston-Salem, N.C. 27101

Phone: (336) 722-1742
Email: sparchives@mcsp.org

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