• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

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
    • Work Study and Internships with Us
  • Our Churches
    • The Moravian Church, Then and Now
    • Southern Province and Salem Congregation
    • Our Local Churches and Fellowships
    • Moravian Archives Sunday
  • Family History
    • Our Memoir Collection
    • Reading Room Computer Resources
    • The Genealogy Bookshelves
  • Research
    • Searching our Collections
    • The Wachovia Moravian
    • Research Studies Sampler
    • Research Policies and Application Form
    • Helpful Links
    • Moravian Studies Collaborative
  • Services
    • Free Services For All Guests
    • Reprographic Services
    • Permissions For Use
    • For Churches and Church Agencies Adding Records
  • Products
    • Book Series: Records of the Moravians in North Carolina
    • Book Series: Records of the Moravians Among the Cherokees
    • Bookstore & More: Items For Sale
    • Exhibits
      • The Languages of Flowers in Moravian Wachovia
      • The Botanizers of Salem, 1785-1835
    • Thursday Talks
  • Supporters
    • Ways to Donate and Support
    • Rev. Dr. C. Daniel Crews Friends Fund – Annual Budget
    • Technology Fund – Computers and Software
    • Book Fund – Collection Maintenance
    • Endowment Fund – Long-Term Reserves
    • Sustainers – Planned Giving
    • Collectors – Gifts in Kind
    • Volunteers – Working Alongside Us
    • Annotations, Our Supporters Newsletter
  • Find Us
    • Contact and Visit Information
    • Site Map

Willow Hill Moravian Church

There is something about Willow Hill Moravian Church that brings out the poet in people.

“At the foot of the Blue Ridge, in Virginia,” the June 1895 Wachovia Moravian rhapsodized, “by the side of the Volunteer Gap road, under the waving branches of great mountain chestnut trees, Bro. John McCuiston has been preaching, now and then, to an audience gathered in from the slopes around. And now a Sunday School is to be opened there, and a chapel to be built.”

Br. McCuiston’s first service at Willow Hill was on August 6, 1893, when he preached outdoors at Anderson Hiatt’s “at the foot of the mountain.” You know it was a glorious setting.

Work on the chapel began in the autumn of 1895, and was renewed as farm chores, finances, and the weather permitted. The first Christmas celebration was on December 19, 1896. The windows were installed in November 1897. Following on the heels of the first revival in May 1898, Br. McCuiston on June 5, 1898, organized Willow Hill with 14 members. Finally, with construction completed and all debts paid, the little chapel was consecrated on October 14, 1900, by Bishop Edward Rondthaler, who declared it was “perhaps the most sublime location of any Moravian church in the world.”

Two decades later, in September 1918, Bishop Rondthaler again visited Willow Hill. This time the Bethania band was there too, “filling the whole circuit of orchard-country with their accurate and beautiful church music,” Br. Rondthaler wrote.

Yet another two decades later, with help from throughout the Southern Province, Willow Hill built a handsome brick church to replace the old 1890’s wooden one. The new church was in use by January 1939.

About this time Willow Hill began a custom that each spring draws Moravians Province-wide — the annual Apple Blossom Festival. With the mountains decked in blankets of white blossoms, it is a sight to behold. Just ask Br. John Kapp, who still holds services at Willow Hill when able.

Or as Edward Rondthaler put it more than 80 years ago: “This is like Paradise!”

Primary Sidebar

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

Follow us on Facebook

Shop our Bookstore

Copyright © 2023 · Executive Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in