Moravian Archives | Board of Christian Education | Board of Evangelism and Home Missions | Mission Society | Provincial Women's Board

Southern Province

For contact information regarding these agencies and boards, please see Southern Province Agencies and Boards Directory.

Moravian Archives

The Moravian Archives carefully preserves the history of what is now the Southern Province, in personal and congregational diaries describing life in a continuous account--with no significant gaps--from 1753 to the present. Eyewitness accounts give dramatic depth to 250 years of history while detailing the rhythms of daily life in the Wachovia communities, including the weather!

The 12th volume of Records of the Moravians in North Carolina has been published recently by the Archives and the North Carolina Division of Cultural Resources. The Records provide a source to read firsthand accounts of history, excerpted from the original diaries.

The Archives are the joint possession of the Southern Province and the Salem Congregation. The pastor in each congregation of the province is responsible for submitting to the Archives annually, on Provincial Archives Day (the first Thursday in October), materials relating to the life of his/her church.

The Rev. Dr. C. Daniel Crews is the archivist for the Southern Province. The telephone number for the Moravian Archives is 336/722-1742.

Board of Christian Education

The Board of Christian Education (BCE) creates opportunities to "find faith in Jesus Christ, grow personally in that faith, and develop ways to express such faith actively" through education programs for congregations and individuals of all ages. The BCE offers resources ranging from books and audiovisual aids to training for leaders and teachers.

The BCE also serves as a resource for stewardship education in the province, providing materials and assistance to congregations in their stewardship programs.

Laurel Ridge Camp and Conference Center, whose board is appointed by the BCE, offers summer camps for youth and year-round activities for families and individuals of many ages. Set among the peaceful peaks of northwest North Carolina, Laurel Ridge offers a special experience "on the mountain" for all who go there.

The Moravian Book and Gift Shop, located on Main Street in Old Salem, sells Moravian-related items, including books and music, as well as delightful gifts and trinkets appealing to children of all ages. Profits from the shop are distributed to local and international charities each year.

The BCE appoints the Church and Society Commission to "study…social issues that confront individuals and the Christian community" and to recommend to congregations issues worthy of study and action.

The Rev. Richard L. Sides is the executive director of the Board of Christian Education. The telephone number for the Board of Christian Education is 336/722-8126. The FAX number is 336/725-1893.

Board of Evangelism and Home Missions

The Board of Evangelism and Home Missions works on the homefront, that is, in the Southern Province, through a three-pronged program.

To meet community and human needs, the board works with community concern committees in congregations and within its board to develop outreach programs. The board was instrumental in helping gather relief supplies and work teams for assistance in eastern North Carolina after Hurricane Floyd. BEHM works with Sunnyside Ministry of the Moravian Church, a crisis intervention agency in Winston-Salem, and helps fund the salary for a Moravian minister to act as a full-time chaplain in the Forsyth Prison and Jail Ministry, as well as helping meet community and human needs in other areas of the province.

Developing evangelism programs for the province is part of the work of the BEHM. The Hospitality program, written and produced by BEHM, offers congregations a printed manual to help with creating and retaining membership.

New church development is also the work of the BEHM. The board helps determine locations for new congregations and assists in establishing the new church, providing funding and working with the Provincial Elders' Conference to call the founding pastor. The newest congregations established in the province are in Huntersville, near Charlotte, N.C., and in Holly Springs, in the Research Triangle Area near Raleigh, N.C.

The Rev. David Guthrie is the executive director of the Board of Evangelism and Home Missions. The telephone number for the BEHM is 336/725-6413. The FAX number is 336/723-1029.

Mission Society

Purpose/Mission

The Mission Society, founded in April, 1923, will educate Moravians about the issues and needs of the world mission of the Church. The Mission Society will work to facilitate and support personal and congregational involvement in missions, furthering the spread of the Gospel throughout the world.

Responsibilities

• Support and fully cooperate with the Board of World Mission, the overseas mission agency of the Northern and Southern Provinces of the United States.
• Diseminate information on mission issues and needs, through its publication "ONWARD" and other direct communications with congregations.
• Assist in meeting emergency mission crises.
• Emphasize prayer for specific mission causes, such as the First Friday Prayer Gathering.
• Recruit short term and long term workers for overseas service.
• Bring persons from other countries to witness among us.
• Support congregational mission efforts, such as hosting the "Perspectives" course and mission retreats.
• Sponsor the Annual Lovefeast and Mission Awareness Dinner.
• Maintain and oversee operation of the Mission House, 433 South Main St, Winston-Salem, a two-apartment complex for use by missionaries on furlough and other special guests of the Mission Society.
• Promote mission interest on the part of young people through the Young Partners in Mission Program.

Provincial Women's Board

Purpose/Mission

• To promote the acquaintance and fellowship of the women of the Province and seek to encourage their growth in Christian character and service.
• To formulate and present a program for the united effort of the Women's Fellowships of the congregations and to enlist their cooperation in carrying it out.
• To lend their assistance to the Provincial Elders' Conference or other boards of the Province, whenever called upon, towards the accomplishment of the work assigned to them.
• To further the cause of Christ and the Kingdom among the women of our Southern Province.

The PWB acts on behalf and in cooperation with the women of the Province in various areas, Outreach, Bible Study, Missions, Finances (Pfohl Fund, Student Emergency fund), and Communication. The Board is composed of 18 voting members and one ex-officio member. Our purpose is to assist, as well as promote fellowship (koinonia) and encourage Spiritual growth among the women. As a Board our goal is to be more personally involved in the Congregational Fellowships.

Because we know that prayer is unifying, and the major success to any ministry, our "call down" chain is also a prayer and care chain. This enables us to not only get and receive information but to stay in touch and pray about any needs between meetings. Our Board members value our personal commitment to serve our Lord in action and in prayer.

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