How to Use Reading 2: The Choir System Establishing a missionary
center in North America was the primary concern of the Moravians
who settled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1741. The Moravians
believed that to be an effective missionary, that is, one that
successfully brings new members to the church, every member's
spiritual core needed continual support. They created a strong,
tightly knit community to provide that support. In fact, the
Moravians came to the colony of Pennsylvania with a strong
social organization already in place. During their stay in
Herrnhut, Saxony, the Moravians found that individuals who share
the same situation often develop a strong bond that provides
encouragement and support to all. As a result, they began to
organize members into communal living groups called choirs.
Choirs were established according to age, gender, and marital
status. Children remained with their parents during infancy, but
at the age of 18 months they began to be cared for in nurseries.
Boys and girls lived tog