Religion was one of the biggest contributions in the Wissahickon Valley Region, specifically in Whitpain and Lower Gwynedd. Before the 1834 Free School Act was passed in the Pennsylvania Legislature, families relied on churches and seminaries to help their kids prepare for their futures. For their daughters, some families decided to send them to a Moravian school in Bethlehem, PA for better education.
History of the Moravian Seminary for Young Ladies
Fun Fact #1: Bethlehem, PA was founded in 1741 as a Moravian community by Nicolaus Zinzendorf. Nazareth, Emmaus, and Lititz. were also Moravian communities.
Originally, the school was for both boys and girls. With improving educational system and building facilities as well as a growing number of students since the 1740s, separated schools were established in Bethlehem and Nazareth: The school for girls was established in Bethlehem on January 5, 1749 while the school for boys was established in Nazareth.
The subjects taught at the school were...
Reading and writing in English and German
Arithmetic
Geography
History
Botany
Plain and fancy needle work
Vocal and instrumental music
During the Revolutionary War, the school was never closed, and was used as a place for prisoners and as a hospital, causing negative responses from neighbors. After the defeat at Brandywine and General Howe's capture of Philadelphia, the Continental Army retreated up north to Bethlehem. Chief Surgeon Dr. Hall Jackson showed concern for the people of Bethlehem that they will encounter sick and wounded soldiers as he wrote to Reverend John Ettwein:
"Sir: It gives me great pain to be obliged by order of Congress to send my sick and wounded soldiers to your peaceable village, but so it is. We will want room for two thousand at Bethlehem, Easton and Northampton, and you may expect them on Saturday or Sunday. These are dreadful times. I am truly concerned for your Society, and wish sincerely this stroke could be averted; but it is impossible. 'WILLIAM SHIPPEN'"
- Dr. Hall Jackson, September 19, 1777
NOTE: You can read Rev. Ettwein's response to General George Washington here!
Fun Fact #2: Martha Washington Greene was part of the Class of 1788, and the daughter of General Nathanael Greene.
On October 2, 1785, the school for girls was reorganized to enroll more students from outside Pennsylvania. The school allowed those who were from Moravian and non-Moravian backgrounds. Foundation Day was observed at the school to celebrate the school's founding.
The school began to thrive under the innovative leadership of Reverend Charles F. Seidel. He took the position as Principal in August 1822, and served in office for 14 years. He beautified the gardens on school grounds; added a new residence for the Principal; improved the music program by assisting students with male choir members and introduced musical soirées and select entertainments of dialogue and recitation; used the garden as adventure walks and picnics. Under his leadership, 642 students were enrolled at the Seminary.
Fun Fact #3: The school was recognized by the 6th US President John Quincy Adams and his wife Louisa Catherine Adams, whom was given a piece of embroidery in ribbon and silk crafted by the students.
In 1863, the school was incorporated by the PA State Legislature, and became known today as Moravian University.
The Alumni at the Moravian Seminary
Elizabeth H. Thomas, daughter of Levi Thomas, Class of 1834 - Centre Square
Mary Gross (1828-1898), wife of Benjamin Wertsner of Whitpain, Class of 1844
Sarah Clayton (1837-), granddaughter of Conrad Root, Class of 1854 - Spring House
Katherine "Kitty" E. Everett (1862-1934), wife of Charles J.J. Carter of Blue Bell, Class of 1874
Student Life at the Seminary
"The routine of everyday life has not materially changed after the lapse of almost three-fourths of a century. The system of constant surveillance on the part of the teachers, which for a long time was a distinguishing feature in Moravian education,--since introduced among the schools of other denominations--has not been discontinued..."
- William Cornelius Reichel, 243-244
An early account of the daily routines by the girls at the Seminary was from October 1788, and it was most likely used over the years:
5:30am: Students rise up from bed and proceed to the dwelling rooms
6am: Breakfast with hymn and text-reading
8am: Classes begin
Students attend meeting with their tutoresses
12:15pm: Lunch
12:15-1pm: Recess
1-4pm: Classes resume and recitations
After school: Tutoresses escort students to their homes
Before sleeping: Evening devotions
The aim to gain mental powers, improve correct habits and instruction in religion were very important in true education. For example, during morning routines the girls have to learn to do their own chores with no servants helping them; students have to sit quietly and properly in class when seated; no student is allowed to excuse themselves from class; they have to learn dinner etiquette and respect God; leave the school quietly to gain respect around them.
The aim of their educational system was less ambitious, but not the less noble. It was to develop the intellect by patient and laborious teaching, to discipline the mind to habits of reflection and self-control, to render knowledge subservient to usefulness in society, and the religion of the heart the crown of all."
- William Cornelius Reichel, 33
In terms of the length of the school year, it was separated into three terms. The first two terms end with a two-week vacation before the new term starts.
The Christmas term opens after the midsummer vacation and closes on the third week of December
The Easter term closes on the week before Easter
The Summer term closes on the last week of June
Bibliography
"275 Anniversary Gallery." Moravian University. Accessed November 16, 2022. https://www.moravian.edu/gallery/275.
Historic American Buildings Survey, Creator. William Ashmead House, Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA. Pennsylvania Philadelphia County Philadelphia, 1933. Documentation Compiled After. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/pa1091/.
Historical Sketch of the Moravian Seminary for Young Ladies at Bethlehem, Northampton Co., PA. (Bethlehem: Moravian Publishing Office, 1876).
Reichel, William Cornelius. A History of the Moravian Seminary for Young Ladies, at Bethlehem, PA. With a Catalog of its Pupils, 1785-1870. (Bethlehem: Moravian Seminary for Young Ladies, 1901): 17-31, 33, 46-51, 208, 218-229, 243-244, 417, 438, 465, 580.