Our time in Christiansfeld

On 16th September 2024, Sr Sarah Groves sent an email, expressing her vision for some members of the Gracehill Moravian Congregation and our friends to consider a visit to Christiansfeld in Denmark. She suggested that this trip could coincide with the Christiansfeld Church Anniversary on 10th August the following year, sparking the initial idea for what would become a very memorable journey.

We had both been discussing the possibility of visiting other congregations and learning a little more about the worldwide Moravian Church, so we jumped at the opportunity to participate in this trip.

We will always be grateful to Sr Sarah for her vision and her leadership during the planning of the programme. Our thanks also go to Rev Jørgen Bøytler from Christiansfeld, who was so quick to encourage us to visit and to help us develop a schedule for the time we were staying in their Moravian settlement. Steen Lundbye from the Museum Service in Christiansfeld also played a pivotal role in the organisation of the trip.

On 7th and 8th August 2025, 13 travellers began their journey to Denmark. The group included nine members from Gracehill Moravian Church (David and Sally Ann Johnston, Lorna and Ronnie Harper, Janet Wray, Derek and Lynda Bell and ourselves), three from Fulneck Moravian Church (Mary and John Holmes and Ian Haggas) and Lorraine Parsons from Church House.

Our programme of activities began on Friday 8th August. We had some time to explore the town before we joined the Christainsfeld congregation as they celebrated ‘Summerfest’ in the Sisters’ House Garden. We were greeted so warmly by everyone and the Danish pastry, honey cake and sweet treats on offer were incredibly tempting! We all toured the newly restored Museum wing in the Widows’ House. This was followed by an evening of fellowship and a BBQ provided by the congregation.

On the Saturday, we had a tour of Christiansfeld, led by Br Jørgen and Steen. We visited the Church (including a look at their bell tower which Br Ronnie took particular interest in), the village square, Gudsageren (God’s Acre), Widows’ House, Sisters’ House and the Museum. We were told about the history of the Moravian Church in Denmark and also the Christiansfeld road to their UNESCO nomination and experiences of life in a UNESCO site.

We learnt that Christiansfeld has existed since 1773 when the town was founded as a Moravian community. The town plan was drawn up along the same lines as the Moravian settlements in other countries. It had two parallel streets united by a square, around which the most important buildings were located. The initial buildings to be developed were ‘the First House’ (the community’s first place of worship), the manse, the Principal’s House and the hotel.

Saturday ended with dinner at the hotel and a chance for everyone to relax and reflect on everything we had learnt.

Sunday began early with a visit from the Moravian Brass Band who were playing hymns in various locations round the Settlement. We joined the Christiansfeld congregation for worship and Holy Communion in the morning, and in the afternoon, we were very fortunate to be able to attend their Lovefeast. This was such a special service, and we all enjoyed hearing the Choir sing and seeing how the members served the Lovefeast in such a traditional manner. The beautiful blue and white cups and saucers and copper kettles, all so steeped in history are still used today. A walk to Christinero and a visit to the Christiansfeld Stove shop followed this service. The tiled stoves are not only incredibly beautiful, but they provide efficient and continuous heat with minimal fuel consumption.

Our final evening together ended with dinner and reflections.

On Monday, it was time for many of us to depart.

This trip was incredibly special and the memories we have will stay with us for a long time. The group of people who joined us on this trip were amazing and friendships were quickly formed.

The hospitality of the members of the Moravian Church in Christiansfeld was humbling and their desire to share their knowledge, traditions and friendship with us, made this trip such a positive experience. We really hope we can return their kindness someday.

There is a common bond between our brothers and sisters in the Moravian Church which transcends all language and geographical boundaries.

Christiansfeld is such a peaceful, inspirational settlement, we would urge anyone who ever has the opportunity, to visit it. The images which will stay with us for many years are the Church building as the central point with the square and fountain in front of it, the Moravian Stars shining brightly in the windows of many of the buildings at night, and the beauty and simplicity of Gods Acre.

The only remaining question is, what Moravian congregation or settlement should we visit next?

Srs Rhebe and Joanna Clarke

Gracehill