Gracehill Moravian Settlement was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Friday 26th July at the 46th meeting of the 46th World Heritage Committee of UNESCO held in New Delhi, India. It is part of a transnational serial nomination called Moravian Church Settlements. This nomination includes Herrnhut in Germany, Bethlehem in Pennsylvania and Christiansfeld in Denmark.

( © David Johnston )

This is a huge recognition of the universal cultural significance of Moravian Church settlements around the world. The Moravian Church has a unique religious and cultural heritage that is shared in all its settlements. Each of the inscribed settlements still has a very active Church congregation and is part of a continuing network of relationships across the Moravian world.

In Gracehill you can see Moravian theology and polity written in stone. The main settlement buildings are placed around a beautiful square that was designed for quiet reflection. The Church is at the head of the square as the home of the congregation. The sisters side of the village is on the north side and the brothers side of the village is on the south side. Behind the Church, going up a short hill is God’s Acre. It is in alignment with the Church and is a clear indication that the beloved dead (also known as the Church triumphant or the Upper Congregation) are part of the great cloud of witnesses and are still in memory.

( © Sarah Groves )

Gracehill was established in 1759 and the Church and Sisters House were opened in 1765. The first school to be opened was a girls' school and at one time the settlement had four schools. It was famous as a place of education and of peaceful co-existence. Many of the ministers, principals of the schools and teachers and their wives came from abroad so Gracehill was a place of international movement right from its inception. There was also much movement to the Caribbean as folk from Gracehill went out as missionaries and teachers.

One of the most important events in the life of Gracehill came during the 1798 Rebellion when the United Irish rose against British rule. The surrounding countryside was in terror following the defeat of the United Irish at the Battle of Antrim. Those who had been both for the United Irish and loyal to the Crown came to Gracehill for safety and the Church cared for all without making any distinction between them. It was a witness to reconciliation that has been an important part of Gracehill’s life since then.

Visitors are welcome and tours around the village can be booked on the Gracehillvillage.org website.

Sr Roberta Hoey, Chair of the British Provincial Board commented: I am delighted that Gracehill has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, alongside Herrnhut, Bethlehem, and the previously inscribed Christiansfeld. The "Moravian Church Settlements" listing serves to underscore the global significance and enduring values of spirituality, education, equality, industry, and tolerance that have been foundational principles guiding the Moravian Church for hundreds of years. This achievement is the result of over two decades of dedicated efforts and international collaboration, and I gratefully commend all involved for their tireless and determined contributions.

Sarah Groves
Minister, Gracehill Moravian Church