Winston-Salem’s Moravian Easter Sunrise Service Marks 254th Year of Tradition

The Moravian Easter Sunrise Service at God’s Acre in Winston-Salem continues its tradition for the 254th year, drawing congregants and visitors to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The service, held at dawn, remains a cherished event for the Moravian community, blending faith, music, and communal remembrance. Preparations are underway, including the cleaning of headstones and the arrangement of music that has become a central part of the tradition.

The Moravian brass band plays a vital role in the service, with its melodies echoing through Old Salem to gather the community. Reverend Joe Moore of Ardmore Moravian Church emphasized the significance of the music, noting that it is a collective expression of faith. “The music is something we do all together,” he said. “It’s the culmination of our faith.”

The tradition dates back centuries, with Easter week serving as a time of reflection and renewal for the Moravian Church. Reverend Moore explained that the service is rooted in the belief that “death was not the end, but that the Lord is risen and remains risen.” The music, he said, carries the message of hope and strength, a reminder of the enduring power of the resurrection.

The band’s performance is not just a musical event but a symbolic representation of the diversity within the Kingdom of God. “The songs are sung by every member of the congregation, and the band itself is important because it makes up all different parts,” Moore said. “It represents the diversity of the Kingdom of God and how Jesus is risen not just for us, but for all.”

Easter week also brings a sense of continuity and connection across generations. Families gather to honor their ancestors by cleaning graves and placing flowers on them. Reverend Moore shared that he will be with his family, tending to the graves of his father, grandfather, and grandmother, a practice that underscores the deep spiritual and familial ties within the Moravian tradition.

The service will be streamed live on WXII 12 starting at 6:10 a.m., making the tradition accessible to a broader audience. This annual event continues to embody the Moravian commitment to community, worship, and the celebration of faith. As the sun rises over God’s Acre, the Moravian Church reaffirms its enduring legacy and the enduring hope of the resurrection.

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