Event/Site: Christmas Eve Lovefeast at King Moravian Church in King

Date: Christmas Eve: 2 services, 6:30pm with music prelude at 6:00pm; 8:30pm with music prelude at 8:00pm.

See Also: Thanksgiving Lovefeast at King Moravian Church

Type: Religious service with choral music, sometimes Moravian instrumental music,
and congregational singing.

Location: King Moravian Church is located at 234 West Dalton Street in King, NC. From US Hwy 52, take the King exit. Go 1.5 miles into King. Turn left (west) onto Dalton Street. Go one block and the church will be on the right. Click here for a map.

Cost: Free. Love offering received.

Parking: Free.

Special Needs Access: Venue is fully accessible.

Signage: Signs at location, but not en route.

Sponsor: King Moravian Church

Contact:
Rev. Jim Newsom
King Moravian Church
228 West Dalton Road
King, NC 27021
(336) 983-2710
(336) 983-7045 (fax)
jlnkmc@aol.com

Drake Flynt, Music Director
King Moravian Church
228 West Dalton Road
King, NC 27021
(336) 983-2710

Description of Event: These holiday Lovefeasts are representative of Lovefeasts that also occur Thanksgiving at some and Christmas at all other Moravian churches in the region, though times vary.

The Lovefeast is a service of hymn singing and special music that includes a simple meal traditionally of coffee and Moravian bread shared in celebration of love and fellowship. It is customary for members of the congregation to serve Lovefeasts, and servers wear distinguishing white clothing. Men servers wear white shirts, and women servers wear white and a white head covering. During partaking of this short meal, the choir and accomplished instrumentalists offer special music. From 600 to 700 people attend the Christmas Lovefeasts at King Moravian Church. Approximately 75% of those in attendance are not members of the Moravian congregation.

History of Site/Event: King Moravian Church celebrated its first Christmas Lovefeast in 1925. The first Lovefeast was served in Germany in 1727 following the Renewal of the Moravian Church. Members were so spirit-filled during a service that they were drawn to stay afterwards to "feast on the love of the congregation." They ate what they had on hand, which was consistent with other principles of simplicity they shared, and placed their emphasis on fellowship, unity, and goodwill among all people. Moravians continued to observe special occasions in this way and carried the tradition around the world.

Description of Site/Facility: King Moravian Church was founded in 1924 as an offshoot of Forsyth County's Bethania congregation established in 1759. The sanctuary is all on one floor and seats 475.

Significance of Site/Event to the Community: According to Rev. Jim Newsome, the Christmas Lovefeasts are "truly a community tradition of celebrating Christmas." He explains that "the ritual of attending the Lovefeast is an important part of many local families' celebration of Christmas." The occasion also celebrates Moravian musical heritage. Drake Flynt notes that to effectively reproduce the music is a challenge that requires much discipline and rehearsal time for the dedicated musicians who today present a range of choral and instrumental works at the Lovefeasts. "We are fortunate that our choir loves the music and is passionate about and committed to learning and presenting it."