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Gemeinhaus-Lewis David
De Schweinitz Residence
Photograph from National Historic Landmark collection |
The Gemeinhaus
(or communal house), an excellent example of German-Moravian
architecture, has been owned by the Moravian Church since
1733. It is a two and one-half story log building with
a double attic. Clapboards were added to the exterior
in 1868. Since 1743 the building has measured 94 feet
by 32 feet, and contained a chapel, 12 rooms, and two
dormitories. As the second building in Bethlehem it provided
a gathering place for all Moravian activities; later it
was primarily used as a residence for Moravian Church
officials and their families. Lewis David de Schweinitz
was born in the Gemeinhaus in 1780. At the time, his father,
Hans Christian, a Moravian clergyman, lived in the building
with five other clergymen and their families. The house
was his home until he left Bethlehem to attend school
in Nazareth at the age of seven. In 1822 de Schweinitz
returned to Bethlehem from Salem, North Carolina. As an
official of the Moravian Church, he and his family were
lodged in the Gemeinhaus. The house remained his home
until his death in 1834. Lewis David de Schweinitz is
significant in the history of science in America as one
of the leading botanists and the leading mycologist at
the turn of the 19th century. He wrote The Fungi of
North Carolina (1818), containing descriptions of
more than 1,000 species and followed this work with "A
Synopsis of North American Fungi," published in Transactions,
the journal of the American Philosophical Society, in
1834. Lewis David de Schweinitz's work in botany and mycology
reflected the state of American science of the period,
when men who wished to pursue natural history either possessed
private means or supported themselves at other professions.
He corresponded widely with European colleagues, but,
as a clergyman, science was secondary to de Schweinitz.
The Gemeinhaus was designated a National Historic Landmark
and is now a museum open to the public.
The Gemeinhaus-Lewis David de Schweinitz Residence
is located on West Church St. in Bethlehem. Take Rte.
309 North to Rte. 378 North, across Hill Bridge. Turn
right at Main St. exit and right onto Market St. Turn
right onto New St. and right again onto West Church
St. and go to number 66. The Gemeinhaus is open February-December,
Tuesday-Saturday 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Other times call
for appointment. There is a fee. Please call 610-867-0713
or visit the website.
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