<rdf:RDF xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#" xmlns:dcterms="http://purl.org/dc/terms/">
<rdf:Description rdf:about="https://www.worldarchitecture.artinterp2.org/items/show/27">
    <dcterms:title><![CDATA[Moravian church Bethlehem Pennsylvania]]></dcterms:title>
    <dcterms:description><![CDATA[The Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a striking example of Georgian architecture adapted through the lens of Moravian religious and cultural values. Built between 1803 and 1806, the structure presents a symmetrical, rectangular brick form typical of Georgian design, with balanced window placement and a restrained classical vocabulary. Its façade is modest but orderly, reflecting the Moravian preference for simplicity over ornamentation. Large arched windows allow light to pour into the expansive interior, while a tall, hipped roof and central tower emphasize verticality without dominating the surrounding historic district. The overall composition reflects a British colonial architectural influence interpreted through Central European sensibilities, characteristic of the Moravian community’s Germanic roots.<br />
<br />
Inside, the church reveals its most unique features. The sanctuary is an open, column-free space spanning approximately 90 by 60 feet—an impressive feat achieved through a system of large wooden trusses. This clear-span design supports communal worship, which was central to Moravian spiritual life. The interior is simple yet elegant: whitewashed walls, wooden pews arranged to foster unity and visibility, and restrained classical detailing such as cornices and flat arched window frames. Colonial Germanic architectural features—including herringbone-patterned doors and brick eyebrows over the windows—highlight the congregation’s cultural heritage.]]></dcterms:description>
    <dcterms:creator><![CDATA[Patron:  Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf <br />
Builder: Moravian settlers]]></dcterms:creator>
    <dcterms:source><![CDATA[Image 1: https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/5d/98/1490f06540c28792eecbf5a23a09/central-moravian-church.jpg]]></dcterms:source>
    <dcterms:date><![CDATA[1806]]></dcterms:date>
    <dcterms:contributor><![CDATA[Justin Forster]]></dcterms:contributor>
    <dcterms:license><![CDATA[Image 1: Creative Commons]]></dcterms:license>
    <dcterms:format><![CDATA[Georgian-style]]></dcterms:format>
    <dcterms:extent><![CDATA[The Church extends 145 feet along Church Street, and 70 feet along Main Street.]]></dcterms:extent>
    <dcterms:medium><![CDATA[-Limestone rubble the core structure is made of locally sourced limestone. This is a common material for the historic Moravian buildings in Bethlehem, though early construction also utilized log structures.<br />
<br />
-Stucco: The exterior of the church&#039;s sanctuary is a prominent feature, covered in stucco, which is scored to give it a neat, cut-stone appearance.<br />
<br />
-Iron: The roof trusses are reinforced with iron tension straps for additional support.]]></dcterms:medium>
    <dcterms:language><![CDATA[Bethlehem, Pennsylvania]]></dcterms:language>
    <dcterms:type><![CDATA[Religious]]></dcterms:type>
    <dcterms:spatial><![CDATA[Latitude: 40.630707597996405,<br />
Longitude:  -75.37588072197381]]></dcterms:spatial>
    <dcterms:temporal><![CDATA[The Colonial period.]]></dcterms:temporal>
</rdf:Description></rdf:RDF>
