Moravian Home

Bethlehem Campus

Overview

Moravian Theological Seminary (60 West Locust Street) is nestled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania — a historic city founded by Moravians in 1741 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem). The town’s heritage is reflected in its well-preserved colonial buildings, including The Old Chapel, The Sanctuary, and The Widows' House (1768), which has housed MTS students.

As home to both Moravian University and Lehigh University, Bethlehem offers a lively college-town atmosphere. The cultural landscape includes arts venues, live music, popular festivals like Musikfest and Celtic Classic, restaurants, and coffee shops. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Moravian Bookstore — America’s oldest continuously operating bookshop — while the reimagined Bethlehem Steel site, now ArtsQuest, reflects the city’s industrial legacy transformed into an arts center.

Bethlehem’s location in the Lehigh Valley provides access to diverse destinations: direct bus service connects you to New York City and Philadelphia, while the Poconos and Appalachian Trail lie a short drive away for those seeking outdoor recreation.

Known as “The Christmas City,” Bethlehem is particularly special during the Advent season. Christmas decorations light up Main Street, putzes (nativity displays) capture the season’s spirit, and festive entertainment fills the air. The annual candlelight Christmas Vespers at Central Moravian Church is a cherished Moravian University tradition that brings the community together in the heart of downtown to celebrate the season.

History of Moravian Theological Seminary

Education has always been central to the Moravian tradition. For centuries, the church trained its leaders through European universities and theological schools in Germany.

Growing American independence and the challenges of transatlantic travel led to the founding of Moravian Theological Seminary in October 1807. The first class met at Nazareth Hall, the Moravian boys’ school in Pennsylvania, with three students and two instructors. All three students — William Henry VanVleck, Samuel Reinke, and Peter Wolle — became bishops in the Moravian Church.

During its first 50 years, the Seminary moved between Nazareth, Philadelphia, and Bethlehem before settling permanently in Bethlehem in 1858. A collegiate division was added alongside the theological school, eventually becoming Moravian College. In 1930, the Seminary became a separate faculty within Moravian College.

The Seminary expanded in the 1970s as women and non-Moravians increasingly joined the student body. Bahnson Center, the main academic building, opened in 1976. 

The 1980s brought new degree programs: Master of Arts degrees in Pastoral Counseling and Theological Studies joined the Master of Divinity, which remains the primary credential for ordained ministry.

Today, Moravian Theological Seminary has 13 professors from various denominations. The student body includes over 100 students representing many denominations. Recent additions include the Master of Arts in Chaplaincy and the Master of Religion and Public Life.

Campus highlights

Because MTS is connected to Moravian University, you share in many of the same amenities as the undergraduate students, as well as some that are exclusive to MTS.

  • The new state-of-the-art Haupert Union Building (HUB) includes several places to eat, study, relax, meet, and some cozy spaces to gather.
  • Our libraries become almost second homes for students reviewing material and working on research papers. Fear not, coffee is always available nearby!
  • The Moravian University’s Breidegam Fieldhouse houses a fitness center, running track, dance studio, and basketball courts. Your Student ID gets you in.
  • The University’s theater and music department offers concerts and performances in Foy Concert Hall, many are free to attend.