"Amazing building you definitely think you in a different country the way the full area looks. We was lucky enough to up through the roof space to carry out inspections. John was also very nice and friendly explaining the history behind the church."

Daniel Carrigan

"Background: The Moravian Church was established in the 15th C during the Bohemian Reformation, around 60 years before Luther's Reformation in the 16th C. Interstingly, this church, according to the Fairfield Moravian Church website, "was opened in 1785. It was planned and built by its own people, with its inn, shop, bakery, farm, laundry, fire-engine, night-watchman, inspector of weights and measures, an overseer of roads, and even its physician. There were community houses for sisters and brethren, who applied themselves to the varied work of the Settlement."
What was the name of the service?
Mother's day service.
How full was the building?
We counted 34 in attendence, filling up maybe 5-10% of the pews.
Did anyone welcome you personally?
Yes, and we were given paper flowers and pens.
Was your pew comfortable?
Yes x3
How would you describe the pre-service atmosphere?
We arrived a little late, so we don't know.
What were the exact opening words of the service?
"Let us pray"
What books did the congregation use during the service?
The Moravian hymn book and liturgy was used for the first hymn. After that we used Complete Mission Praise.
What musical instruments were played?
Organ for most of the time, but shakers, morracas and tambourine were handed out to the congregation for when things took a livelier turn as we develed into Mission Praise.
Did anything distract you?
The organist got lost a few times.
Was the worship stiff-upper-lip, happy clappy, or what?
A real mixture. It started very old fashioned but then segwayed into livelier songs, where we even sung 'Shine Jesus Shine' at one point.
Exactly how long was the sermon?
No formal sermon as such, but two the talking bits combined got us to 7m37s.
On a scale of 1-10, how good was the preacher?
6, 6, 7. Not very theological, but delivered some small town wisdom.
In a nutshell, what was the sermon about?
Mother's day, mothers and mothering.
Which part of the service was like being in heaven?
We offered the following: "Old world wholesomeness." "Singing with the maraccas." "Reminded one of us of our childhood with some of the classics being sung." "The Moravians own the surrounding land and rent out their excess homes to social housing tenants." "Very friendly and down to earth. There was a warmth to the community." "We were also given bunches of daffodilles."
And which part was like being in… er… the other place?
Nothing.
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
We were invited to join them for coffee afterwards. And we had a friendly chat.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
Tea was milky but nice. Best cup of tea so far. Fairly good coffee. Biscuit selection was very good, with confectionery available.
How would you feel about making another visit (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
6, 6, 7.
Did the service make you feel glad to be a Christian?
Yes x3.
What one thing will you remember about all this in seven days' time?
Musical participation. Clapping and maraccas. Cobbled streets and old worldy look about the place."

The Mystery Worshippers

"Step back in time to a bygone era, this Moravian settlement is situated in Droylsden. Founded in 1785, just off Fairfield Road, the settlement originally stretched 60 acres and was visible for miles around.
It has authentic cobbled streets, some are tree lined and authentic houses. There's a church, a girls school and a museum. Worth a visit if you are in the area."

Phil Norris