The History of the Moravian Church

The Moravian Church, which was founded during the Bohemian Reformation during the 1500’s, was one of the earliest Protestant denominations. In this excellent book, J. E. Hutton chronicles the history of that church as it developed from its infancy as an organization into a mature Christian fellowship.

Arranged in chronological order, Hutton’s history starts at the dawn of the Protestant Reformation. Those years, which were also during the time of the great Lutheran reformer, Martin Luther, were fraught with religious and political challenges. As Hutton chronicles, after decades of religious disputing the Moravian Church eventually split from the Roman Church. Important figures of that time, as introduced in this book, include Gregory the Patriarch, Luke of Prague, and Peter of Chelci. One of the driving forces behind the climactic changes associated with the Protestant Reformation and the eventual split from the Roman Church was the then-new technology of the printing press. This historical gem of a book details the political climate of Bohemia, Prague, and the surrounding areas that made up Moravia during that time in a fascinating and comprehensive way.

Hallmarks of the Moravian movement included a pure, simple belief in Jesus and all of His virtues coupled with a deep devotion to both Christ and the gospel message. These characteristics, which appealed to other Christians who felt disconnected or distant from the Roman Church, resulted in continued growth for the Moravian Church. Poland in particular proved a haven and fertile missionary field for the Moravians, many of whom traveled, carrying and teaching the gospel wherever they went.

Moravian missionaries were some of the first to venture to the New World. In this new land, their simple adherence to the Word of Christ ran as a common thread through the political, moral, and religious conflicts between rival colonial powers. Called to grapple with such issues as slavery and war, they stayed true to the principles that had shaped them as Christians and a denomination.

J. E. Hutton’s chronicle of the Moravian church history is a thorough one. Readers will come to understand the important Bible truths underpinning Moravian doctrines. The development of Moravian Church customs, how they congregated, the distinctive architecture of their churches, and their establishment of schools is also richly described, providing a vivid and valuable history of this early and deeply committed Protestant sect.