[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 60 (Thursday, April 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE 275TH ANNIVERSARY OF MORAVIAN COLLEGE

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. CHARLES W. DENT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2017

  Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Moravian College on 
the occasion of its 275th Anniversary.
  Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Moravian's roots go all the way 
back to May 1742, when it began as a girls' school founded by Countess 
Benigna von Zinzendorf, who was only 16 years-old at the time. 
Motivated by her religious roots in the Moravian denomination, Countess 
Benigna accompanied her father, Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf, on a 
visit to the Moravian settlements in the New World. The intent was to 
use education as an instrument of salvation for the surrounding 
community of Bethlehem, which was established one year prior.
  Zinzendorf's school became the first girls' boarding school in 
America. Eventually, it would come to be known as the Bethlehem Female 
Seminary, and in 1913, it became the Moravian Seminary and College for 
Women. The school developed such a distinguished reputation that in its 
early years, George Washington personally petitioned the headmaster for 
the admission of two of his great-nieces while he served his second 
term as President.
  In 1954, the women's institution joined with the men's institution, 
Moravian College and Theological Seminary, which was comprised of boys' 
schools from Bethlehem and Nazareth, to form the singular Moravian 
College. Moravian Theological Seminary maintained a close, but distinct 
identity as a graduate school of theology. The merger made Moravian 
College the first coeducational institution of higher learning in the 
Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania.
  Today, Moravian College remains committed to its mission of preparing 
individuals for a ``reflective life, fulfilling careers, and 
transforming leadership in a world of change.'' The school offers more 
than 50 programs of study, and over 2,000 students make up its 
undergraduate and graduate student population.
  It is my pleasure to congratulate the students, alumni, faculty, and 
staff of Moravian College as they celebrate this very special 275th 
Anniversary. May they enjoy continued success in edifying and serving 
the Lehigh Valley and all those who look to carry on its proud 
tradition.

                          ____________________