USVI Historic Buildings Archive

A cotton estate, Bethania, was purchased in 1749. Also in 1749 a Brother Cornelius was baptized a Moravian. He was a master mason, missionary, and accomplished linguist. It was him who laid the foundations of six churches and mission houses, including those at Bethany. The first full-time pastor Johann Schur arrived in late 1749, but died of fever on January 5, 1750. The first resident missionary Brother. Johann Brucker, was stationed here in 1754. Portions of the Bethany buildings have been rebuilt several times. In 1793 and in 1819, various structures were rebuilt after they were damaged by hurricanes. Maintenance of the church has remained a priority of its members, and the grounds have not been abandoned since establishment. In 1904, at the 150th anniversary of the St. John Moravian mission, a new belfry and bell were dedicated (St John Drum, September 19, 1975). In 1919 the belfry was replaced. In the 1960s Reggie replaced the wood floor.