Central Moravian Church will celebrate the 275th anniversary of its Old Chapel with a series of weekly Lenten dinners and programs beginning Feb. 18.

The Old Chapel, built in 1751, is one of nine locations forming the Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building continues to serve as an active worship and community gathering space.

“For 275 years, the Old Chapel has been a sacred space where generations have gathered to worship, reflect, and build community,” said Rev. Janel Rice, senior pastor at Central Moravian Church. “We warmly invite our neighbors and the wider faith community to join us this Lenten season as we honor this remarkable heritage and discover together how these historic walls continue to inspire meaningful connection and spiritual growth today.”

Each Wednesday evening will begin with dinner at 6 p.m. in the Christian Education building at 40 W. Church St., followed by programs at 7 p.m. in the Old Chapel. Programs will also be livestreamed on Zoom and the church’s YouTube channel.

The series opens Feb. 18 with an Ash Wednesday worship service. Tom Tenges will discuss the construction and evolution of the Old Chapel on Feb. 25. On March 4, young people from Central will share stories of famous visitors including Martha Washington, Ben Franklin and Marquis de Lafayette.

The March 11 program will explore the 1792 visit by chiefs and warriors of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. Abby Mahone, director of Moravian Academy’s Downtown Campus, and Charlene Donchez Mowers, senior advisor and historian with the Bethlehem World Heritage Commission, will present on March 18. The series concludes March 25 with a traditional Moravian hymn sing led by Becky Lepore, minister of music at Central Moravian Church.

All events are free and open to the public. The Old Chapel and the 1803-1806 Sanctuary will be open for tours Fridays and Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m. beginning March 6 and 7.

Central Moravian Church was founded in 1742. For more information, contact the church office at office@centralmoravianchurch.org or 610-866-5661, ext. 101.