Leominster Priory
Leominster, Herefordshire
An outstanding Grade I listed Norman church of unusually large proportions.
Founded in 1457, the Moravian Church is one of the oldest Protestant denominations in the world. It grew out of the Hussite movement started by Jan Huss, an objector to some of the practices and doctrines of the Catholic Church, sixty years before the Reformation in England.
The Church takes its name from Moravia, in what is now the Czech Republic, and is formally named the Unitas Fratrum (Unity of the Brethren). After suffering religious persecution, exiled refugees survived as an underground fellowship before their 18th century revival under the protection of Count Zinzendorf at Herrnhut, Germany.
From Herrnhut, missionaries were sent all over the world. Awaiting their sailing dates, some spent time in London, meeting and worshiping with other Christians. One noteworthy example is the impact the Moravians had on John Wesley, leading directly to his spiritual experience.
As numbers grew, Moravians were invited to other parts of the country. The Moravian Evangelist John Cennick was invited to Leominster in 1749. His visit created such interest that a congregation was formed. They built the present chapel in 1760. The Grade II listed church and manse have remained on this site ever since, and retain many of their original features.
Besides our history of Missionary work, the Moravian Church is noted for its traditions; Lovefeast, Easter Sunrise Service, Advent, Christingle, Moravian Star, and its unusual burial grounds.
