History tells a story of Moravians arriving from Europe and founding Bethlehem in 1741, on a parcel of land of 500 acres. Over the next few centuries, their spiritual and cultural imprint has been an integral part in building the city’s vibrant community.

Over the last 22 years, numerous city officials have been lobbying UNESCO to recognize the Moravian settlements as a World Heritage Site.

Their efforts were recognized July 26 in New Delhi, India, when along with sites in Northern Ireland, Germany and Denmark, the settlements became part of the first transnational nomination to be awarded a World Heritage Inscription.

During a special celebration held by the city Aug. 7, an emotional Charlene Donchez Mowers, of the Bethlehem Museums and Sites and one of the original driving forces behind the campaign for this designation, went through the key dates of the 22-year process.

Mowers explained the International Moravian Heritage Network was formed in 2003 with representatives from Africa, Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa, United Kingdom and US.

Their goal was “getting recognition of Moravian heritage around the world,” she said. It would mark the beginning of a long process.

For Mayor William Reynolds, the inscription was the end of a long process, filled with hard work and attention to detail with their application.

He reflected on how it felt, sitting in a room in New Delhi as news of the inscription was announced.

“You’re on the floor and you’re looking, and all of the rest of the world is there. And you are seeing all the name plates. And after you’re inscribed, where people came up and said congratulations, but also thank you.”

He continued, making the point, “I’ve never been in a room like this where you have people throughout the world who have a shared purpose. And that shared purpose is humanity. That shared purpose is community.”

Reynolds reminded everyone how the spirit of the late Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon could be felt throughout the celebrations of the World Heritage Inscription of the Moravian Church Settlements.

There was a moment of silence in honor of Clennon’s work and legacy.