In 1829, about 20 German families established a community at German Flats, now Newfoundland, in Sterling Township, now Dreher. They constructed a road and then built their farms along it, with their houses close together along the road. The community was diverse, with coopers, millers, tailors, shoemakers and carpenters; and according to Alfred Mathews’ “History of Wayne, Pike & Monroe Counties, Pennsylvania,” they were all musical.

Although the German settlers were originally all Lutheran, the Moravian community in Bethlehem was generous to the new settlers, loaning them money, providing land for a minister’s house and helping them build a church. So grateful were the newly arrived immigrants for the Moravians’ assistance that they all converted to that faith. The first church was built in 1840 and included housing for the minister. A new church was constructed about 1853, and construction on the present church was completed in 1908. Newfoundland’s Moravian congregation is still very active and the unique church building is an architectural gem, inside and out.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale. The museum and research library are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and museum only 12 noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.