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Moravian Academy in Action
Merle-Smith Campus 9th Graders Visit Local Houses of Worship
On Friday, January 30th, the Merle-Smith Campus ninth-grade class embarked on a journey to visit five religious worship spaces.
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The first stop was the Gurdwara Sikh Sadh Sangat in Easton, where students were warmly welcomed by community outreach coordinators and hosts who explained the main tenets of the Sikh religion. They had the unique opportunity to witness a special celebration at the Gurdwara during which the Sikh holy text was read continuously for three whole days, and students were able to hear the reading and partake in a special offering called Karah Prasad. In addition, the community at the Gurdwara generously prepared some delicious food and snacks for the students to enjoy.
Students then headed to two separate mosques, Respect Masjid and MALV Masjid, to observe the Islamic tradition of Friday midday prayer. Prayer spaces at the mosque were filled with locals who leave work and school to attend this important moment in the Islamic weekly schedule. Hosts offered snacks and engaged in conversation with students as they learned about both the religion and the community.
The final visits were to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral and Congregation Brith Sholom Synagogue. At the Cathedral, students commented on the ornate paintings adorning the ceiling and walls of the Cathedral and the natural beauty and peace represented in the design of the Synagogue.
Back on campus, students shared reflections during class discussions, exploring both the contrasts and the common threads across the faiths they had encountered. As School Chaplain, Reverend Jennifer Nichols commented, “Our students bring the gift of curiosity and wonder... How beautiful it is that we can be architects of belonging, even beyond our own campus.”
Through curiosity, conversation, and firsthand experience, students left with a deeper understanding of faith and community.
The final visits were to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral and Congregation Brith Sholom Synagogue. At the Cathedral, students commented on the ornate paintings adorning the ceiling and walls of the Cathedral and the natural beauty and peace represented in the design of the Synagogue.
Back on campus, students shared reflections during class discussions, exploring both the contrasts and the common threads across the faiths they had encountered. As School Chaplain, Reverend Jennifer Nichols commented, “Our students bring the gift of curiosity and wonder... How beautiful it is that we can be architects of belonging, even beyond our own campus.”
Through curiosity, conversation, and firsthand experience, students left with a deeper understanding of faith and community.
