A glimpse into the heart of the presidential residence at Moravian College, showcasing a kitchen space that blends historic charm with modern functionality, perfect for both family life and college events.
The hallway of the presidential residence, featuring the historically significant George Washington’s dropleaf table, a testament to the rich heritage and esteemed history embodied within the home on West Church Street.
An inviting office space within the presidential residence, designed for focused work and strategic planning, reflecting the academic leadership and vision emanating from this West Church Street address.
The presidential residence at Moravian College, while housing treasured historical artifacts such as George Washington’s dropleaf table, offers a comfortable and functional environment suited for the demands of college leadership, family life, and hosting university events near West Church Street.
Originally, the building now known as the Frueauff House briefly served as home to Hughetta Bender. However, in April 1969, Herman E. Collier was elected college president and determined that the Frueauff House would be ideally suited as the official presidential residence. The Collier family moved into the house in August of the same year and dedicated the following year to personalizing and furnishing the space. During President Collier’s time, a driveway was constructed between Main Hall and the Frueauff House, enhancing the privacy of the residence and creating a distinct entrance from West Church Street. Following President Collier, two subsequent college presidents, Roger H. Martin (1986–1997) and Ervin J. Rokke (1997–2006), also resided in the Frueauff House, further solidifying its role as the heart of college leadership living on West Church Street. Although Christopher M. Thomforde (2006–2013) chose not to live in the Frueauff House after Priscilla Payne Hurd offered him an alternative residence, opting instead to have a college dean occupy it, the tradition was revitalized with the next president.
Pippa Grigsby and Benny, beloved canine companions, enjoying the comforts of the presidential residence, highlighting the warm and welcoming atmosphere of this home on West Church Street.
Bryon L. Grigsby, upon his election in 2013 as the current president, chose to reinstate the John Frederick Frueauff House as the official presidential residence, returning the tradition to this significant building near West Church Street. “It is the president’s house for Moravian College,” President Grigsby states, emphasizing its inherent purpose. “It just makes sense to live there.” He further elaborates on the advantages of the location: “The Frueauff House is a wonderful home. It is central to everything. You are around the corner from all the restaurants on Main Street and our historic bookstore, across the street from Central Moravian Church, and a short walk away from city hall and the library for meetings. I love my morning walk with Mo and Benny around the Colonial Industrial Quarter and up Main Street. And it is great to jump on a bike and take off on the towpath to either Easton or Allentown for a quick workout. It is just a great place to live right here on West Church Street.”
When asked about his family’s favorite spot within the home, President Grigsby immediately points to the covered porch at the back of the house. “Our favorite place is the covered porch on the back of the house,” he shares. “It is a great place to have a cup of coffee in the morning or to read a book. You can see students walking past the Benigna Pleasure Garden and talk to students in Main Hall. It is a great spot to relax and connect with the campus life around West Church Street.”
Living in this historic, 200-year-old residence provides President Grigsby with a profound connection to the heritage of Moravian College and the Bethlehem community near West Church Street. “I think it regularly reminds me of our noble history as caretakers of what the Moravians started,” he reflects. “On the south campus, you are constantly reminded of the 1742 founding as a women’s school and that this house represents the merging of the men’s and women’s colleges in 1953. Moravian continues to evolve; it preserves its history and respects its history, but it is not paralyzed or stagnated by it. It continues to be relevant, even revolutionary, for its students, alumni, faculty, and staff, all within the vibrant setting of West Church Street and Bethlehem.”
Historical images are courtesy of Moravian Archives, Northern Province, Bethlehem (19th century), and Moravian College Archives, Reeves Library (20th century), preserving the visual history of this iconic residence on West Church Street.
