The Mission House At Gnaden Hutten

In early Pennsylvania history, schools emerged, primarily established by diverse religious groups settling in the frontier regions of the colony. A fascinating example is the Moravian Settlement of Gnaden Huetten (Lehighton) in 1746, where the first school within what is now Carbon County was initiated as a mission school.

Fast forward to 1749, and the first school in present-day Carbon County and Lehighton Borough was founded at Gnaden Huetten. This educational institution had a unique focus: teaching reading in the German language. What makes it even more intriguing is that the Bible played a central role as the primary teaching tool.

The Moravian missionaries went above and beyond, translating the Bible into several Indian dialects. This thoughtful effort aimed to enable Indian converts to actively participate in morning and evening services, showcasing the inclusive and educational spirit of the early school system.